Distinct Media

  —General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, Mourns Victims, Reiterates Commitment to Road Safety Enforcement The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the occurrence of two profoundly tragic road crashes along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which claimed five lives and left five others severely injured, once again amplifying the dire repercussions of excessive speeding and gross negligence of traffic regulations. The first catastrophic incident unfolded during the early hours of the day at Abijo Bus Stop, precisely under the pedestrian bridge on the inward Epe corridor, where a Mitsubishi pick-up van bearing registration number AKD 733 JM, travelling at an exceedingly perilous speed, lost control and crashed into a stationary Craneburg Construction Company equipment, lawfully parked. The colossal impact resulted in the instantaneous death of four occupants (three males and one female) whose bodies were recovered lifeless at the scene of the accident. D...

  Encomium has been poured on  HARAFAT OLUYEDUN FOUNDATION and David Oni INITIATIVE  over the scholarship  award given to over one hundred Students drawn from various Tertiary Institutions for the year 2025  in continuation of the yearly philanthropic gesture  of the foundation. At an epoch making event held in the Conference Hall of Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences Eleyele Ibadan ,the duo of the Guest Speaker Dr.Adekunle Faderemi and the Chairperson Pharmacist Araromi Jokotade Ajike eulogized  the organisers of the bursary Award noting with  delight that the bursary Award will go a long way in alleviating the financial sufferings of the benefitting Students. Dr.Amusat Olatunde said HARAFAT OLUYEDUN FOUNDATION and David Oni INITIATIVE had demonstrated a high level of magnanimity that will stand the test of time saying education remains the best legacy that can  be bequeath in our future leaders who are financially less privileged. Others...

  Story by Tope Eluyefa No fewer than over 160 students graduated from Nigerian Navy School, Iresa Pupa, Ogbomosho when traditional rulers, Naval commanding officers, special guests of honour, invited guests and proud parents of the students gathered to celebrate the academic excellence of their wards. The representative of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MG Oamen was the Commander After Operational Base, Navy Captain Aliu Usman. He says he was delighted to be part of the history event of the students of NNSS, Ogbomosho that they should continue to improve on their academic performance and never to relent so that they can be a good ambassador of the college. He however advised the students to keep to the tenets of what they have learnt which are basically good conduct, discipline, right attitude, and dedication. Navy Captain Usman however congratulated the graduating students on the successful passing-out-parade and wish them well in their future end...

* The Oyo State government has expressed its plans to embark on a digital address system for street and house numbering  across the Oyo State.  The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin Funmilayo, made the disclosure on Wednesday at a meeting with Smart City Development Konsult Limited, held at the ministry's conference room.   He said that the plan is part of Governor 'Seyi Makinde’s Omititun 2.0 Sustainable Development Goals, saying the project is part of the promise made by the Governor.   Mr. Akin-funmilayo maintained that the presentation made by the Smart City Development Consult is part of the preminary stage that will lead to the presentation to the exco level. He explained that when the project is eventually implemented, it will ensure easy identification, the location of buildings, and an emergency response for the state.    According to him, "as the saying goes, a promise made is a promise kept. His Excell...

 * Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, has made another remarkable stride with the formal inauguration of its Red Cross Society Detachment. The Provost of the College, Pharmacist Oluyemisi Oyewo, was also decorated as the Patron, while the Registrar was honoured as the Deputy Patron. The Head of the Department of Community Health was equally appointed as the Staff Adviser for the College Red Cross Detachment. Speaking at the epoch-making event held in the College Hall, the Provost, Pharmacist Mrs. Oluyemisi Oyewo, expressed her delight over the inauguration, describing it as a worthwhile milestone for humanitarian services within and outside the College premises. She stated that the College Management would continue to support the College's Red Cross Detachment to ensure optimal performance. The OYSCOHEST boss appreciated the officials of the Oyo State branch of the society and the Ibadan North-West detachment  for deeming it fit to officially ...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) In an effort to ensure smoother business operation at the nation's seaports, the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim has called on and sundry within the port community to see the newly introduced modernisation project of  the Nigeria Customs Service called B'Odegwu as the easies way to ensure trade facilitation. Recall, Alhaji Tanko has been a vocal advocate for trade compliance in the port industry over the years. Initially, he was skeptical about the introduction of the Customs Modernisation Project, popularly known as B'Odogwu, but after seeing its benefits, he has become a strong supporter. "I was the person who raised the alarm that we didn't understand this B'Odogwu and what it represents," Alhaji Tanko recalled. However, after the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR worked ...

