Distinct Media

  ... We Will Miss Her - Forum of Permanent Secretaries  By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan  As May 2026 approaches, the corridors of the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, prepare to bid farewell to a titan of public administration, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, the Oyo State Head of Service (HOS), is set to transition into retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by structural reform, meritocracy and  unwavering commitment to the Pacesetter State ethos.  The career impact and transformative leadership of a woman who bridged the gap between traditional bureaucracy and modern governance. ​When Mrs. Olubunmi Oni assumed office in May 2023 with a funfair to the Office of the Head of Service. she did so with a clear mandate to professionalize the workforce and align it with the "Omituntun 2.0" vision of Governor Seyi Makinde. Her tenure has been characterized by the philosophy that a state is only as efficient as its civil service. ​  One of her most significant con...

  Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria. Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies. Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering a wide range of initiatives that support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria. “Our Quarterly Business Forum is part of our regular engagement with small businesses across the country. As you may know, Fidelity Bank is a leading supporter of SMEs through numerous financial products, and a strong advocate of a multi-dimensional approach to helping them succe...

 Photo caption: L – R: The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FidBank UK Ltd, Mr. Johnson Ememandu; Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu; British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; and Chairman, FidBank UK Ltd and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; at the FidBank UK Ltd exclusive product showcase held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos recently. Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc’s international subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has announced a commitment to support Nigerians – both individuals and corporations – in acquiring properties in the United Kingdom. Fidbank UK which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trade finance, personal and business banking, treasury services, commercial lending, and private banking, is set ...

  The Executive Governor of Oyo State,  Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mrs. Adenike Ayobami Fasina as the new Head of Oyo State Civil and Public Service. Who will be taking over the mantle of leadership from Mrs. Olubunmi Olufunke Oni, mni who retires from the Oyo State Civil Service on attainment of mandatory age in line with extant Civil and Public Service rules and regulations. In a statement issued and signed by the  State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, the new Head of Service hails from Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government area of Oyo State, she  joined the Oyo State Civil Service as Statistician II, in the year 2000 and rose through the rank, serving as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance prior to this appointment. She was a two-time awardee of the Oyo State Merit and Productivity Award Programme . Dr. Mrs. Adenike Ayobami Fasina is a member of the National Institute, (mni), being an alumnus of National Institute of Strate...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate (CPPM) has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his third year in office, commending his administration for what it described as bold and courageous economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria for a better future. In a press statement issued on Friday and electronically signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the group said President Tinubu assumed office at a period of severe fiscal and structural difficulties, stressing that the administration’s tough economic decisions have restored hope for better days ahead. According to the statement, CPPM acknowledged that the administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange unification, and expansion of student loan access, were difficult but necessary measures intended to block leakages and create more fiscal space for national development. The group stated that although the reforms have been painful for m...

  The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, has extended his warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on the occasion of his 66th birthday. In a goodwill message issued to commemorate the occasion, Aare EmmanuelKing described Governor Dapo Abiodun as a visionary leader, accomplished administrator, and distinguished statesman whose purposeful and people-oriented leadership continues to foster remarkable transformation, progressive governance, and sustainable development across Ogun State. He noted that Governor Abiodun’s steadfast commitment to infrastructural development, economic advancement, youth empowerment, and the overall welfare of the citizenry has significantly positioned Ogun State as a foremost destination for investment, innovation, and socio-economic progress in Nigeria. “On behalf of my family, the management, and staff of Adron Group, I sincerely felicitate with Your ...

  As Nigerians across the country commemorate the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, the Abiodun Health-Care Initiative has extended warm congratulations to citizens while calling for national unity, peace, and collective commitment toward improving healthcare services for all Nigerians. In a statement issued to mark the celebration, the leadership of the non-governmental organization reaffirmed its dedication to humanitarian services, quality healthcare delivery, and community development, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. The organization noted that despite the challenges facing the nation, Nigerians must remain hopeful, united, and committed to building a healthier and stronger country through cooperation, compassion, and support for one another. According to the statement, the Independence Anniversary serves as a reminder of the need for Nigerians to put national interest above personal differences and work together toward sustainable development, pa...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday joined Muslim faithful for Eid Mubarak prayers at the historic Dodan Barracks in Lagos State. The President was accompanied by several top government officials and political figures, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa. The Eid prayer gathering drew members of the Muslim community and political associates, reflecting the significance of the Islamic celebration and the President’s continued engagement with religious and community activities in Lagos. The prayer session at Dodan Barracks also underscored unity and fellowship among government officials and worshippers during the festive occasion.

