Distinct Media

  …holds singular honour of being the first and only entrepreneur to have won in both emerging and master categories in any region and being invited to global jury for 2 nd  year running LAGOS, Nigeria, 30 May 2025: Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of Interswitch Group has been re-appointed as the only entrepreneur from Africa into the global jury of the 2025 Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur of The Year Awards, which takes place annually in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco, for the second year running, following his inaugural jury duties at the 2024 awards. According to EY,  the World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame is an elite corps of men and women who have been recognized for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. For 38 years, since 1986, EY has been celebrating ingenuity through the Entrepreneur of the Year program. “The program has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation,...

  In a stirring display of community solidarity and youth empowerment, Mr Kelechi Kestermartins Ugoh—a United States-based technology professional, human rights consultant, and philanthropist—together with the Stephen Ugoh Foundation (SUF), hosted the distinguished KKU Orlu Football Tournament from November to December 2024. The tournament brought together promising young athletes from all eleven electoral wards of Orlu Local Government Area, fostering an atmosphere imbued with unity, anticipation, and shared aspiration. Far surpassing the parameters of a mere sporting event, the tournament served as a platform for meaningful connection, the promotion of wholesome competition, and the reinforcement of communal spirit. Mr Ugoh and his team were notably present throughout the duration of the tournament, offering their support from the sidelines, engaging sincerely with players and supporters, and attentively listening to the stories, hopes, and challenges of the local populace. > ...

 * A prominent Islamic organisation in Zamfara has strongly condemned the events that characterised the celebration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s second year in office. In a statement released to journalists in Gusau on Friday, the Zamfara Ulama Defence Forum (ZUDF) expressed deep concern over what it termed “an orchestrated reintroduction of vices” into a state widely known for its commitment to Islamic law and traditional values. According to the group, the anniversary event held in the state capital, featured musical performances accompanied by skimpily dressed female dancers, and the open consumption of alcoholic beverages — acts considered unacceptable under Islamic law and cultural norms in Zamfara. The president of the group, Sheikh Bashir Mu’azu Marafa, said the scenes that unfolded at the celebration were “unthinkable” in a state that pioneered the implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria. “It is both unfortunate and shameful that on the second-term anniversary of a sitting gov...

  The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni will turn plus one tomorrow Saturday, 31st May, 2025. In a statement issued and signed by the Media Officer to the Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Mr. Abiodun Atilola. The forum of Permanent Secretaries described the Head of Service as a woman of substance that believes so much in the welfare of the Civil/Public Servants of the pacesetter State.  The statement said her achievements as 30th Head of Service of the State is worthy of emulation and her  outstanding performance in service reform and progress of the Civil/Public Service is commendable. Mr. Rotimi Babalola is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State described the current Head of Service as a hard  working person. He said  "I know the  current Head of Service, the number one Civil Servant in Oyo State for about three decades now, since I have known her, one thing that is consistent about...

Lagos, Nigeria – May 30, 2025 – As part of its commitment to promoting a healthier and more resilient banking workforce, the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) is organizing a special Aerobics Fitness Session on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the Lagoon Front of the Eko Atlantic City. The session is open to all bankers and marketing communication professionals within the industry and will feature a lineup of fun and energizing activities aimed at boosting physical and mental wellbeing. With stress levels and burnout on the rise in high-pressure sectors like banking, ACAMB is taking, as it has done over the years, proactive steps to encourage lifestyle habits that support overall wellness and productivity. Participants will begin the morning with a body warm-up and short walk to get their energy flowing, followed by an exciting dance aerobics session designed to elevate heart rates and lift spirits. The day will continue with interactive fitness games that promote mov...

Today marks a significant milestone as we commission the e-Health Project at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State. This occasion stands as a testament to our shared commitment to harnessing the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to improve and revolutionise healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It is a proud affirmation of our collective resolve to ensure that medical services are more responsive, inclusive, and equitable for all citizens. The completion of this e-Health Project underscores the steadfast dedication of the Nigerian Communications Commission to fostering innovation, research, and progress within our nation’s burgeoning digital economy. This initiative carries a dual imperative. Firstly, it positions the healthcare sector to reap the full benefits of digital integration, much like other vital sectors that are already thriving in the digital age. Secondly, it recognises that a healthier population is indispensable ...

