Distinct Media

  L-R: Dulce Chicon, Vice President of Global Finance in the Americas; Idowu Thompson, Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management, FirstBank; and Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, FirstBank during a networking session at the dinner and award ceremony of the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held recently in New York, USA.     First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider, announced its recognition as the Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa at the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held at the Harvard Club of New York on March 21, 2024.   According to Global Finance, its Private Bank Awards honour banks that best serve the specialized needs of high-net-worth individuals as they seek to enhance, preserve, and pass on their weal

  A former Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Sir (Dr) Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, has rejoiced with the former SA on Drainage and Water Resources to the Lagos State Governor, Engr Joe Igbokwe on his birthday anniversary. The deputy Apex Leader Ndigbo APC Lagos, Hon Idimogu conveyed warm felicitations to Engr. Joe Igbokwe, the Apex Leader and prayed that God grants him many more years of commendable celebrations. “On behalf of my family and Abundance United Movement (AUM) I write to express warm felicitations to you on your landmark birthday anniversary". “As you deservedly celebrate your natal renewal today, it is my prayer that Almighty God, who has richly prospered you and ordered your every step, would continue to bless you with good health and fulfillment in many more years of worthy celebration” Idimogu intoned.

  * The Oyo State Government has been commended for its efforts in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the State, leading to the drop in the prevalence of the disease in the State. The Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori stated this during a familiarization tour to the State Ministry of Health. Dr. Ilori commended the State Government and Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDs, for being good partners in the National Response to the eradication and elimination of HIV/AIDS.  She stated that Oyo SACA is one of the leading Agencies in the Federation, owing to its past community and media engagements, in terms of Jingles, documentaries to enlighten the people. “I know as far back as I was the Commissioner for Health in Osun State which is over 10years now, Oyo SACA has been active. There's always one jingle or the other and documentaries to talk about HIV/AIDS, which I often listen to then in my car. So I give kudos to you and I say k

  Unity Bank Plc has engaged students from all the geopolitical zones of the federation as it facilitated financial literacy training in 15 schools as part of activities to mark the 2024 Global Money Week. The Financial Literacy Training was held as a strategy for driving financial inclusion of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bankers Committee. Unity Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Tomi Somefun participated in the programme by facilitating training on financial literacy at NYSC Demonstration Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River State recently.   Mrs Somefun, who was represented by Unity Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya, provided the students with invaluable insights on the path to wealth creation, including imbibing savings habits, investing, and adopting money management skills early. Her interaction with the students was aimed at instilling financial discipline and financial management skills for the attainment of financial independence

  Adron Homes’ renowned Business Warfare Challenge, THE ARENA, is set to commence once again, heralding an exciting period of strategic competition and professional growth within the company. Designed as an innovative Business Series, THE ARENA serves as a platform to cultivate and enhance the business acumen of Adron Homes’ esteemed staff, ultimately driving improved performance across the organization. This prestigious event brings together top managers from Adron Homes’ nationwide offices, creating a dynamic battleground where strategic minds collide in pursuit of golden prizes and lifetime rewards. At the heart of THE ARENA are the Lions and the Lord Lion, distinguished judges tasked with evaluating the business strategies presented by competing teams. These strategies, if deemed viable, stand to be fully funded, amplifying the stakes and motivating participants to unleash their creativity and ingenuity. Reflecting on past editions, where monthly winners emerged from various branch

  Abubakar Suleiman, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Limited, delivered an enlightening discourse on leadership during the prestigious Lagos Leadership Summit 2024, powered by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, shedding light on the profound essence of effective leadership and its transformative impact on society.  At the heart of Suleiman's message was the concept of leadership as a catalyst for change—a force that propels individuals and organizations towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity. He eloquently articulated that leadership transcends mere management; it is about inspiring others to embrace a compelling vision of the future and empowering them to contribute meaningfully toward its realization. Drawing from his wealth of experience, Suleiman emphasized the importance of purpose-driven leadership—a leadership style rooted in a deep sense of mission and conviction. He underscored that true leaders are not just managers of the status quo; they are

    Mouka, Nigeria’s leading manufacturer of mattresses, pillows, and beddings, has expanded its distribution network within the Oyo state metropolis. With the opening of the grand Justrite outlet in the Eleyele area of Ibadan, consumers now have another avenue to experience and purchase Mouka products in a modern and serene atmosphere. As a special guest, Sola Sobowale, Mouka’s Brand Ambassador, graced the official opening of the Justrite store. After the ribbon cutting ceremony by the management of Justrite Superstores, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale (Chairman), Mrs. Oluwatosin Aderinwale (CEO), and Mrs Omoboye Fejeke (Executive Director, Operations), on Tuesday, 15th of April 2024, consumers trooped into the store to see the impressive assortment of Mouka products. The Mouka activation area within Justrite Eleyele’s premises attracted both the young and the old. Sola Sobowale was the star attraction, signing autographs and taking pictures with her fans at the Mouka stand. Shoppers did not le

