₦airaland Forum

Professor Julius Okojie, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), visited Maduka University Enugu on Monday.

The former executive secretary was received by the chancellor, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi; the vice-chancellor, Professor Charles Ogbulogo; the registrar, Mr. John Omeje; and other key officers of the university.

Welcoming the former executive secretary, The Registrar, Mr. John Omeje, described Okojie as one of the foremost successful Executive Secretaries of the NUC whose administration laid the foundations for success and the expansion of access to private universities in the country.

In his remark titled “The Currency of Power and Wealth, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charles Ogbulogo, said that there is an intrinsic connection across electricity, wealth, and power. According to him, “the flow of electricity is called current. This flow is through a conductor. The conductor in the context of social entrepreneurship is that sacrificial individual who opens up great opportunities for others to follow.”

Ogbulogo explained that money is also referred to as currency, which is why to be a carrier of wealth, that currency must be strong. “This explains why the strongest nations have strong currencies. Citizens of such strong countries enjoy a massive Human Development Index (HDI), with education as a strong indicator,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that people like Professor Okojie, who have served as the current of power, have earned a place in history. “Since value attracts value, we are excited that we have you as a partner,” he said.

In his speech, the Chancellor of Maduka University, Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, expressed gratitude to Professor Okojie for opening access to private universities.

Dr. Onyishi reiterated his commitment to education as the receptacle to health, food security, and knowledge, stating that legacy is the greatest form of wealth. The Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to Professor Okojie for the deep insights he received in his process of establishing Maduka University as a legacy project. Indeed, in the words of Dr. Onyishi, legacy is the cornerstone of transgenerational wealth.

The Chancellor was also full of praises for the crop of staff God has brought his way in prosecuting the project. He considered the university project as a culmination of the message God has put in his hands.

Professor Thessy Amber, an erudite scholar who was in the company of the former executive secretary, expressed her passion in health-related matters and her willingness to collaborate with Maduka University in the course Life Skills and Healthy Living, which the university already offers.

In his response, Prof. Okojie expressed regret for having visited the institution at a point where there is little for him to contribute. He was full of praise for the institution, referring to the level of development as monumental. He congratulated the Chancellor for excellent infrastructure and for attracting capable hands to run the affairs of the University.

He pointed out that becoming an Ivy League university, for instance, does not just happen; it has to be developed with a sense of intentionality.

He suggested that the university consider investments in plant sciences to harness the rich biodiversity in the southeast of Nigeria. He also recommended the incorporation of ergonomics into the university curriculum as well as publishing in credible journals.

BetKing, Nigeria’s leading sports betting and digital entertainment brand, recently delivered an unforgettable experience for over 2,000 football fans who had the rare opportunity to share the stage with their childhood hero, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

What began as an ambitious attempt to set Guinness World Records evolved into something far more meaningful — a celebration of dreams, passion, and community. Held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, the event brought together thousands of passionate Nigerians for an unforgettable experience. For many participants, the chance to interact with a national icon they had long admired was the real prize. BetKing became the bridge between nostalgia and reality, giving fans the moment they had waited their whole lives for.

“Jay Jay Okocha was my hero growing up. I never imagined I’d stand on the same field with him,” shared one participant, Taiwo Salahu “BetKing made that dream come true, and I’ll never forget it.” He added.

The campaign, while originally designed around a Guinness World Records attempt, shifted its focus toward impact and connection—delivering a brand experience that brought thousands of Nigerians together to relive their love for the beautiful game. It was a demonstration of BetKing’s commitment to not just entertainment, but to enabling dreams and championing shared moments.

“At BetKing, we’re intentional about creating meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences for our audience,” said Nengi Akinola, Head of Marketing at BetKing. “This campaign showed us that beyond records, the real impact lies in the memories we help create. Watching thousands of people light up in Jay Jay’s presence was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

Each participant walked away with more than memories. Every single football used during the campaign was personally signed by Jay Jay Okocha himself, becoming an eternal keepsake for fans. That signature was the validation of a lifelong dream.

Below is a breakdown of some projects tied to the recent loan request sent to the Senate by President Tinubu.

Construction of the eastern rail line (Port Harcourt to Maiduguri railway) - $3 billion

Construction of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe dual carriageway, with a four-year completion horizon - $1.33 billion

Two separate allocations — $1.14 billion and $1.07 billion — will fund the Eastern and Western Super Grids, respectively.

Other Chinese-backed projects include $100 million for the Presidential Power Initiative aimed at improving electricity distribution infrastructure.

$116 million for high-voltage transmission lines to evacuate 700 megawatts of electricity from the Zungeru hydropower station.

$508 million will go to modernising Nigeria’s eastern port infrastructure

$2 billion for the Lagos Green Line Rail Project

$596.2 million for the procurement of rolling stock on the Kaduna–Kano section of the national rail modernisation efforts.

