Distinct Media

LAGOS, NIGERIA – Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the nation’s longest-standing financial institutions, today announced the successful completion of its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited, following final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This milestone concludes a process that began with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement in 2021 and positions Union Bank as an even stronger force within Nigeria’s financial services sector. Under the terms of the merger, Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets. The combined institution will continue to operate under the Union Bank brand, while Titan Trust Bank ceases to exist as a separate entity. With an expanded footprint of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by strengthened digital channels, Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME, and corporate segments. The merger combines Union Bank’s trusted heritage with Titan Trust’s agility and innovation, creat...

....... Reaffirms critical  safety imperatives for heavy-duty vehicle operators. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has once again exemplified its institutional swiftness, operational dexterity, and resolute commitment to public safety by intervening expeditiously in a catastrophic incident that unfolded today at Iyana-Isolo inward Oshodi, Lagos. A petroleum-laden tanker, heavily freighted with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), tragically overturned while in transit and was instantaneously engulfed in flames, sparking an uncontrollable conflagration which cascaded into no fewer than four adjoining trucks parked within the immediate axis. Preliminary intelligence has conclusively indicated that the disaster was precipitated by egregious over speeding, which occasioned the driver’s loss of control whilst negotiating the inward Oshodi corridor. In an immediate display of coordinated emergency management, LASTMA operatives under the direct supervision of the Agency’s opera...

  . By Patrick Ogboo The vision  of the  management of Nigerian Ports Authority NPA to ensure that container logistics through land mode of transport is digitalised with a view to achieve seamless vehicular movement and address all the encumberances on the corridor have yielded fruit, courtesy of Truck Transit Park Ltd (TTP),  the service provider engaged by the Authority. Speaking about the initiative recently, Chief Sir Patrick Ogboo Maritime consultant/logistic expert, said the TTP's innovative ideas to ensure that truck management in the ports access roads of lagos ports is in line with international best practice in cargo logistics through the participation of the Freight Forwarders in the management of call up system have manifested in the orderliness of truck movement in and out of the ports.This was achieveable due to lectures and  awarenes campaigns to sensitised frieght forwarders on thier roles and involvement at every stage of their  operations...

 * By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News  Emperor )  All is set to mark the 40 years anniversary of Le Look Nigeria Limited, makers of Le look Bags brands. According to the founder and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, arrangements have been concluded to hold the event on October 1, 2025 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. The event with morning and award night sessions is themed: “Legacy of Resilience: Empowering Entrepreneurs for Africa’s Economic Future.”  Ezenwa added:"Le Look 40th Anniversary is a milestone that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of Nigerian enterprise. "Founded in 1985, Le Look has grown from a small women-led business into a proudly Nigerian manufacturer, exporting unique, locally crafted bags to international markets.  "Over four decades, we have stayed true to our mission of: Strengthening local manufacturing; creating jobs and transferring skills; opening doors for women and youth in enterprise; supporting Niger...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor )  The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shipper's Council Dr Pius Akutah has assured Nigerian Shippers of continuous protection of  their interests as the ports economic Regulator, as it calls for the downward review or outright removal of the current war risk insurance premium surcharge on vessels coming into the nation's waters.       He made the promise in a message to the third  MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture, "MAMAL 2025"  with the theme "Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigeria's Maritime Trade", as organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, in Lagos.        The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director, Regulatory Affairs of the Council, Mrs Margaret Ogbonna, noted that in recent years, Nigeria through the concerted efforts by the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy,...

  Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has called for the immediate review and removal of war risk insurance premiums imposed on Nigerian-bound vessels, describing the surcharge as outdated, unjust, and detrimental to the nation’s economic competitiveness. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), held on Wednesday at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, highlighted the Ministry’s landmark achievements since its creation two years ago, while insisting that Nigeria has earned the right to be delisted from global maritime high-risk classifications. Oyetola, who has served as the pioneer minister of the newly created Ministry since 2023, said that in just two years Nigeria’s maritime landscape has witnessed profound reforms. He noted that the government had end...