  The Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with telecommunications company, Globacom and Huawei to deliver telecommunications, digital learning, e-health coverage access to remote villages in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.    This commissioning of the pilot project Isuanin Kura in Ibwa 2 community, Gwagwalada, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Wednesday marked the kick-off of the Federal Government's resolve to provide digital access to more than 7,000 remote communities across the country.    The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy said it had partnered with Globacom and Huawei Technologies to deliver voice and data services, digital healthcare and remote learning capabilities to the over 12,000 residents of the community.   Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, lauded Globacom and Huawei for givin...

  Chairman House Committee on Youth and Sports at the Oyo State House Of Assembly, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi representing Ibadan Southwest State constituency has send a congratulatory message to the contingents that represent Oyo State at the just concluded National Sports Feastival , Abeokuta, Ogun State for demonstration of skills and talents which has put the pacesetter state on high at the tournament.    Team Oyo concluded the 22nd National Sports Festival with a strong performance on the final day, adding to their impressive medal haul. The state’s athletes showcased their prowess across multiple events, securing a total of 126 medals: 38 gold, 38 silver, and 50 bronze, landing them in 6th position on the final medal table.  “I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the athletes and other contingents’ remarkable performances at the National Sports Festival, their dedication, hard work, and perseverance have truly paid off, and have made us all in O...

  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Nigeria, on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, officially conferred its first-ever "Knight of Faith" title upon renowned business mogul and philanthropist, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, in recognition of his dedication to the Christian faith, nation-building, and exemplary leadership in business and community development. The historic investiture, themed "Celebrating Distinction and Faithful Stewardship," was held at the Garden of Faith, Abeokuta. The occasion also featured the induction of several eminent Nigerians as Distinguished Patrons of the association, including the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Barr. Olaniyi Alajogun; and legendary gospel music icon, Sir Evangelist Prof. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR). The event was chaired by the CAN South West Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, and graced by His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive...

Lagos, Nigeria— Union Bank of Nigeria, through UnionCares, an arm of its Corporate, Sustainability and Innovation Initiative, recently sponsored the Ajofa Special Education Foundation for the Deaf Mathematics Competition held at the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired at Surulere Lagos, Nigeria, with the theme “Impacting Deaf Students and Life with Mathematics in Nigeria.” The Mathematics Competition had in attendance representatives from Union Bank, the Lagos State Education Board, Principals of Schools, and teachers. Ten competitors, drawn from different schools within and outside the deaf community in Lagos, participated in the programme.  The competition, a collaboration between Union Bank and the Ajofa Foundation, aimed to close the gap in inclusive education by creating opportunities for learners with hearing impairments to showcase their academic abilities and intellectual potential.  Speaking about the event, Olufunmilola Aluko, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer...

 * * Oyo State College of Health Science and  Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan has again recorded another laudable remarkable academic landmark achievement with the induction and oath taking ceremony of 33 Medical Laboratory Technician Graduates of the College by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria. The fourth Induction Ceremony of the College  was recently held in the College Hall with eminent personalities and top government officials in attendance. Speaking at the Induction Ceremony, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health,  Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi  congratulated the inductees and commended the College management for the thorough nurturing of the inductees, which qualified them to be inducted into the profession. She said the Oyo State Government is committed to strengthening the health care system of the  State, noting that the Government recognizes  the important role Medical Laboratory Technicians play in the health sector and  ...

Lagos, Nigeria – [29 May 2025] — Leading African financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to hold the 3rd edition of its flagship market access platform, the Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect (FITCC) Expo from September 18 to 20, 2025, at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Georgia, USA. In a strategic move to deepen diaspora and transatlantic business linkages, Fidelity Bank is partnering with Amplify Africa, the organizers of AFRICON, the leading African diaspora business and culture summit in the United States. This collaboration brings together two powerful platforms committed to bridging African enterprise with global opportunity. “Since 2022, when we hosted the maiden edition, FITCC has evolved beyond a platform for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports to become a veritable showcase of the immense value Nigeria has to offer the global market. "As part of our commitment to developing platforms that promote economic growth, creativity, and sustain...