Youth Entrepreneurship Investment project with a five-year implementation period to be funded by AfDB- $100m

Sokoto State Health Infrastructure Project to be funded by AfDB - $45m

Yobe State’s Integrated Climate Action Project to be funded by AfDB - $50m

Lekki Access Road — also known as the 7th Axial Road Project — with a timeline of three years to be funded by Export Credit Agency - $250 million

Nigeria Border Security Project under the second phase of a broader national security initiative to be funded by Export Credit Agency - $540 million

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to be funded by Export Credit Agency - $700 million.

Emergency food security programme, to be funded by Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) - ¥150 billion

Senator Sani Musa clarified that the borrowing plan spans a six-year disbursement period, not solely the 2025 fiscal year. He also noted that Nigeria has not defaulted on any of its existing loan repayments.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) threw his weight behind the borrowing plan, expressing satisfaction with the long-awaited investment in southeastern infrastructure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZYatHJSZRo?si=88LSudNSLMO2ijbg

Tummy Tummy Foods Industry Limited, a reputable manufacturer of noodles in Nigeria, has been a victim of malicious impersonation and defamation. A recent incident has brought to light the extent to which individuals will go to sabotage a company's reputation.

How It All Began

In July 2023, Mrs. Chima, a distributor for Tummy Tummy Foods Industry Limited, secured a lucrative deal with Jasmine Children School, Asaba, to supply noodles for their graduation ceremony. The agreement was set—until an unexpected visitor arrived. A man named Dr. Emmanuel Ogechukwu Obi stormed into the school, claiming to be an official from the Federal Ministry of Health, Asaba. In a shocking presentation, he declared: "Noodles are dangerous, and Tummy Tummy’s factory has been shut down by the government for unsafe practices!" The school, alarmed, immediately canceled Mrs. Chima’s contract and sent Mrs. Chima this fateful message:

"Good evening ma'am. Hope you are doing great. A man from the Federal Ministry of Health came to our school yesterday (Wednesday) for sensitization. While making his presentation, he mentioned to us that Tummy Tummy noodles production has been stopped by the government due to some unhealthy practices in their factory. I just discovered that it's the same noodles that you are bringing on graduation day to sell."

TUMMY-TUMMY INVESTIGATES THE CLAIM

Tummy Tummy Foods, a reputable company in Nnewi, Anambra State was blindsided. Their noodles were fully approved by NAFDAC, and no government agency had ever flagged them. Suspecting foul play, the company took the following steps:

- Contacted the Delta State Ministry of Health, which confirmed that no "Dr. Emmanuel Obi" worked there.
- Hired a private investigator, who traced Obi’s phone number (08091984546) to Onitsha, Anambra State, proving he was an impostor.
- Reached out to NAFDAC, which confirmed that Obi had no affiliation with them and that Tummy Tummy’s products were legally registered.

The Legal Battle Begins

Furious, Tummy Tummy’s executives engaged Onyechi Ononye & Co., a law firm, to file a formal police petition. The allegations against Obi included:

- Impersonation (posing as a government official).
- Defamation (false claims damaging the company’s reputation).
- Economic Sabotage (costing the company contracts and revenue).

The petition, addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 13, Anambra State, demanded an urgent investigation.

Official Denials & Confirmation of Fraud

- Delta State Ministry of Health, in a letter dated November 1, 2023, confirmed in writing that Obi was not their staff and had no authority to represent them.
- NAFDAC (Anambra Office), in a letter dated October 24, 2023, disowned Obi, stating they had no relationship with him and advised Tummy Tummy to pursue legal action against the perpetrators.

Recent Recirculation of False Information

Tummy Tummy Foods has noted with concern that a video/audio clip containing the same false allegations from 2023 is being recirculated on social media by some mischief makers. An active investigation has been launched to determine whether those circulating the video/audio are acting independently or in collaboration with the fugitive (Emmanuel Obi). The resurgence of these baseless claims appears to be a deliberate attempt to revive the smear campaign against Tummy Tummy Noodles.

Public Advisory

We urge the general public to:

1. Disregard the malicious audio in circulation, as it contains the same debunked falsehoods from 2023.
2. Verify information from official sources before sharing.
3. Report suspicious posts promoting this false narrative to the appropriate authorities.

Tummy Tummy Foods Industry Limited remains committed to providing its customers with the highest quality products and exceptional customer satisfaction. The company takes pride in its products, which are fully approved by NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies. Tummy Tummy Foods continues to appreciate the public’s continued support and assure its customers and partners that they are taking all necessary legal steps to address this renewed attack on it's reputation.

Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in Daura, Katsina State today to commiserate with the family of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Google Maps has updated its database to reflect the renaming of 24 streets by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.