  The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, has felicitated Muslim faithful among civil and public servants in the state on the celebration of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging them to remain resilient and committed to their duties. In a statement signed on Wednesday, the Head of Service gave glory to Almighty God for His mercy and faithfulness in sparing lives to witness another Ileya celebration in good health and peace. Mrs. Oni, on behalf of the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the State Civil and Public Service, congratulated Muslim workers across the Pacesetter State on the joyous occasion. She admonished Muslim faithful to reflect on the exemplary virtues of sacrifice, obedience and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. She said "the unwavering faith and readiness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son remain enduring lessons for humanity". The Head of Service said the spirit of Eid-el-Ka...

  The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has pledged his support for the forthcoming PPUGI Men’s Mental Health Conference 2026 following an official courtesy visit by Her Eminence Amb. Dr. Prevail Farida Ahmed. The conference, themed “Providing Direction and Support 5.0: Breaking the Silence; Mental Health Support for Our Men (Security Personnel),” is aimed at promoting mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and psychosocial support for Nigeria’s security personnel and men across the country. During the meeting, the Defence Minister warmly received the initiative and commended the vision behind the programme, describing it as timely and impactful in addressing the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those who dedicate their lives to national service. Known for his commitment to national peace, security, and disciplined leadership, Gen. Musa expressed strong support for the mission and objectives of the conference. His passion for the welfare of se...

  The people of Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1 have been urged to continue to maintain peace, law and order as Muslims across Nigeria celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival. In a Sallah message made available to constituents, the lawmaker representing the Ibadan Southwest constituency 1 and Chief Whip Oyo State Assembly, Honourable Yusuf Adebisi called on residents, party faithful, youths and community leaders to imbibe the teachings, values and lessons of Prophet Mohammed, especially the spirit of sacrifice, obedience and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah. According to the statement, Adebisi said Eid-el-Kabir remains a significant period in Islam which reminds humanity of the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son in obedience to the command of Allah before Almighty Allah mercifully replaced the human life with a ram. The message noted that the great lesson behind the celebration is one of selflessness, love, patience, sacrific...

  Adron Homes & Properties has congratulated Muslim faithful across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid, urging them to continue embracing the virtues of peace, sacrifice, love, and unity that the season symbolizes. In a statement issued by the management of Adron Homes & Properties, the company described Eid as a sacred period that promotes spiritual renewal, compassion, gratitude, and harmonious coexistence among people irrespective of tribe, religion, or social status. The foremost real estate company noted that the values of selflessness, obedience, and generosity demonstrated during the holy season remain essential ingredients for national growth and societal development. According to the statement, Nigerians should use the festive period as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, extend love to the less privileged, and pray for enduring peace and economic prosperity in the country. Adron Homes further reaffirmed its commitment to providing a...

  ‎ ‎The Abiodun Community Health Initiative has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging citizens to embrace peace, love, sacrifice, and unity which the sacred celebration represents. ‎In a goodwill message released , the management of the NGO congratulated Muslim faithful for witnessing another Sallah celebration in good health and prosperity, while also calling on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, progress, and sustainable development in the country. ‎The organisation noted that Eid-el-Kabir remains a period of reflection, compassion, and support for humanity, stressing that the values of sacrifice and kindness should be extended to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society. ‎According to the statement, the NGO remains committed to improving the welfare of residents through impactful interventions in healthcare delivery, clean water supply, and humanitarian services across communit...