  … Discloses Plans to Launch a Public Offer  Lagos, Nigeria: Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the  Group”) has reported a 157% year-on-year surge in profit-after-tax (PAT) in its  unaudited results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, demonstrating continued  momentum in revenue growth, operational efficiency, and capital position. The Group's PAT reached ₦41.78 billion, up from ₦16.26 billion in the same period last  year. Earnings per share rose significantly to 89 Kobo from 56 Kobo, reflecting a  consistent increment in value to shareholders.  Gross earnings climbed by 39.7% to  ₦212.61 billion, compared to ₦152.20 billion for H1 2024, while interest income rose  by 38.3% to ₦167.16 billion, and non-interest income increased by 45% to ₦45.45 billion, attesting to the Group’s strategic focus on revenue diversification.  Additionally, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 64.5% from 75.7%,...

  Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most resilient and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has released its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the half-year period ended June 30, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX).  On track to set an unprecedented benchmark, Wema Bank’s H1 2025 Unaudited Financial Results reported remarkable financial upturns including a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦101.2 billion, representing a 231% increase compared to ₦30.55 billion recorded in the corresponding period of H1 2024. The Bank’s Gross Earnings also rose to ₦303.20 billion, reflecting a 70% increase from H1 2024’s ₦178.63 billion. Interest Income grew by 65% year-on-year to ₦240.12 billion (H1 2024: ₦145.53 billion), while Non-Interest Income surged by 91% year-on-year to ₦63.08 billion (H1 2024: ₦33.10 billion). Wema Bank’s balance sheet remained robust and well-structured, with total assets rising from ₦3.585 trillion in HI 2024 to ₦3.963 tri...

  Primate Elijah Ayodele, Servant of the most high God, Founder and Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has drawn public attention to the cracks on the Marina Bridge in Lagos Island. Primate Ayodele made the state of the Bridge known on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, while speaking on national isues. He said Government must do something about the Marina Bridge to avoid emergency that would bring unfortunate incidence, adding that the repair of the bridge must be a top priority for the government. He further stated that Nigerians should pray against collapse of any bridge in Nigeria or the capsizing of any boat. Primate Ayodele said, "Marina Bridge, Government should do something about Marina bridge, because there are cracks on Marina Bridge which can cause emergency. "The government must see it as a top priority to avoid unfortunate incidence on the Marina bridge. "Let's pray Nigeria will not see a bridge collapse, and let's not see boat capsizing that w...

  ...Says plans underway to stop the best candidate Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church Lagos, Nigeria, has exposed the political intrigues, Government interference and obstructions to free and fair election in Cameroon. The latest plan by the government is to debar and discourage the best candidate in the presidential election from contesting. He said the government of Cameroon is well prepared to use legal  means to frustrate out the best candidate in the election. Primate Ayodele added that the problem in Cameroon is political apathy from the segment of the opposition but added that if the people could come out and vote opposition would make headway. He went further to state that if the people withdraw from voting, Paul Biya would have a landslide, retain power and that would spell doom for Cameroonians. He said, "In Cameroon, the Cameroonian Government will do everything to hold the best candidate not to contest, they will use legality to fight him....