A memo authorising the renaming was originally issued in 2024, although the exact date remains unknown. The memo signed by unnamed “council manager” resurfaced on social media in July 2025 and quickly went viral.

“This is to notify the general public that the old names of the aforementioned streets have been revoked… the names have been replaced with new ones,” the document stated.

An X user who posted the memo also shared Google Maps screenshots reflecting the new names of the affected streets in the area.

On Thursday, a check by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that Google Maps has already effected the changes, showing the newly assigned street names.

With the changes, Imo Eze Street is now Layiwola Oluwa Street, George Street has become Daddy Showkey Street—in honour of the famous Ajegunle-born musician— and Queens Street is now Kola Balogun Street. Other renamed roads include Kirikiri Road, now Moruf Oyekunle Road, and Uzoh Street, now Kalejaiye Adeboye Street.

Concerns
The full list, which sparked ethnic exclusion controversy and concerns about due process, saw many Igbo names replaced with Yoruba names.

Some residents have expressed dismay over the disproportionate number of streets previously with Igbo names affected by the name change.

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“We were not informed or consulted about the renaming,” said Mr Agu, a resident of the former Uzoh Street who has lived in the area for over 40 years. “Adjusting to these new names will not be easy. This feels like an erasure of our presence.”


The lack of public engagement, residents argue, has left many confused and alienated.

Call for street renaming in Lagos
The development comes amid growing calls in Lagos to review colonial-era place names. In 2020, the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a motion, urging the renaming of streets and monuments named after colonial figures.

Lawmakers asked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant ministries to remove “all vestiges of colonialism and slave trade” from public infrastructure.

Lawyers and social commentators are divided on the matter.

https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/07/1000582586.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1

Olukoya Ogungbeje, a Lagos-based lawyer, supported the move, saying it reflects national pride and preserves cultural heritage.

“It’s a patriotic effort to celebrate our own heroes,” he said.

But Ebun Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed it, describing the effort as “emotional” and lacking constitutional basis.

“Street naming falls under local government authority. The House of Assembly has no legal power to interfere,” he said.

Mr Adegboruwa also warned against erasing Nigeria’s colonial history, arguing that streets named after figures like Bernard Bourdillon and Macpherson reflect significant contributions to Nigeria’s path to independence.

Other civic voices questioned the priority of such renaming exercises.

Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, described the efforts as “self-serving.”

He said the state should focus on issues such as public healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Achike Chude, Vice Chairman of the Joint Action Front, said while renaming is important for preserving indigenous identity, it must be done transparently and in a way that safeguards historical memory.

“We cannot delete colonial history,” Mr Chude said. “Renaming should protect the past while uplifting local figures who contributed meaningfully to society.”

Local government defends action
The authorities have justified the renaming.

At the Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA Secretariat, the council secretary, Jumor Lukman, defended the renaming exercise, describing it as an administrative necessity.

“There are procedures for naming and retaining street names,” Mr Lukman explained. “If a street is named after an individual, that name must be documented and validated periodically. Many streets have failed to meet these requirements for over 40 years.”

He denied any ethnic bias, noting that some of the new names—such as Daddy Showkey Street—honour non-Yoruba individuals. “The process was not targeted at any group,” he said.

The trophy has been lifted, and the curtain has officially closed on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and with it, iLOTBET’s most exciting giveaway yet!

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What’s Next?

In the early hours of Wednesday June 18, 2025, a band of terrorists attacked the Naval Base Lake Chad in Baga, Borno State, targeting military equipment at the base, including swamp buggies recently made available by the Governor of Borno State.

A terrible mistake. Naval personnel at the base effectively repelled the attack, neutralising several of the attackers and leaving many others injured. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, visited the base days after the aborted attack, to express gratitude to the officers and men of the base, and boost morale.

If the terrorists thought this attack might dampen military morale, it ended up achieving the opposite; the Nigerian Navy is more than determined to redouble its efforts towards securing the Lake Chad area, with the deployment of more personnel and equipment to bolster the base. In addition, the CNS directed that the swamp buggies, which the terrorists failed to destroy, be put into immediate use to commence clearing of the waterways.

From Lake Chad to Rivers Niger and Benue, to the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Navy is busy at work, fulfilling its constitutional mandate and protecting Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. In recent months the Navy has taken delivery of three new ships, NNS SHERE, NNS FARO and NNS IKOGOSI, and 3 new Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters, to fortify operational capacity and impact.

Under Vice Admiral Ogalla’s watch, the Navy has recently created a Special Operations Command, that will be based in Makurdi, on the banks of River Benue. Also newly created is the Nigerian Navy Marine Corps, patterned after the famous US Marine Corps. In Enugu, a new Special Operations Composite Base is taking off, designated as the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) MADUEKE.