  The Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, has congratulated Muslims across Oyo State on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, assuring residents that the present administration would remain committed to the welfare of the people. In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Professor Babatunde expressed delight in identifying with Muslim faithful during the celebration, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a period that symbolises sacrifice and total obedience to Almighty Allah. The SSG stated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde would continue to provide dividends of democracy to the people of the state through people-oriented programmes and policies. Professor Babatunde also prayed for the safe return of the teachers and school children recently kidnapped in Orire Local Government Area of the state, noting that the government was making every effort to ensure their rescue. He said the rising insecurity in ...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The member representing Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba, Esq., popularly known as Mayor K.K., has distributed cash gifts and thousands of bags of rice, semovita and groundnut oil to residents across the constituency ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The distribution exercise, which began on Sunday, May 24, 2026, covered all the 36 wards within the six Local Government and Local Council Development Areas of Alimosho Federal Constituency in Lagos State. According to reports, the relief materials included 50kg, 25kg, 10kg and 5kg bags of rice, alongside food packs and cash support aimed at easing the financial burden on residents during the festive period. Beneficiaries of the gesture included members of the League of Imams, associations of tradesmen and artisans, people living with disabilities, market men and women, Community Development Committees, as well as other stakeholders across the consti...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, has declared that market men and women across Lagos State are fully prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections, while calling for greater political inclusion and representation in government. Speaking during a press briefing held at her residence in Alausa ahead of the Salah celebration, Tinubu-Ojo said traders across Lagos and other parts of the country had already begun mobilising for the electoral process through voter registration and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). She stated that market leaders take elections seriously and would actively support candidates who protect and promote the interests of traders and market associations. According to her, the market community has already endorsed some aspirants for elective positions, particularly individuals considered supportive of traders over the years. She specifically mentioned politicians from Mushin whom market leaders ...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Office for Civic Engagement has intensified its commitment to social inclusion, citizen welfare, and community development through a series of impactful intervention programmes targeted at vulnerable residents across the state. This was disclosed yesterday during annual ministerial press briefing held in ikeja  As part of its ongoing social support initiatives, the Office provided financial assistance to indigent residents, students, patients with urgent medical needs, small business owners, and economically vulnerable households. The intervention formed part of a broader effort to cushion economic hardship and improve the living conditions of disadvantaged groups. A major highlight of the programme was a large-scale disbursement exercise held at De-Blue, LTV Compound, Alausa, where no fewer than 1,000 beneficiaries received direct support during a single intervention event. Beneficiaries included women, senior citizens, and Persons ...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Government has recorded major milestones in public sector reforms, innovation, housing delivery and procurement transparency as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across the state. The Head of Service, Bode Agoro, disclosed that certificates were issued to retiring public servants after verification of their indebtedness status, in line with established civil service procedures. Agoro further revealed that the state government approved the handover of Wing A of a newly constructed housing estate comprising two and three-bedroom flats located at Isale-Gangan, Lagos Island, for allocation to public servants. Highlighting reforms driven by the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI), Agoro said the agency coordinated initiatives that enabled Lagos State to achieve an impressive 85.6 per cent score in the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report. According to him, Lagos emerg...

  By oluwaseyi fadoro  The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement, as the state continues to strengthen its procurement framework under the Lagos State Public Procurement Law of 2015. This was disclosed yesterday at the 2026 ministerial press briefing in commemoration of the seventh year in office of Governors Babajide olusola sanwo-olu which was held at Bagauda Kaltho press centre, Alawusa ikeja The law, which established a robust legal and regulatory framework for procurement activities across the state, has over the years positioned Lagos as a benchmark for efficient and transparent procurement practices in Nigeria. Speaking on the progress recorded in the sector, the agency noted that the sustained success of public procurement administration in Lagos State has been driven largely by the unwavering support and commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. According to the agency, the go...

  , we have spent the last few years reimagining what Children’s Day can look like for Nigerian children. What started as a celebration has evolved into an intentional platform designed to build confidence, encourage leadership, promote financial literacy and create meaningful opportunities for children across different age groups. This year, we have raised the bar even higher. At Wema Bank’s Children’s Day Special Event held on Monday, May 25, 2026, our One-Day MD/CEO, Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, used her first official act in office to unveil a series of new initiatives designed to reward, educate and empower children through our Royal Kiddies account and ALAT Xplore platform. From year-long cash rewards and celebrations of academic excellence to financial literacy materials and STEM challenges, here are the new incentives that were announced and how to qualify:1. Birthday Cash Gift (Royal Kiddies Account Holders)Wema bank is putting real money behind milestone birthdays. ...