  By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor) In a bid to eradicate this disturbing public  menace from drug abuse among Nigerian youths, particularly school  age  or those seeking admission into institutions of higher learning, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has said that henceforth there will be an National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA's) Integrity Test to be carried out before  admissions are given to students into institutions of higher learning. To achieve that objective, the agency also said it is currently  seeking and proposing presidential permit  or policy (legislation) that would allow it carry  out such test on students before they are given admission to study in any Nigerian universities. This, the narcotic agency, informed was aimed at ensuring that our society becomes a drug free society. Speaking at a one-day News Emperor Magazine's National Youths Enlightenment/Sensitisation Seminar (NAYES), which was held at t...

  Globacom has expressed deep appreciation to its millions of subscribers in Nigeria and across the world for their loyalty and support as the company clocks 22 years of operations. In a thank you message to its customers, Globacom said, “22 years of Glo is a story of resilience and strength, and through every storm, you, our loyal subscribers, have powered our network. With every connection, you have fuelled our growth”. Since its debut on August 29, 2003, Glo has remained true to its mission of empowering lives and transforming businesses. It changed the face of telecommunications in Nigeria by introducing per-second billing and drastically reducing the cost of SIM that made mobile services accessible to millions.   Over the years, the company has invested heavily in network expansion, building one of Africa’s most extensive fibre optic networks to connect cities, towns, and underserved communities. To boost global connectivity, it launched Glo 1, the first privately ow...

  Lagos, August 29, 2025 — The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has strongly condemned the killing of at least four traders at the Owode Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market in Lagos State, allegedly by thugs and police officers linked to a notorious land grabber, Mr. Abiodun Hakeem Ariori. Speaking at a press conference held today, Friday, August 29, the CHSR described the incident as a "massacre" and a gross failure of the state government and its security apparatus to protect lives and uphold justice. According to the group, the violence occurred on Wednesday, August 27, when armed thugs and four policemen, allegedly acting on the orders of Mr. Ariori, stormed the market. The attack, which followed the controversial demolition of over 1,000 shops, left at least four traders dead and several others critically injured. “The matter was already before the Lagos High Court. Yet, instead of waiting for the court’s decision, Mr. Ariori chose violence and impunity,” th...

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is firming up a cybersecurity framework for securing digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety for consumers in the Nigerian communications industry.   The framework, with likely implementation timeline by telecom licensees set for 2026, will address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies towards creating a more secure digital economy in Nigeria.   During the second phase of the cybersecurity framework development meeting with relevant stakeholders, hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, following the initial meeting held earlier in the year, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, stressed the need for a water-tight approach to addressing the sophistication of cyber threats in the industry.   Oshadami said given the increasing digitalization of services, the rapid growth of data exchange, and the sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats,...

    ...reveals plan to organise seminar for councillors  Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has called on the chairmen of the 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state to ensure that they provide the dividends of democracy for the people. Addressing the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Council Leaders and the Majority Leaders of the LGs and LCDAs in the state at a leadership summit organised by the House at the Assembly on Thursday, Obasa said that the chairmen should not treat the councillors as subjects but as partners in progress. "Your councillors are your partners. They are not your subjects or subordinates. You must accord them respect and they must also respect you" He urged the chairmen, vice chairmen and their councillors to work in harmony, advising the chairmen to discuss with people in the Community Development Areas (CDAs) and those in the Community Development Committee (CDCs). He...

 * ** The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has issued a directive mandating its officers to wear officially approved uniforms during enforcement operations. This move comes after numerous complaints from the public regarding officers conducting arrests and enforcement activities while dressed in mufti and unapproved uniforms. The Chairman, OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd.), disclosed this today, while  addressing all zonal commanders across Oyo state. He said wearing uniforms is essential for maintaining professionalism, transparency, and public trust.  "The use of mufti for enforcement can lead to confusion, fear, and undermine the legitimacy of operations. Moreover, it opens officers to accusations of impersonation, extortion, and misconduct, ultimately damaging the reputation of OYRTMA", he said. "Officers are no longer permitted to participate in traffic enforcement operations while not in complete and officially approved OYRTMA"  Adesagb...