It is noteworthy that no piracy incident has taken place in Nigeria’s waters since the 3rd of March 2022, when the country formally exited the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) list of piracy-prone countries.

Under Vice Admiral Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy’s flagship operation, Operation Delta Sanity, launched in January 2024, is decisively confronting and curbing crude oil theft. It was rejigged in December 2024, integrating aerial surveillance and improved intelligence-gathering to deliver even greater impact.

Operation Delta Sanity has turned out tremendous results in the last 18 months: More than 800 illegal refining sites, 2400 dugout pits and 5,400 storage facilities discovered and deactivated; 242 suspects arrested, alongside 76 vessels, and several other pieces of equipment and machines.

Indeed, the Nigerian Navy’s contributions to Nigeria’s rising oil and gas production cannot be downplayed. Key Niger delta pipelines like the Trans Niger, Trans Escravos and Trans Forcados have seen substantial increases in uptime since the third quarter of 2024. In fact, just a week ago, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited disclosed that Nigeria attained 100 percent crude oil pipeline availability throughout the month of June—a feat that has not happened in a very long time.

In all, the contribution of the Nigerian Navy to the Nigerian economy, in terms of helping preserve and grow oil revenues, runs into hundreds of billions of Naira. These economic feats are not just in the area of enabling oil and gas production. The new National Hydrographic Agency, which emerged from the old Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office, is making waves in its area of expertise: developing state-of-the-art charts of Nigeria’s waterways to enable and advance trade, logistics, and investment.

Just a week ago, the Agency officially presented to the Cross River Government a hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical report, as well as 3 new navigational charts, for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport Project; completed after months of painstaking work led by the Navy.

Understanding that food security is a vital component of national security, and in line with its commitment to the implementation of President Tinubu’s directive on military participation in agriculture, the Nigerian Navy has just established the Admiralty Integrated Farm Limited (ADIFAL).

This agricultural endeavor by the Nigerian Navy will leverage cutting-edge solutions, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), to provide real-time insights that will advance modern agricultural practices and enable ADIFAL attain optimal levels of agricultural productivity.

Under Vice Admiral Ogalla’s watch, the Nigerian Navy has also been doggedly expanding its national and continental footprints. Three highlights are worth mentioning in this regard. First is that the Nigerian Navy is now ranked the third largest in Africa, after Egypt and Algeria. Second is that the Navy playing a leading role in the operationalisation of a Combined Maritime Task Force—to complement this, Nigeria has affirmed readiness to host the Force headquarters in Lagos.

Third is the provision of provision of Sea Lift Capability to the African Union. What this means is that the Nigerian Navy will make available strategic transport services to support African Union peace support operations, natural disaster support, humanitarian actions, and personnel movement; this was formalised with an agreement signing ceremony at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa in February 2025.

The new International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), established by Vice Admiral Ogalla a year ago, has also taken off, cementing a strong legacy of intellectual and thought leadership by the Service.

In addition to the Navy’s ambitious infrastructure program—under which dozens of construction and rehabilitation projects are ongoing at Naval bases nationwide—Vice Admiral Ogalla has introduced the commendable concept of ‘CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects’, aimed at serving the Navy’s host communities across the country, and creating an outstanding model of social responsibility.

At the end of May, the Nigerian Navy celebrated its 69th anniversary, with a series of activities that included ‘Open Days’ during which Nigerians had an opportunity to visit, tour and sail on some Navy Ships, including the iconic Landing Ship Tank (LST), NNS KADA. The depth of excitement from those who visited has been captured in videos and photos now permanently memorialized on the internet.

In less than a year from now, the Nigerian Navy will celebrate its 70th anniversary. As that milestone approaches, there is no doubt that the Service is in an excellent place, resolute, motivated, respected and forward-looking; a Navy whose impact is felt across and beyond Nigeria, and of whom the country and indeed all of Africa should be most proud.

Ilallah writes from Abuja, Nigeria

Dangote Industries Ltd. expects its 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery—the largest in Africa—to rely entirely on Nigerian crude oil by the end of 2025, potentially displacing hundreds of thousands of barrels of imported crude daily.

This is according to a new report by Bloomberg.

According to Bloomberg, the refinery received about half of its crude in June from local producers who will be able to sell more to the facility as their foreign supply obligations end.

“We expect some of the long-term contracts will expire,” vice president at Dangote Industries, Devakumar Edwin said in an interview last week at the sprawling site. “Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year we can transition 100% to local crude.”

Dangote sold the idea of the massive plant as a way for Nigeria, the top oil producer on the continent, to stop sending barrels to Europe only to be refined and shipped back as costly imports — a process rife with corruption.

The gradual ramp-up of the refinery has already made Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products, with room to go before reaching capacity. Still, the effort required large quantities of overseas crude after domestic traders failed to meet demand.