  * The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board organized a six-day intensive training programme on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) for Officers on Operational Level drawn from the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the State, as part of efforts to strengthen child healthcare delivery and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State. The training, held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel, brought together health officers responsible for coordinating child health interventions at the grassroots level, with focus on enhancing participants’ technical competence in the prevention, identification and management of common childhood illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases. Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, described the training as a critical intervention aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children under five year...

  * The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has intensified enforcement activities against the illegal sale and open grazing of livestock in unauthorized areas across the state. This follows the continuous public sensitization jingles jointly circulated by OYRLEA and the Association of livestock dealers  and breaders, warning residents and livestock traders against selling sheep, rams, and goats at unapproved locations. The jingles also advised traders and livestock owners to obtain the list of authorized trading points from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development. In continuation of the enforcement exercise, officers of the Authority on Friday stormed the Liberty area and Elekuro High School axis along Akanran Road, Ibadan, where enforcement actions were carried out against individuals who failed to comply with the directive and continued trading livestock in unauthorized places. The enforcement team also intercepted some livestoc...

  A tragic road accident occurred on Monday at Second Rainbow inward Oshodi, Lagos, after a fully loaded 40-foot articulated truck lost control and overturned onto a commercial mini bus and nearby roadside shops, leaving a female Point of Sale (POS) operator severely injured. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the incident happened along the service lane beside the Police Tactical Team Station. According to preliminary investigations, the driver of the container-laden truck reportedly lost control while in transit, causing the heavy-duty vehicle to veer off its lane before crashing violently onto a commercial mini shuttle bus and adjoining business outlets. The impact of the crash created panic in the area as traders and residents scampered for safety. A female POS operator who was seated under a roadside canopy sustained serious injuries to both legs during the incident. She was immediately rescued by officers of the Police Tactical Team stationed...

  There is a particular genre of financial commentary that mistakes legal process for a factual verdict. A court delivers a first-instance ruling, procedural questions are raised, and before the ink is dry on the appeal filing, the narrative has already hardened: the regulator overreached, investor confidence is shattered, and Nigeria’s financial governance is on trial before the world. Much of the commentary currently circulating about Union Bank of Nigeria belongs to that genre. It is not without merit on certain procedural questions. But it is, at its core, incomplete — and incompleteness in financial journalism carries costs that run well beyond the column. The Acquisition That Started Everything In 2022, Titan Trust Bank Limited, then chaired by Mr Tunde Lemo, acquired approximately 94 per cent of Union Bank of Nigeria through two Dubai-registered entities: Luxis International DMCC, promoted by Mr Rahul Savara, and Mr Cornelius Vink’s Magna International DMCC, both linked to t...

  …Foundation Touches Over 8,000 Women, Widows, and Youth in Ondo State….. …Collaborates with International Partners for Free Skill Acquisition in Canada… For Chief Mrs. Olajumoke Abegunde, the act of touching lives positively and contributing meaningfully to societal development is not merely a pastime but a deeply ingrained existential mandate. With unwavering gusto, she has remained faithful to this noble vision, championing the esoteric principle that cheerful giving and advocacy for the downtrodden are responsibilities too sacred to be left exclusively in the hands of the government. This resolute philosophy has not only engendered transformative impact within her immediate locality but has also catapulted her onto the global stage. Recently, her passionate charitable exertions—executed both within and outside the shores of Nigeria—earned her prestigious international recognition. A Legacy of Grassroots Transformation As the visionary founder of the Jummy I Care Foundation, Ch...

  ‎Hon. Michael Adewale Samson (MAS) has officially emerged as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to contest for the Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal House of Representatives seat ahead of the forthcoming election. ‎The emergence of Hon. Michael Adewale Samson was ratified today by the leadership and stakeholders of the SDP in Oyo State under the leadership of former Majority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola. ‎Party faithful, supporters and stakeholders described the emergence of MAS as a major step towards giving the people of Ogbomoso Federal Constituency a vibrant, youthful and people-oriented representation at the Green Chamber. ‎Hon. Michael Adewale Samson, popularly known as MAS, has continued to enjoy massive support across the constituency due to his consistency, accessibility and commitment to grassroots politics. Political observers and party members believe the young politician represents the ...