Distinct Media

  Lagos, 18 July 2025 –  FirstBank, a leading financial institution and provider of financial inclusion services in West Africa, announces the achievement of ₦1 trillion in cumulative instant digital loan disbursements. This accomplishment further consolidates the Bank’s reputation for innovation, leadership in financial inclusion, and commitment to customer empowerment within.   Since its inaugural digital loan in August 2019, FirstBank has developed an unconventional and robust digital lending ecosystem designed with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to improve access to finance, especially to the high-risk customer segment. The Bank created a multi- channel loan disbursement service that requires no collaterals, zero documentation and is void of human interactions. Through its FirstAdvance, FirstCredit and AgentCredit products, 1.5 million unique borrowers enjoyed instant and secure access to credit. This is irrespective of whether they are salary earners, ...

  On June 26, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made history by signing into law four comprehensive tax reform bills that promise to transform Nigeria's revenue generation landscape fundamentally. The Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA), and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA), collectively referred to as "the Acts," represent the most significant overhaul of Nigeria's tax system in decades. These new Tax Acts introduce sweeping changes designed to drive economic growth, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and enhance effective tax administration across different levels of government. The reforms represent a fundamental shift from multiple, fragmented tax laws to a single, consolidated framework that eliminates overlapping, conflicting, or ambiguous provisions while streamlining Nigeria's tax system. Enhanced Revenue Generation and International Compliance The Nigeria Ta...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, and the Office of the National Security Adviser will be storming Lagos next month for a One-day Enlightenment and Sensitisation seminar on drug-related issues. The NDLEA will be leading other government security agencies for the enlightenment scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the popular Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos. The various participants who will be coming from all sectors of the economy will be brainstorming on the theme: "Nigerian Youths and the Danger of Drug Abuse." In a press release made available by the management of Truewitness Communications and Media Services, the Publishers of News Emperor Magazine and signed by its publisher and Editor-in-chief, Pastor Amb...

  ***Say What NPA Couldn't Do Customs Has Done By Ambrose Obioma Okehi ( News Emperor ) The people of Olodi Apapa Community of Apapa Araromi kingdom in Ajeromi Ifelodum Local Government Council of Lagos State have heavily criticised the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA for not doing their bit as regards impacting on the lives of the people of that area and the community, an environment where they are operating over the years.  This observation was made by residents Olodi Apapa through their royal father, the Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, HRM, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa while giving his Goodwill Message during the Commissioning ceremony of Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary school, Olodi Apapa in Lagos on Thursday by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria customs service in Lagos.  The Oba commended Customs for the CSR initiative, while blaming other governments agencies for their failure on this area.  The royal father called on other government agencies e...

  The Chief Executive Officer of Squard Media Group, Mr. Quadri Olowolagba, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof KENDOO on his successful re-election as the Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos State. Hon. Almaroof, popularly known for his dynamic leadership and community-driven initiatives, was recently declared winner of the local government elections and has officially received his certificate of return, marking the commencement of his second term in office. In a congratulatory message issued by Mr. Olowolagba, he praised Hon. Almaroof’s first-term achievements, describing his leadership as impactful, people-focused, and a catalyst for positive change in the Oshodi-Isolo community. “I warmly congratulate Hon. Kehinde Oloyede Almaroof on his well-deserved re-election as Executive Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government. His return to office is a testament to the trust and confidence the people have in his leaders...