Nigeria has seen a withdrawal of oil majors from onshore and shallow water fields that have been taken over by local companies with fewer resources.

Meanwhile, supply contracts with foreign companies, crude theft and attacks on pipelines in the Niger Delta have curbed production reducing the availability of oil at home.

Dangote Refinery currently processes 550,000 barrels of crude a day
Since the Dangote facility opened, the company has bought crude from Brazil, Angola, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea, according to Edwin. Improved relations between the refinery, local oil traders and the government will result in a steady supply of Nigerian crude, he said.

That still requires a significant increase of local oil over the coming months. In June, the refinery sourced 53% of its crude supply from domestic producers and 47% from the US, according to Bloomberg.

The plant is currently processing 550,000 barrels of crude a day, according to Edwin.

Dangote was scheduled to take five cargoes from Nigeria’s state oil company in July, the same amount that it’s due to take up in August, according to a list of cargo allocations. Each shipment holds almost a million barrels of crude.

What you should know
In May 2023, Africa’s largest oil refinery, the Dangote Refinery, was commissioned in Nigeria, with hopes that it would help alleviate the country’s chronic fuel shortages.

During a recent high-level visit to the state-of-the-art facility, which has a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, described the refinery as a beacon of hope for Africa’s future and a powerful testament to the potential of the private sector in driving regional industrialisation

This is a pattern! Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has never stayed in a party past two election cycles.

He was a founding member of PDP and became Vice President of Nigeria in 1999. He won reelection in 2003, and that was it. He bolted after the second election cycle.

He joined Action Congress in 2006, clinched its presidential candidacy, but lost in the 2007 election. After that election cycle Atiku ditched AC and returned to PDP in 2010 after President Umaru Yaradua’s death. He spent just one election cycle in AC.

Back in PDP Atiku competed for the 2011 presidential ticket but fell to President Goodluck Jonathan. He grew distant in PDP and ultimately jumped to the newly formed APC merger in 2014. He spent only one election cycle in PDP.

In APC he entered the presidential primary but placed third behind first runner up Rabiu Kwankwaso and the eventual winner General Muhammadu Buhari. He abandoned APC in 2018 for a third spell in PDP. He spent just one election cycle in APC.

He secured PDPs presidential candidacy for the 2019 election but lost. He deserted the party yet returned in 2021. In 2022 he grabbed the partys ticket again for the 2023 election but lost to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Just like in 2007 Atiku has now forsaken PDP for his newest venture ADC. He spent only one election cycle in PDP.

Ironically each time he exits PDP he stirs factions and hypes his departure with media spectacles but always ends up on the losing side.

Should he lose the 2027 presidential election it would hardly shock anyone to see him abandon ADC.

Tonye Barcanista

A globally recognized space design company, Midas Interiors, has concluded plans to empower 200 youths with modern interior design skills that will allow them to compete with their peers globally.

The free masterclasses designed by the firm is targeted at bridging the knowledge gap and promoting professionalism within the creative industry.

The target for the free masterclass organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Government would be to deepen participants' knowledge and skills in interior design and decoration that could assist them to become employers of labour in the country.

Collaborating with the government through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, the training class is themed: “Beyond Aesthetics: The Power of Functional and Timeless Interiors, will be done in phases for the beneficiaries.

The initiative, which is in collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, is themed: “Beyond Aesthetics: The Power of Functional and Timeless Interiors', and would be held in phases to ensure participants get the skills before leaving the masterclasses.

Explaining further on the motive behind the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of Midas Interiors Limited, Mabel Nwanegbu, in a statement released on Monday, stated that the masterclass is more than just a training session.

Nwanegbu added: “it is a platform to empower and educate the next generation of interior designers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and expert insights.”

“We aim to bridge the knowledge gap, support skill development, encourage mentorship, and give back by supporting creativity, education, and community growth in the design industry.

“This training is not just a workshop, it is a stepping stone toward a more inclusive and empowered creative sector,” she said.

The Midas boss explained that the decision to partner with LSETF and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum was deliberate, citing shared values around creativity, education, and entrepreneurship.

Highlighting the partnership, she said that the selection was intentional and rooted in shared values of design and entrepreneurship.

“My team and I considered their antecedents and the value they can add to our participants. The goal is to ensure participants receive high-quality mentorship and real-world insights. I am intentional about impacting others, what is worth doing is worth doing well,” Nwanegbu emphasised.

She added that the masterclass will include practical sessions, comprehensive training materials, and mentorship opportunities, with participants receiving a certificate of participation upon completion.

Nwanegbu, who has been at the forefront of promoting functional design in Nigeria, expressed confidence that the initiative will ignite long-term growth for participants.

“At the end of the session, they will leave more inspired, informed, and ready to take the next step in their design journey.