 * In a monumental show of cultural pride and unwavering support for the future of Yorubaland, the President of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, Dr. Hassan Tolani, led an esteemed delegation of the forum to the historic palace of the Alaafin of Oyo. This royal visit was marked by deep reverence and a commitment to values that define the Yoruba heritage. His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade Elewu Etu I, the revered Alaafin of Oyo and Royal Grand Patron of our Coalition, graciously received the delegation and, in a heartwarming gesture of fatherly love, officially endorsed "Iwa Day" as an annual celebration to be hosted within the sacred walls of his palace every October 1st. Iwa Day, rooted in the timeless Yoruba ethos, is a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating the essence of Iwa (character) — the noble attributes of respect, integrity, humility, resilience, kindness, and communal responsibility that every Yoruba youth is called...

  A total of 138 Junior Community Health Extension Workers  , JCJEW and Senior Community Health Extension Workers , CHEW who are 2024 Graduates of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology , OYSCOHEST have been  inducted by the Community Health Practitioners registration Board of Nigeria, CHPRBN. The induction ceremony  was attended by who is who in the Health Profession including the Oyo State Commissional for Health , Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Dr . Muhideen  Olatunji, the Chairperson, National association of Community Health Practitioner  of Nigeria Mrs Tolulope Olusola , and a host of other eminient personalities  from far and near. The Provost of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology Pharmacist Oluyemisi Oyewo was the Chief Host at the event held in the College Hall, Eleyele , Ibadan . In a speech delivered at the induction ceremony , Oyo State Commissioner for Health Dr. O...

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo FAS FTWAS has said that the present administration in the State would continue to collaborate with the Federal Agencies in the State for accelerated development.  She stated this during a courtesy visit paid by the management staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command held at the SSG's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.  She said Governor Seyi Makinde has a soft spot for security agencies in the State, hinting that, the Governor believes that the Government cannot achieve anything in the atmosphere of chaos.  Professor Olanike Adeyemo added that the Government that has the intention to perform must take the issue of security and the security operatives very seriously.  She stated further that the present administration under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde had incorporated Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command into its Health insurance Scheme where the inmates would regi...

  … 235 Vehicles Sanctioned for Diverse Traffic Infractions. ..... Arrests 10 notorious miscreants. In a decisive and far-reaching intervention to reassert order, discipline, and structural coherence within the urban mobility architecture of Lagos State, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a comprehensive clean-up enforcement campaign across critical traffic corridors within the metropolis. This expansive operation, meticulously coordinated under the leadership of Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, commenced today with full deployment across high-density zones, notably Oyingbo, Iddo, Eja-Lonibu, Adeniji Adele, Sabo, Jibowu (Inter-State Terminal), and Oshodi—locales that have long contended with chronic congestion, indiscriminate parking, flagrant environmental violations, and general traffic anarchy. During the initial enforcement phase, no fewer than 235 vehicles—comprising 38 private automobiles,156 painted Volkswagen commercial bu...

   For its outstanding financial performance and strategic growth, Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading tier-one financial institution, has been honoured with the Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award at the inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards. Organized by Nigeria’s premier financial media platform, Nairametrics, the awards were launched to recognize individuals, institutions, and policy reforms that have significantly shaped Nigeria’s capital markets. The initiative seeks to spotlight excellence in areas such as regulatory leadership, corporate governance, investment performance, and financial innovation. “This award is a testament to the tremendous work we are doing at Fidelity Bank—not only in delivering superior service to our customers, but also in driving economic growth and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders,” said an elated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. “We are deeply grateful...