    In recognition of its position as a digital pioneer in the African banking landscape, Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, a trailblazing digital platform pioneered by Nigeria's oldest indigenous and most innovative bank, Wema Bank, has been awarded Nigeria's Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Awards 2025.   Euromoney is a leading provider of competitive intelligence and benchmarking insight for the global banking and finance industry, trusted for over 50 years to deliver data-led analysis that informs strategy, validates performance, and supports decision-making at the executive level. The Euromoney Awards, pioneered by Euromoney, are regarded as the ultimate accolade in banking; the industry-leading stamp of approval that banks across the globe work yearlong to achieve. Recognised as Nigeria's leading financial institution in digital innovation, Wema Bank's revolutionary digital bank, ALAT, was awarded Nigeria's Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Award...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) While the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under its Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has stated its commitment to eliminating the exorbitant and unjustifiable War Risk Insurance (WRI) premiums imposed by foreign insurance firms on Nigerian bound ships, the actual impact of their aggressive campaign remains questionable.  This persistent drain of WRI on the Nigerian economy, is estimated at a staggering $500 million annually. It is an international affront that demands immediate and decisive action.  While the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) claims to be aggressively campaigning against this fraud, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), through its upcoming 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL 2025), is poised to expose the bitter truth and champion the cause of Nigerian stakeholders. Despite the apex agency's discussions with international partners and promi...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) Francis Bacon coined the expression that "Knowledge is power." However, some scholars argue that it's applied knowledge that's truly powerful. If knowledge is indeed power, as Bacon posited, one would expect the world's most influential individuals to be academics and professors. Dr. Oramalugo, the current Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is a case in point. He has successfully applied his knowledge in practice. Unlike his contemporaries who struggled to read and write without application, Dr. Oramalugo was busy reading and applying his intellectual knowledge, even while chasing smugglers to facilitate trade as a career Customs officer. On Wednesday, July 16, 2026, the Seme Area Command of the NCS was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the formal launch of the second edition of Dr. Oramalugo's book, “Customs Administration in Nigeria”. At the book launch, Comptroller Oram...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has renovated and commissioned Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School, located in Olodi Apapa, under Araromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Nigeria Customs Service did not stop there; the CGC also promised the school's management and staff that the service has adopted the school and will continue to take care of it. This adoption is part of the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which aligns with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda. The CGC assured the pupils and management of sustained support in education, health, and youth development. Additionally, he promised to take the popular Marakana Mini stadium in Ajagunle under his wing to ensure youth development and engagement. The Customs boss stated this while commissioning newly renovated Christ Assembly  Nursery and Primary school, Ara...

  In a series of coordinated and intelligence-led operations, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intercepted 423 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, confiscated 16,895 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and rescued multiple victims of human trafficking within its area of responsibility. These breakthroughs were achieved between May and July 2025 as part of the Navy’s renewed efforts to suppress transnational crimes, economic sabotage, and human trafficking in Nigeria’s coastal and border communities. According to a press statement released by FOB Badagry, the rice seizures were carried out between June 22 and July 14, 2025, during targeted patrols in notorious smuggling hotspots including Badagry Market Waterside, Badagry-Porto Novo Creek, Erekiti axis, Point of No Return, T-Junction, Isalu, and Tongeji Creek. These efforts reflect the Navy’s sustained commitment to tackling illegal importation through creeks and backwaters. In a similar crackdown on...

  In a strategic move to bolster inter-agency cooperation and tighten maritime and border security, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry hosted a two-day Joint Training Exercise and Patrol with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from Wednesday, July 16 to Thursday, July 17, 2025. The exercise, which involved the NCS Seme Area Command and the Western Marine Command, was aimed at enhancing operational synergy, fostering intelligence sharing, and strengthening coordinated responses to security threats along Nigeria’s western coastline and border corridors. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, emphasized the growing need for inter-agency collaboration to counter rising cross-border crimes. He highlighted that the joint initiative would serve as a platform to promote shared understanding, build trust, and improve efficiency in tackling threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activitie...

  L-R: The Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Vice Principal, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Abdullahi Idris; Project Co-ordinator, Elite Bankers 2025 Inductee Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Onyinyechi Ihesiaba; Vice Principal -Academics, Government Secondary School, Aso Pada, Maraba, Mr. Ela Isa; during the commissioning of a renovated block of classrooms and the distribution of Back-to-School Materials at Government Secondary School Aso Pada, Maraba, Nassarawa State recently.     ….Renovates block of Classrooms and Donates Books to Government Secondary School Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has highlighted its dedication to community-focused interventions with the donation of a newly renovated block of classrooms and text books to Aso Pada Government Secondary School, Mararaba in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state.   The Elite Bankers class of inductees, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP), su...

  Rite Foods Limited is proud to announce that  Ekuma Eze , its respected Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, has been named among the most influential Public Relations professionals in Nigeria in the  #PRPowerList 2025  — a prestigious annual ranking that celebrates excellence, impact, and innovation in the PR and communications industry. With over two decades of experience spanning strategic communications, policy advocacy, corporate relations, and stakeholder engagement, Ekuma Eze has consistently demonstrated how purposeful storytelling, and principled leadership can elevate both brand and society. His inclusion in this year’s list is a recognition of his outstanding contributions to the profession and a reflection of the values he embodies as a champion of one of Nigeria’s most admired indigenous brands. A strategic thinker with a firm grasp of Nigeria’s dynamic corporate and socio-political landscape, Ekuma has been instrumental in crafting campaigns ...