“This is a step from mediocrity and naivety to professionalism,” she noted.

The masterclass will feature practical sessions, training materials, and mentorship opportunities, and participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Expected facilitators include: Mr. Sam Ejuwunmi, Abidemi Amusa (CTW Industries), Mr. Hani Grazi (CTW Industries Limited), Miss Abraham Ajijolaoluwa (Midas Interiors Ltd), among others.

Lagos State as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs and single-use plastics of less than 40 micron causes our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockages and compelling the state government to channel funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains.

It is on this note that the state government is officially announcing that as from today, July 1, 2025, sale and use of styrofoam and single-use plastics in Lagos State is now prohibited and anyone found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the state's environmental laws.

Let me also emphasize that any market/store that is found storing or engaging in the sale and distribution of the single-use plastics (less than 40 microns) will be sealed up by our enforcement agency and the items confiscated.

This ban is expected to move the state towards realization of reduction of the quantum of waste generated in the state and at our different landfill sites, many of which are in the process of decommissioning.

#CleanerLagos

LASG COMMENCES IMMEDIATE ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON CATEGORIES OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS. 
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced the immediate commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) (less than 40 microns) across the state from today 

The Commissioner for the Environmental and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab who made this known during a press conference on commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics held at the Ministry's Conference Room insisted that there will be no going back on the 1st of July 2025 set date for enforcement.

He stated that  the State was very explicit on the ban of certain categories of single use plastics excluding pure water sachets and pet bottles as explained when the  ban on styrofoam food containers was announced in January 2024  

He added that if after 18 months moratorium, the producers have not been able to embrace alternatives to single use plastics, it simply means they have no intention of complying with the ban. 

Wahab explained that by January 2025, after series of meetings and representations from concerned stakeholders which included (Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN) Restaurants and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria  ( RFSPAN) and (FBRA)Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance representatives) amongst others, the state gave another grace of 6 months which expired yesterday.

He said the state government took the bold decision to ban styrofoam food containers and single use plastics of less than 40 microns explaining that the decision was majorly because of the safety and well being of residents which the government will never compromise.

"Lagos as a coastal state realises the enormous dangers that styrofoam packs & SUPs of less than 40 microns  cause our drainage channels and ecosystem causing blockades and compelling government to channel  funds that should be deployed for provision of other social services to clearing of debris from our drains" he said. 

He stated that the ban of single use plastics was first effected in Bangladesh in 2002 as well as in other major cities and as at 1st of August, 2019, such bans have been introduced in over 70 countries of the world with varying degrees of enforcement whilst 33 countries have imposed a charge per bag policy.
Signed 

Kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
MOE&WR
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

LASG COMMENCES IMMEDIATE ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON CATEGORIES OF SINGLE USE PLASTICS. 
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday announced the immediate commencement of the enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) (less than 40 microns) across the state from… pic.twitter.com/QUZZMMQ0vC

— kunle adeshina (@kunle_adeshina) July 1, 2025

Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s biggest bank by Tier-1 Capital, has assured shareholders and investors of its readiness to satisfy all relevant conditions to exit the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) regulatory forbearance by June 30, 2025. The bank also expressed confidence in meeting shareholders’ dividend expectations in the 2025 financial year.

The clarification comes on the back of heightened scrutiny of Nigerian banks’ capital health following the new CBN directive that suspends dividend payments and tightens oversight for banks with outstanding forbearance-related loans or breaches of the Single Obligor Limit (SOL).

In a statement presented to the Nigeria Exchange (NGX) Group on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Bank stated that its exposure under the Single Obligor Limit (SOL) forbearance relates solely to a single obligor, pointing out that this exposure will be brought within the applicable regulatory limit on or before June 30, 2025. The bank also confirmed that the forbearance granted on other credit facilities applies to only two (2) of its customers, noting that it has made substantial provisions in respect of these facilities and taken appropriate and comprehensive steps to ensure full provisioning by June 30, 2025.

The bank further emphasized its strong financial footing, stating that it has successfully raised and surpassed the new regulatory capital requirement of N500 Billion, and is therefore well positioned to continue delivering value to all its key stakeholders.

Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices. The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

NIGERIAN NAVY REPELS BOKO HARAM/ISWAP ATTACK ON NAVAL BASE LAKE CHAD – NEUTRALISE MANY TERRORISTS

The Nigerian Navy has successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents on the Naval Base Lake Chad in Borno State. The Terrorists commenced their attack at about 2am on Wednesday 18 June 2025, with the intention to destroy the newly acquired swamp buggies procured by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad Basin and other military equipment at the Naval Base. However, they were effectively repelled by the swift and decisive response of Nigerian Navy personnel of Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Land and Air component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The superior tactical coordination and firepower of the Nigerian Navy personnel and the other components of Operation HADIN KAI foiled the terrorists’ plans, resulting in significant losses for the insurgents and many were neutralized. The bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the Nigerian Navy personnel underscore the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and neutralizing all threats to peace in the Northeast.

