Distinct Media

  A Nigerian professional in London closes her laptop after another workday. In Toronto, a family reviews its financial plans for the next few years. In Houston, an entrepreneur considers what to do with money set aside for a future commitment in Nigeria. Their circumstances may differ, but they face a similar financial decision. If the money will not be needed immediately, should it remain idle, or can it be positioned to earn a return. This question is becoming more important as the Nigerian diaspora market grows beyond traditional remittances. World Bank data put personal remittances received by Nigeria at approximately 22.8 billion US dollars in 2025, equivalent to about 7.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria also show that workers remittances reached 5.24 billion US dollars in the third quarter of 2025. These figures highlight the scale and resilience of financial inflows from Nigerians living abroad. They also point to a broader opportuni...

  The Democracy and Good Governance Watch Initiative (DGGWI), a coalition of civil society organisations, has expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the electoral process. The coalition also called on political actors to demonstrate civility and responsibility in their campaign rhetoric, while urging security agencies to caution politicians against making inflammatory statements capable of undermining peace and democratic stability. DGGWI made these calls in a press statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following an emergency meeting on the state of the nation. The group commended INEC for launching its 100-day countdown to the 2027 general elections, describing the initiative and the commission’s regular engagement with Nigerians as indications of its commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and ...

Yeye Afolashade Shona-Aluko, also known as the Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, a prominent educationist, entrepreneur and philanthropist with over fifty years of experience in Nigeria, formally launched the Association of Female Skilled Artisans Initiative Canada (AOFSAIC) at the Salvation Army Shelter in Brampton, Ontario, on May 16th, amidst community leaders and supporters like Chief Habeeb Olalekan Okunola, Chief Victor Alonge, Queen Mother Delois Blakely, Queen Esther Ejim, Chief Jumoke Abegunde and a host of others.  During her address, Yeye Folashade emphasized that the Canadian branch was established to extend her efforts in fostering economic independence among African women globally. She highlighted that the initiative seeks to help women acquire valuable skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, and crafts, enabling them to achieve financial stability and independence. At the event, HRH Dr. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, underscored the critical importance of artisan...

  For many smartphone users, the difference between a frustrating phone and one that feels good to use comes down to the everyday details: how smoothly the screen moves, how clearly you can see it outdoors, how easily you can switch between apps, how loud the speakers are and how long the battery lasts.​ The new Infinix SMART 20 HD is designed around those everyday experiences, bringing a combination of smooth display performance, enhanced audio, AI-powered tools, durability and connectivity to the SMART Series.​ At the centre of the experience is a 6.7-inch display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate allows animations, scrolling and screen movement to appear smoother, making everyday interactions feel more fluid when browsing social media, moving between apps, reading or watching content.  The display also supports up to 700 nits High Brightness Mode, helping improve visibility when using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.​For a generation that incre...

    Shareholders of Fidelity Bank Plc have lauded the Bank’s Board and Management for strengthening its capital base, improving asset quality and sustaining earnings growth despite a challenging operating environment.   The shareholders expressed their support at the Bank’s 38th Annual General Meeting, held virtually on Friday, 9 October 2026.   Speaking during the meeting, Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator, Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, drew attention to the Bank’s non-performing loan ratio of 2.4 per cent and capital adequacy ratio of about 16.1 per cent as indicators of its financial resilience.   “The figures demonstrate that the Bank remains strong. With a non-performing loan ratio of 2.4 per cent, a customer base of 16 million and a capital adequacy ratio of 16.1 per cent, shareholders have reasons to support the Board and Management,” Bakare said.   Another shareholder, Boniface  Okezie, Chairman of the Progressive Shareholers A...

  By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan  The Literacy Promotion Association of Nigeria (LIPAN) is set to hold its 20th Biennial Conference, bringing together educationists, researchers, policymakers, literacy practitioners, publishers and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting literacy development and national progress. The President of LIPAN, Professor Nkechi Christopher, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Head of the Publicity, Media and ICT Committee of the conference, Dr. Francis Amenaghawon. The statement said the 2026 conference, themed “Early Literacy Development in Nigeria: Strengthening Foundations for Learning and National Development,” will take place from October 13 to 15, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Professor Christopher said the conference would feature morning plenary sessions and panel discussions focusing on evidence-based approaches to early literacy instruction, teacher preparation and professional...

  The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has called for an evidence-based assessment of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to refrain from making unverified claims capable of undermining critical national security operations. The coalition, at a press briefing in Lagos, also defended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its Project Director, Osahon Okunbo, against allegations concerning the value and performance of the company's pipeline surveillance contract. Speaking at the briefing, the spokesman of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said legitimate concerns over government contracts should be addressed through official documents and verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations. Ihekaire specifically challenged reports linking PINL and Okunbo to an alleged N2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance contract, saying no publicly available documentary evidence had been presented to...