  The Provost of the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele Ibadan, Mrs Oluyemisi Moradeke Oyewo has congratulated his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde on the occasion of his sixth anniversary in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State The Provost stated that the six years have been characterized by steadfast leadership, dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the state's progress, adding that his leadership has been a beacon of hope and progress for the state, and that his leadership has transformed the state, while his initiatives have brought about significant development.  She further stated that his commitment to education, health and infrastructural development has been glaring in his support and commitment to the advancement of the College. She appreciated His Excellency for his unwavering financial and logistic support as well as his favourable responses to the needs of this College, whi...

  In a vibrant celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc unveiled its Read2Lead Anthology—an inspiring collection of essays written by young Nigerians as part of the bank’s flagship literacy initiative. Held at the Fidelity Grounds in Oniru, Lagos, the event was themed “The Fidelity Fantasyland 3.0” and drew hundreds of students, parents, and educators. The day was packed with fun-filled activities—from dancing competitions and face painting to arcade games and singing contests—creating lasting memories for the children in attendance. A major highlight of the celebration was the official launch of the Read2Lead Anthology, which features superhero-themed essays written by 30 outstanding finalists from across the country. The stories, centered on the theme “Naija Superheroes”, showcase the imagination, intellect, and storytelling talent of Nigerian youth. Addressing the audience, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Exec...

 * Two years after Dauda Lawal took the reins as governor of Zamfara State, a civil society group in the northwest has described his administration as a “monumental failure,” accusing him of squandering the billions received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) with no visible development to show for it. The group, Zamfara Progressive Coalition (ZAC), in a statement signed by its president, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Azumi, said the people of Zamfara are worse off than they were in 2023 when Lawal assumed office.  The group said despite receiving billions in FAAC allocations within two years, the governor has “chosen pageantry over performance,” spending more time in Abuja than in the state he was elected to govern. “It is heartbreaking that two years after the election of Dauda Lawal, Zamfara remains a state defined by hunger, fear, and neglect. Billions have come in, but not one major road, hospital, or school has been built or rehabilitated. The people have been ...

  Registrations have continued to pour in for the 7th edition of InterswitchSPAK, the prestigious National Science Competition powered by Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies.  The competition is designed to spotlight academic excellence and spark innovation among African students, equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world problems, while nurturing a passion for STEM skills that are critical to Africa’s future. InterswitchSPAK sports a multi-stage format, beginning with a series of qualifying examinations, followed by an engaging TV quiz show featuring the top 81 students. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of participants' knowledge and skills while delivering an exciting experience for viewers. This year, the stakes are higher. With a scholarship pool of over N30 million, the overall winner will take home a N15 million tertiary scholarship spread over five years, a laptop, and monthly stipends....

  * ** The Oyo State Government on Wednesday shut down Saint Mary Catholic Church, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, for violating severe environmental laws, arising from its dilapidated toilet facilities, that has caused air pollution and sewage overflow in the area.  The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu said that the situation contravenes the state environmental regulations and required urgent intervention to prevent potential health hazards. Barrister Ashamu described the situation as a public health emergency, stressing that urgent action was necessary to avert a potential outbreak. "We cannot afford to wait for more casualties before responding. Preventive action is our priority," he stated. According to him, the Ministry received multiple complaints from residents alleging that the church had been discharging human waste into the environment.    He said that Officers from the Ministry upon inspection observed visible sewage discharge a...

  In Nigeria’s democratic journey, one recurring threat continues to destabilise the political terrain — the chronic defection of politicians from one party to another. This trend is not only harmful to political stability but also undermines ideological clarity, electoral integrity, and most importantly, citizen trust. Under NIDMECORP, we believe that without decent and expert mentoring, guidance, or coaching — even in politics, Nigeria cannot attain quality governance and leadership quickly enough. Mentorship bridges experience and vision. It builds character, enforces values, and ensures continuity of purpose, especially for the emerging generation of leaders in the Diaspora and at home. There's no better time for active internal political adherence and obedience than now.  A look at Nigeria’s top political figures, and Nigeria is without debate Africa's largest political nation, reveals a worrying pattern: virtually all have decamped or moved from one party to another, wit...