  - Sets date for celebration - Assembly holds a minute silence for late Ezeife A letter from the executive arm of the Lagos State government to the state House of Assembly has announced a decision to set the last week of September every year for the celebration of the Yoruba culture. The decision of the government followed a resolution passed by the Lagos Assembly at a sitting held on September 19, 2023. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who signed the letter dated April 8, 2024, told the lawmakers that the state would start the plan ahead of the celebration. "Sequel to the resolution of the House at its plenary of Tuesday, 19th September, 2023, on the activation of Yoruba cultural heritage and a special day to be assigned as Yoruba day, I have the directive to officially convey Mr. Governor's approval for the last week of September as Yoruba Week," a part of the letter, which was read by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko,

  The 10th Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards nominee list was announced on the 24th of March 2024, showcasing the contenders for this year’s award ceremony. Among the array of movies vying for recognition at this year's award, only a handful emerged as the frontrunners, bagging most of the nominations. Let's take a look at the movies that topped this year's nominee list.  Over the Bridge: Over the Bridge leads the pack with a whopping 12 nominations, including prestigious categories like Best Movie and Best Director. This film delves into the topic of mental health within Nigeria's corporate world, aiming to raise awareness about stress and coping mechanisms. Directed by Tolu Ajayi, the film boasts a stellar cast featuring Ozzy Agu, Joke Silva, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Akin Lewis. Breath of Life: Directed by BB Sasore, Breath of Life follows closely behind with 11 nominations. It tells the moving story of Timi,  a man who finds redemption through faith after experiencing

  The Aare OnaKakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has said all what he said about the Chief of Staff to Lagos Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde were mere hearsay and not verified. Adams who made this known in a recent interview with The Sun, said that it was part of a private discussion with one of his friend’s brothers in the United States. Aare OnaKakanfo said ” The voice note issue was shocking. It was a conversation with one of my friend’s brothers in the United States. He was asking me how to resolve the issue with Sunday Igboho and how I would reconcile with him. I also mentioned a former Chief Security Officer (CSO), whom I call Sadam, Rasak Arogundade. We talked for about an hour and a half, and during the conversation I mentioned the CSO. ” I said that someone told me, though it wasn’t confirmed information, that Tayo Ayinde was the one financing Sunday Igboho’s activities through Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I was clear that it was unverified, but I relayed it during our private con

    A self-acclaimed, fake king Mr Sarafadeen Hammed Sherif has been charged to court in llesa Magistrate court for parading himself as His Royal Majesty, Olodo of Olodo. He has been fraudulently selling parcels of KAJOLA-IJESA land. “The land in Olodo community of KAJOLA-IJESA happens to be Owa Obokun of Ijesa’s stool land and subject to the supervisory jurisdiction of Lominrin of Kajola Ijesa-land “HRM : Oba ADERIBIGBE  Okunade 1 ” and overriding control of Owa Obokun of Ijesa land : ” His imperial majesty  : Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran (11). Hammed Sherif was charged to court on Friday,  26th of April 2024. According to the charge sheet: Count 1: “That you Hammed Sherif  ‘M’ on the 26th of April, 2024, in the day time at Olodo community via Kajola Ijesa in Ilesa Magistrate District sitting in Ilesa did unlawfully threaten to kill one Gbenga Fowowe ‘M’ and Olanrewaju Dele ‘M’ with Double Barrel gun and sword and thereby Committed an Offence Contrary to and punishable under Sectio

  Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke will flag off the dualisation of Ilesa Akure expressway Junction - Brewery - Ereja/Palace Square, Ilesa on Tuesday, 30th April, 2024 before the commencement of the second edition of IPADE Imole.  Also, the flag off of the construction of Lagere Junction flyover, Ile Ife will be done by the Governor as part of the infrastructure plan of his administration.  The full details of the projects including the length of the road, cost and duration of the construction will be disclosed by the Governor at the venue of the flag off.  Making the flag off announcement earlier today, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr. B.T. Salam assured the people of Ijesaland and Ile Ife that the infrastructure plan of the current administration under Governor Adeleke is all inclusive and will touch every region in the state.  “The flag off of the Ilesa Akure expressway Junction - Brewery - Ereja/Palace Square dualisation will be performe

   Nairobi, Kenya; Friday 26th April 2024 Earlier this week in  Nairobi, Kenya Interswitch Group, one of Africa’s most influential payment players formally unveiled their 2024 Global Payments Innovation Jury Report, a significant research effort into the outlook for innovation in payments globally, conducted in partnership with   The World Bank, and notable international payment operators, namely HPS and Fime. This is sequel to the 1st unveil of the report in Lagos, Nigeria, where Interswitch is Headquartered in mid-MarchPresenting the latest report titled: “Market meltdown – impacts on infrastructure, regulation and innovation” at Interswitch’s offices in Nairobi,  East Africa’s key hub for payments and fintech, John Chaplin, Senior Adviser/Board Director at Interswitch, and also the Founder and Chairman of the Global Jury unpacked some major insights encapsulated in the report, which analyses the in-depth perspectives of over 130 payment experts spanning all continents of the globe.