 * **  _...screens Over 300 JP Applicants_ The Oyo State Government has urged Justices of the Peace (JPs) to remain fair and impartial in handling minor disputes within their communities, while also avoiding interference in criminal cases beyond their jurisdiction. The call was made by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ayodeji Abiodun Aikomo, Esq., who spoke on  the recent screening of over 300 applicants for the honorary Justice of the Peace title, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The two-day exercise was designed to ensure that only competent and credible individuals are selected to serve as JPs. The role, according to the Commissioner, is vital to strengthening grassroots justice by mediating minor disputes, promoting peace, and serving as moral guides in communities. Addressing newsmen after the screening, Hon. Aikomo emphasized integrity, impartiality, and confidentiality as the core values expected of...

  The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, has commended the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, for her initiative in organising the ongoing 2025 Public Service Games. He stated this during a football match between the Health Sector and the Oyo State House of Assembly Sector, which concluded with a 5-3 penalty shootout at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi-GRA, Ibadan. The Chairman of 3SC noted that the primary aim of the games is to foster team cohesion, emphasising that the competition organisers have exhibited a high level of professionalism. He said, "I was previously unaware that such games could take place in Oyo State, and I am genuinely impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by the organisers. They have adeptly divided the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies into sectors, ensuring inclusivity for all civil/public servants. This initiative is highly commendable, as it underscores the importan...

 * Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has called for the immediate review and removal of war risk insurance premiums imposed on Nigerian-bound vessels, describing the surcharge as outdated, unjust, and detrimental to the nation’s economic competitiveness. Speaking at the 3rd Annual Maritime Lecture of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), held on Wednesday at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, highlighted the Ministry’s landmark achievements since its creation two years ago, while insisting that Nigeria has earned the right to be delisted from global maritime high-risk classifications. Oyetola, who has served as the pioneer minister of the newly created Ministry since 2023, said that in just two years Nigeria’s maritime landscape has witnessed profound reforms. He noted that the government had en...

  The organizers of the widely reported National Youths Enlightenment Seminar (NAYES 2025) have made a change of venue for the one-day Enlightenment/Sensitization originally scheduled to take place at the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos, which will now take place at the popular Lagos Airport Hotel, No. 111 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos by 11 am. The change of venue, according to a press statement issued and signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Truewitness Communications and Media Services, Pastor Ambrose Obioma, was necessitated by certain factors. The organizers added that one of the core objectives of the program is to foster collaboration among government agencies, private organizations, and civil society in the war against drugs. The event will be chaired by the NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), while the Commandant of the Customs Training College, Deputy Comptroller Hailey Madison, will serve as co-chair. Pastor Okehi also undersc...

  The Lagos State Police Command has declared Abiodun Ariori, Chief Executive Officer of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture, wanted for allegedly masterminding a violent clash at the Owode Onirin Market that left three traders dead and disrupted commercial activities along Mile-12 Ikorodu Road. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly stemmed from an attempt by Ariori, a known land speculator, to forcefully take control of a section of the market despite an existing court order mandating all parties to maintain the status quo. Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that Ariori led an invasion of the market in defiance of the court ruling, sparking the deadly confrontation between traders and land grabbers. “He is hereby declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command as all efforts to effect his arrest and bring him to justice have so far proved abortive. It is very clear that he has gone into hidin...

Lagos, Nigeria – August 27, 2025 – VerveLife, Africa’s Biggest Fitness Platform, championed by Verve, the leading domestic payments card and token brand, has announced an exciting calendar of fitness events in the build-up to the highly anticipated Vervelife Grand Finale, scheduled to hold on November 1st, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. The Vervelife satellite events will kick off in Enugu on August 30th, followed by Vervelife Abuja on September 27th. The movement will then extend beyond Nigeria’s borders with Vervelife Nairobi and Vervelife Kampala events both taking place in October, further reinforcing VerveLife’s multinational footprint.  With this year’s theme, Elev8, VerveLife is set to deliver a richer, more immersive experience that extends beyond fitness to embrace wellness, entertainment, and lifestyle. Each satellite event will feature a holistic mix of high-energy workouts and thrilling music by renowned and well-trained fitness trainers. ...