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) In an effort to ensure smoother business operation at the nation's seaoorts, the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim has called on and sundry within the port community to see the newly introduced modernisation project of  the Nigeria Customs Service called B'Odegwu as the easies way to ensure trade facilitation. Recall, Alhaji Tanko has been a vocal advocate for trade compliance in the port industry over the years. Initially, he was skeptical about the introduction of tge Customs Modernisation Project, popularly known as B'Odogwu, but after seeing its benefits, he has become a strong supporter. "I was the person who raised the alarm that we didn't understand this B'Odogwu and what it represents," Alhaji Tanko recalled. However, after the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR worked ...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor )  The oldest and biggest maritime best association in Nigeria, the  Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has raised concerns about the deteriorating environmental and health conditions of people working within the Apapa and Tin Can Island areas, particularly around industrial facilities operated by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, Olem Agric, BUA Foods, and Honeywell Flour Mills. The association highlighted the hazardous working conditions linked to airborne particles from flour and other processing activities, which are believed to be affecting port users, workers, journalists, and security personnel. Symptoms reported by individuals who frequent the area include eye irritation, coughing, and respiratory discomfort. MARAN emphasized the need for urgent intervention by regulatory bodies to assess the situation and ensure compliance with environmental safety standards. The association called on the Federal Minist...

    In a bold step towards bridging the gender gap in tech nology-focused fields,  and fostering innovation across Africa, Interswitch,   leading African technology company focused on creating solutions that enable individuals and communities prosper,  has partnered with Thrive Above and Beyond Foundation to deliver an intensive, hands-on STEM education programme for young girls.   The 7-day THRIVE Girls in STEM Programme, powered by Thrive Above and Beyond Foundation, a  Nigerian  nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls  from  underserved  communities,  was a dynamic,  m ontessori-style bootcamp that provided female students , a ged 16–20 ,  with vital digital skills and tech exposure.  Other programme partners include Wema Bank and Sara by Wema.   Through practical, learner-centred sessions, participants explored data organization and text formatting, HTML basics and interactive web design . They were also...

 * By Augustine John He has never directly responded to them. He doesn’t care about the existence of these unscrupulous elements. He has no dealings whatsoever with them. Yet somehow, it appears there’s a bloc of blind critics working tirelessly to tarnish the image of the globally renowned prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele. If this isn’t the case, then tell me why some people would sit down, pick up their writing pads, and begin cooking up lies, twisting words, and creating scenarios that never existed, just to discredit the credibility that Primate Ayodele has built over more than thirty years. Although the prophet is never bothered by these things, he rightly mentioned during the presentation of his annual prophecy book on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, that anyone can say anything against him. Even God, to whom he is answerable, is heavily criticized; therefore, such words mean nothing to him. But as one who has observed over the years, I find it difficult to understand the evil that ...

  * _..says upgrade is transparent, collaborative_ The Oyo State Government has debunked allegations that it has replaced the car park at Bola Ige international business complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from unsuspecting traders, overnight. This misleading report was published by a certain online blog and subsequently circulated on social media. The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, said the claim is entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project. He said the Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations. Mr. Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an...

  It was a thrilling and fun-filled Saturday, July 26, as football enthusiasts trooped to Atican Beach, Lekki, in large numbers to enjoy the beautiful game at the Lagos Campus Beach Soccer 2025. After hours of intense competition on the scorching sandy beach, accompanied by electrifying music from DJ Bright, the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) emerged as the gold medal winner, having secured the highest number of points across all their matches. LASUED demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical superiority, defeating Lagos City Polytechnic 1–0 in their opening game and holding University of Lagos (UNILAG) to a goalless draw in a tense final encounter. UNILAG, known for its rich sporting legacy, fought valiantly throughout the tournament. However, back-to-back draws against LASUED and Lagos City Polytechnic dashed their gold medal hopes, earning the Akoka-based team a well-deserved silver medal. Lagos City Polytechnic, displaying impressive skill and teamwork, fini...

  Foundation Rally Private Sector to Invest in Africa's Women and Youth Since its inception in 2022, the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI 2030) Initiative, a key initiative of the African Women’s Decade on Financial and Economic Inclusion of African Women 2020-2030 , has created multi-stakeholder platforms to advance targeted financial inclusion strategies for African women and youth.  A recently concluded high-level convening, organized by the African Union Commission Women, Gender and Youth Directorate in partnership with the Sterling One Foundation and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the GIZ African Union Portfolio, focused on mobilizing private sector capital and expertise.  The high-level meeting sought to unlock solutions to persistent financing gaps affecting women and young people. Held in advance of the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 2025), the convening emphasized the cruci...