NB: Attached pictures of the neutralized terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition are under “Viewer Discretion” clause.

Nigeria's oil regulator is set to bring in a new rule that requires oil producers to obtain an export permit, vessel clearance and a unique identification number to enable real-time tracking of cargoes, based on regulations seen by Reuters.

The government said the updated regulations are designed to enable real-time monitoring of oil cargo exports, aiming to combat theft and under-declaration at export terminals, and thereby significantly enhance government revenue.

The new rules mark a significant departure from the previous system which only required producers to declare cargoes to customs authorities for export permit issuance.

"The new guidelines represent a significant step toward a more transparent, accountable and efficient oil export regime in Nigeria," the spokesperson for the regulator said.

Reinforcing the necessity of these changes, Ayodele Oni, an energy lawyer at Lagos-based Bloomfield law firm, said the previous system was not equipped for real-time tracking.

"This deficiency led to issues such as under-reporting, theft, revenue loss and mismatches in export data," Oni said.

Under the revised framework, known as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, exporters must file comprehensive details of the vessel and cargo in advance, including the consignee, port destination, tonnage and estimated time of arrival.

Strict compliance with these new regulations is mandatory and non-compliance carries potential penalties of up to $20,000.

Nigeria’s petrol import bill fell sharply in the first quarter of 2025, dropping to N1.76 trillion from N3.81 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

This represents a 54% year-on-year decline, according to the latest foreign trade statistics report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The drop also marks a 47% reduction from Q4 2024, when the country spent N3.3 trillion on petrol imports.

The decline is largely attributed to increased domestic supply from the Dangote Refinery, which has continued to scale up operations.

Import trend reverses after years of steady growth
A five-year review of first-quarter petrol import figures shows that Nigeria had been on a steady upward trajectory until 2024.

The country imported N732 billion worth of petrol in Q1 2020, rising to N1.29 trillion in Q1 2021, and doubling again to N2.69 trillion in Q1 2022.

There was a moderate decline to N2.03 trillion in Q1 2023 before the value surged to an all-time high of N3.81 trillion in Q1 2024.

With the Q1 2025 import bill dropping to N1.76 trillion, Nigeria’s petrol import value has now returned to pre-2022 levels, suggesting that domestic refining is beginning to displace foreign supply in a meaningful way.

The NBS data signals a structural shift in Nigeria’s petroleum trade, following decades of dependence on imported refined products due to the collapse of state-owned refineries.

Petrol accounts for 44.51% of Nigeria’s imports from the ECOWAS region

The report further shows that petrol was Nigeria’s most imported product from ECOWAS countries in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for N89.18 billion or 44.51% of total imports from the subregion.

The figure highlights the continued importance of regional trade routes in meeting domestic fuel demand, despite Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to boost local refining through facilities such as the Dangote Refinery.

Within the broader West African region, petrol imports made up 41.86% of Nigeria’s trade inflow, while it contributed 11.63% of total imports from the entire African continent.

This dominance by petrol shows the lingering supply gaps in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

While local refining is gaining momentum, it has yet to fully replace the need for imported refined products.

Other major imports from the ECOWAS region during the period included gas oil at N23.15 billion (11.55%) and petroleum bitumen at N20.58 billion (10.27%), indicating that petroleum-based products continue to shape Nigeria’s import profile from the subregion.

Petrol was also listed among the top five most imported commodities nationwide in Q1 2025, alongside gas oil, crude petroleum oils, cane sugar for refineries, and durum wheat.

What you should know

The decline in petrol imports aligns with the growing influence of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. With an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery is already supplying a significant portion of Nigeria’s petrol demand, although it is still operating below full capacity.

The refinery, which is currently producing about 85 per cent of its 650,000 barrels per day capacity, has helped to reduce the volume of imported refined petrol substantially.

This has introduced greater competition in the downstream market, with retail prices in Lagos dropping to as low as N860 per litre in early 2025.

However, the refinery’s operations have faced early challenges. In March 2025, Dangote Industries halted local currency sales due to foreign exchange constraints, as it relies on dollar-denominated crude inputs but receives naira in return for local sales.

However, the government has intervened to resolve the issues around the naira-for-crude deal. The facility continues to play a key role in narrowing the import gap.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on Monday clarified its discontinuation of a fraud (criminal) charge against the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.

The clarification was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF & Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, on June 9, 2025.

The statement was issued in response to the reaction trailing a media report which accused the AGF and the Nigerian government of dropping Dr. Nneka C. Onyeali-Ikpe’s name as a co-defendant in an ongoing criminal case involving an alleged multi-billion-naira fraud.

