Distinct Media

    Sterling Bank, a leading financial institution committed to driving innovation and progress, has partnered with the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) to revolutionize credential verification through blockchain technology. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the efficiency, security, and accessibility of academic credentials in Nigeria.  Acknowledging the pressing need for an effective solution, Sterling Bank has taken the initiative to back the implementation of VX Technologies' innovative blockchain-based digital certification program. This initiative arose from the necessity for a transformative solution to address the difficulties faced by SPPG in managing and verifying academic credentials through paper-based systems.     "We are thrilled to partner with VX Technologies and SPPG to introduce this game-changing initiative," said Obinna Ukachukwu, Chief Growth Officer Sterling Bank. "We believe in the power of inno...

Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook on Fidelity Bank PLC's LongTerm Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Positive from Stable, while affirming the rating at 'B-'. The credit rating agency has also affirmed Fidelity Bank’s National Long-Term Rating at 'A(nga)' with a Stable Outlook. In a statement released on Friday, Fitch said that the outlook revision reflects its, “expectations that the bank's capitalisation will strengthen in the near term as a result of core capital issuances, including to meet the new paid-in capital requirement of N500 billion for banks with an international licence effective by end-1Q26.” According to the statement: “Fidelity's IDRs are driven by its standalone creditworthiness, as expressed by its Viability Rating (VR) of 'b-'. The VR balances the concentration of operations in Nigeria's challenging operating environment, very high credit concentration and high Stage 2 loans against a growing franchise, sound profitability me...

  The executive Chairman, Orile Agege local government area in Lagos state HonBabatunde Johnson, popularly called “Mr Project ” have embarked on his monthly gesture as he empowers it’s communities with 50m naira cash to cushion the economy Hardship in the country. Hon Babatunde speaking at his office in agege , stated that ” our gesture is part of the local government tradition in reach out to the grasshopper in our localities, our cash base might not be much but we will be giving out a token of 100 thousand naira, for start up and also add more values to those who have small businesses already”  Also , the council boss explained that the cash empowerment will cut across all religions, ethnic groups, artisan and downtrodden in all the communities in my council , I have being doing these since I came into office , it is a must tradition that will continue even when am not around in the country, local government officers represent me in  carrying out the gesture ” he said ....

  A group, The Democratic Movement (TDM), has called for the suspension of negotiation on new minimum for Nigerian workers, describing it as a misplaced priority. The group in a statement issued on Sunday, said what Nigerians need now is price control and not increment in workers' salary as being demanded by leadership of organized labour. In the statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Adesina Akinpelu, TDM threatened legal action to stop implement of a new minimum wage in Nigeria. The group called the attention of the government and organized labour to the fact that not all Nigerians being affected by the worsening economic situation in the country are salary earners. The group said increment in salaries will further increase inflation rate and further devaluation of naira, calling for measures that will cater for all categories of Nigerians. TDM urged both Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shift their focus on compelling the government...

  * * The Oyo State Government and United Nations International Children's Fund, UNICEF have insisted on recovery of loans offered by the Microfinance Institutions offered to Toilet Business Owners (TBOs). To this end, the Oyo State Government and representatives of UNICEF, have set a template, towards the recovery of revolving loans from Toilet Business Owners. The decision was arrived at during a review meeting of 15-months cycle of Sanitation Revolving Fund to the affected beneficiaries, held this week in Ibadan. The initiative is towards making Oyo State open defecation free. The multimillion naira loan given to TBOs in Ona-Ara and Egbeda, under the Open Defecation Free project has recorded huge success, while some TBOs have defaulted. Miffed by the poor disposition of the defaulters, the Chairman of Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Alhaji Babalola Afobaje at an interface with officials of UNICEF, directed the microfinance institutions to go afte...

The founder and prophet of Jehovah Eyes Salvation Ministry, prophet Godwin Ikiru as call on the the Executive Governor of Akaw Ibom , Governor Uno Bassey Eno to pay stermco limited their Balance. He made this call in Lagos during a chat with journalist in his house . Ikiru said this company was giving the contract during Governor Akpabio time and he not pay them ,this people borrow money from friends to complete the project. "The stermco limited have over 400 Staff working with them, and for now they have lay off many Staff because they can not continue to pay their salary  . Ikiru now use the medium to call on Governor  Umo Bassey to use his good office to stermco limited their Balance that is remain .

  The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a significant step towards driving the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) with the inauguration of a Startup Labelling Committee.  The committee, inaugurated by Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, comprises representatives from both the public and private sectors. The NSA, enacted on October 19th, 2022, established a legal and institutional framework to foster the development and growth of Nigerian startups. A critical provision within the Act is the Startup Label.  This label recognises eligible startups, granting them access to the various benefits outlined in the NSA. The issuance of the Startup Label hinges on a thorough assessment and validation process to ensure a startup meets the eligibility criteria as defined by the Act.  The newly formed committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing this process.In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Inuwa emphasised...