  * The Oyo State Government has sealed 15 veterinary outlets and confiscated goods worth millions of naira for violating provisions of the Oyo State Private Veterinary Premises and Veterinary Establishment (Regulation) Law, 2017. The enforcement exercise, carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, followed routine inspections within Ibadan metropolis revealed that the affected outlets were operating without the mandatory registration of their veterinary premises, in clear violation of the law. Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who spoke through the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Olaoye Olakunle said the action was aimed at protecting animal health, ensuring food safety, and safeguarding public health. He stressed that under the 2017 law, all veterinary premises and practitioners in the state are required to register with the government annually for proper monitorin...

   The Lagos State Government has announced it will begin full enforcement of the E-Call Up System for trucks operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor effective August 1, 2025. The initiative, which is part of the State’s broader efforts to streamline logistics operations and address chronic traffic congestion in the area, follows months of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and public sensitization. In a statement released by the Ministry of Transportation, the government confirmed that over 10,000 trucks have already been registered on the platform, with additional operators currently undergoing onboarding. As part of the preparations, seven designated truck parks have been fully equipped and are now ready for operation. To ease the financial burden on operators and encourage compliance, the State Government has reduced the park usage fee from ₦12,500 to ₦10,000. A familiarization exercise led by the Ministry in partnership with E-Call Up Technologies is currentl...

  Primate Elijah Ayodele, Servant of the Most High God, Founder and Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has prophesied tough times for the governor of Adamawa State.  He said the governor's predicament would stem from his attempt to seek to move to a higher level. He added that a sitting Governor would lose election.  He added that people would stand up against rigging in next election making the election a big issue in Nigeria. The servant of God said, "The governor of Adamawa State will face challenges and counter-challenges because he will like to go to the next level. "They will fight him, a lot of things will happen in Adamawa, a sitting governor will lose the coming election.  People will stand strongly against rigging, people will fight rigging, they will not allow rigging to stand. And that is going to make the election a very big issue.

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Nigeria, has prophesied that the Yoruba and Biafra Republics are possible. The oracle of God stated this on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his church at Ejigbo while addressing a mammoth crowd of worshippers. He added that Sunday Igboho and Nmamdi Kanu have been destined to emancipate their people. Primate Ayodele said self-Government would come at the right time even though the people are living in pain, fear and terror. He said "Yoruba Republic is coming, Biafra Republic is coming. It is only Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho that will give them what they want. They are going to come at the right time of God because people are in pain, people are afraid, people are in a very terrorising situation; only God will prevent this not to happen, it is going to happen, only God. Naturally everybody is going to be placed on their own.

  Lagos is not just a city, it is a heartbeat. A complex, ever-evolving metropolis that stands as the commercial capital of Nigeria, the cultural nerve center of West Africa, and the symbol of possibility for millions. Yet, as Lagos surges forward into the future, the need for visionary leadership becomes more urgent. Who will take the reins and lead this great city-state into its next chapter? In my view, the answer is clear: Seyi Tinubu. As a political analyst, I do not offer endorsements lightly. I believe leadership should not be inherited, it should be earned. And over the years, Seyi Tinubu has quietly, but consistently, shown that he is not only prepared to serve but also equipped with the mindset, network, and passion to move Lagos forward. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, REIMAGINED Yes, the Tinubu name carries weight and understandably so. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a transformational role in shaping modern Lagos. But Seyi Tinubu is not just riding on the strength of a name;...

  Nestlé Nigeria is proud to announce the expansion of its flagship initiative, Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria, to Agbara, Ogun State. Aimed at strengthening small businesses and enhancing livelihoods within rural communities, this program has welcomed 49 new female retailers. Now in its fifth year, the Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria project has empowered over 382 women across the country, enabling them to expand their businesses by as much as threefold. Through tailored business training, product grants, and mentorship, the initiative supports women in building more profitable retail ventures, reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment to inclusive growth at the community level. With the addition of the 49 new participants from Agbara, the project has now reached a total of 431 women. At the opening ceremony in Agbara, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Lead at Nestlé Nigeria, stated, “Nestlé Empowering Rural Women in Nigeria is...