  * The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment, to combat the spread of malaria. He said this in a statement marking this year’s World Malaria Day, themed: 'Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world'.  The World Health Organization (WHO), had noted that approximately 249 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2022, with an estimated 608,000 deaths, occurring mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and remaining a major global challenge. He said that while malaria was primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the prevalence and severity of the disease could be significantly reduced through preventive measures, anchored on a clean environment, as one of the most effective strategies. According to him, "In the fight against malaria, prevention is key. One of the most effective preventive measure

  When the management of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) in July 2023 announced that it was reclassifying Fidelity Bank Plc from small-price stock to medium-price stock, financial analysts concluded that the road to attaining Tier1 status by the bank is closer than ever imagined. In full year 2022. Fidelity Bank briefly fell into the Tier 1 category and saw the highest gross earnings of N337.10 billion and profit before tax of N53.68 billion. The bank’s higher interest income relative to interest expense led to a net interest margin of 7.70 per cent, ahead of other similar banks. Regarding its financial position, the bank had the highest total assets at N3.99 trillion in 2022. The bank’s relatively low-risk asset exposure kept non-performing loans (NPLs) at 2.90 per cent, the second lowest in the Tier 2 category ahead of Wema Bank. Although the group has struggled with curtailing operating costs with CIR above 50 per cent, Fidelity earned the second lowest CIR among Tier 2 banks at

  Mr Boniface Okezie, the National Coordinator, 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 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, on Thursday paid a thank you visit to the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi over the fast pace of work on the 34-Km Ikorodu Itokin Road which is currently being rehabilitated. The road was constructed in 1975 by Messr. Taylor Woodrow, under the regime of General Yakubu  Gowon and General Mobolaji Johnson. It will be recalled that in April 2021, Senator Abiru moved a motion on the floor of the Nigerian Senate on, “The Urgent Need For The Rehabilitation Of The Ikorodu-Sagamu And Ikorodu-Itoikin- Epe Roads To Further Bridge The Infrastructure Gap And Enhance Economic Growth In Nigeria”. Senator Abiru convinced the Senate by highlighting the importance of the two roads to the nation’s economic growth as they serve as access points from other parts of the country: Ogun, Edo and the Northern parts of the country and also r

  The Chairman Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Ibadan Chapter, Engineer, Rhaheemat Adabanija on Thursday celebrated International Day of Girl Child in ICT to honour one of their past President late, Engineer Funmilola Kikelomo Ojelade, fnse. The students engineering competition was held at Queen School Apata, Ibadan with the Theme: "Who Wants to be an Engineer". She said Women engineers come together to celebrate the achievements of women in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) which according to her will inspire the next generation of girls to embrace digital technology and STEM education. She said "as we gather here, we are  not only celebrating this important day but also honoring one of our own,  late, Engineer Funmi Ojelade. Ojelade, an engineer by profession was passionate about ICT and dedicated her life to bridging the digital gap, we called her  &quo

  Wondering why over 65 million people choose Verve Card for their everyday transactions?  It is simple, Verve Card supports its cardholders to enjoy the good life! With over 65 million users already on board and counting, the promise of a good life is not just rhetoric,  it is evidential. Verve Card is more than just a payment method, it is a ticket to a lifestyle of ease and excitement. Verve Card is the renowned Africa’s indigenous payment card, with a strong Naija heritage and over 15 years of providing unwavering delightful payment solutions to millions of customers in Nigeria and beyond; and the exciting benefits that come with being part of the Verve family are enormous. First off, say goodbye to the hassle of juggling multiple subscriptions and hello to uninterrupted fun!  Picture unlimited access to your favorite entertainment platforms like Google Play Store, Spotify, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Showmax; all seamlessly managed and paid for with your Verve Card, ensuring endles

 ) If only leaders of nations are committed to listening to God-given instructions and warnings, the world would be a better place free of unnecessary chaos and panic but the incessant ignoramus attitude towards divine instructions by leaders make people become endangered in their own world. God has blessed us with vessels that he speaks through, he has provided us with prophets like Primate Ayodele who on a daily basis shares the mind of God with mankind. Through vessels like Primate Ayodele, God warns presidents of countries ahead of time against unpleasant happenings but at all times, these warnings are ignored and sometimes, citizens sacrifice their lives because of the obstinacy of their leaders. There is currently an issue of flooding globally which has led to the death of several people, displacement of thousands, destruction of properties worth billions of dollars and panic across continents but these could have all been avoided if leaders of the countries had listened to Prima

  ✋ The, Societal Concern, group on Wednesday embarked on a walk to voice out their displeasure over the killings, and attacks on security agents in the country. The walk, themed: “Guardians of Honour: Protecting Our Protectors, Preserving Our Unity,” began at under bridge Ikeja and extended to the secretariat of Ikeja Local Government, and the office of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in Ikeja GRA, and climaxed at the State House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja. CP Adegoke Fayoade addresses participants at the Police Command Headquarters Speaking during the rally, the convener of the walk and publisher of Society Concerns Magazine, Ambassador Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi David, stated that “we are here to walk against the killings of security personnel in the country and we are saying enough is enough.” Ambassador David used the opportunity to advise members of the public to stop provoking and frustrating security agent. According to her, they are here to protect, and serve us. If they hav