The case was said to be initially initiated by the Attorney General of the Federation before the Federal High Court, Lagos, against lawyer Victor Ukutt, Whoba Ugwunna Ogo (reportedly at large), Fidelity Bank Plc, and Onyeali-Ikpe, over the alleged unlawful conversion of funds belonging to Woobs Resources Limited to the tune of N19 billion.

The report claimed that in an amended 10-count charge filed on May 5, 2025, the AGF subsequently dropped the name of Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe and replaced it with Safiya Whoba.

AGF Clarifies
Providing clarification on the development, the AGF’s spokesperson stated, “The Attorney General’s decision to discontinue the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness.”

He explained that, as the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional power to discontinue prosecution against a defendant where it is deemed necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice.
According to him, “This decision followed a careful review of the case, which did not connect Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe to the charge, as she was neither the account officer nor the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank when the account used in the alleged scheme of fraud was opened.”

The official stressed that the Attorney General’s decision is guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law, and expressed confidence that this decision is in the best interest of justice and the public.
The statement added, however, that the decision to remove the CEO from the case does not exculpate Fidelity Bank from the allegations contained in the charge, which is still pending before the court, but rather demonstrates the Attorney General’s duty to ensure that justice is served.
“We urge the public to allow the legal process to run its course and to refrain from speculation or jumping to conclusions,” the statement partly reads.

The AGF assured that the office will ensure the best interest of justice is served at all times and that all those found wanting, at any time, will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Nigeria still has heroes. Ugochukwu stood for justice when money tried to buy silence.” - Chief Onunkwo.

In a powerful display of gratitude, patriotism, and support for integrity, Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, the industrialist and Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., on behalf of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Limited has honoured Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the Immigration Officer who bravely apprehended the infamous Enugu-based ritualist, with a cash gift of ₦5,000,000.00.

The presentation was made at Chief Onunkwo’s country home in Umuabo, Ihembosi, Anambra State, where he hosted the gallant officer to celebrate his courage and outstanding sense of duty. Prince Ugochukwu Orji, an Abia-born officer serving at the Nigeria - Benin Republic border, had resisted a series of bribes that eventually rose to ₦15 million - offered by the now-apprehended killer in a desperate bid to escape justice.

“Nigeria still has men of honour,” Chief Onunkwo declared. “Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered. In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, he chose to uphold the law. Seahorse is giving him ₦5 million not just to appreciate his bravery but to encourage a culture of truth and accountability in our nation.”

According to Ugochukwu, he was on duty when the suspect, Mr. Levi Obieze (Mazi Ezeani), a man already wanted for serial ritual killings and burying victims alive, passed by on a motorcycle. Something about his face struck a chord, and without delay, Ugochukwu trailed him discreetly to the next checkpoint.

“I stopped him and confronted him with his photo. He denied at first, saying it was his brother. But I insisted. He then tried to bribe me - ₦3 million… then ₦7 million… ₦10 million… eventually ₦15 million, with his wife promising to send the money. I pretended to cooperate just to detain him without raising alarm. When I confirmed with my superior that he was indeed the wanted man, I handcuffed him and recovered voice notes from his phone that revealed attempts to erase his tracks.”

Moved by the integrity of the officer, Chief Dr. Onunkwo used the opportunity to call on the Nigerian government and the Immigration Service to recognize and reward Ugochukwu with a well-deserved promotion, noting that such commendable actions must not go unnoticed.

“I urge the Nigerian Immigration Service to look into this case and consider rewarding Ugochukwu officially. Let this be an example to others - that honesty is not only possible in this country but it also pays. Our system must start celebrating people who choose integrity over impunity,” he said.

Dr. Onunkwo also called on well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the Federal Government to spotlight Ugochukwu’s bravery and use his story as a campaign for ethical leadership and national transformation.

“God will not forgive anyone who participated in the evil that this man committed,” Onunkwo added. “Whether directly or by aiding his escape - justice must be served, and those like Ugochukwu who stand for justice must be honoured.”

The story of Prince Ugochukwu Orji serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in dark times, courageous Nigerians still rise to protect the innocent and uphold the law.

As the nation reflects on the horror of the crimes uncovered, today also reminds us that heroes still walk among us - and thanks to people like Chief Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo, their sacrifices won’t go unnoticed.

This is the story of a man who could have chosen comfort but instead chose legacy. A man whose name is etched into Nigeria’s business landscape, now writing a new chapter that could change lives forever.

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi, MON, is the CEO and Managing Director of Peace Mass Transit Ltd., one of the most recognizable transport companies in West Africa. He is also the founder and chancellor of Maduka University in Enugu, committed to raising the next generation of leaders through education. But his latest act is more than another feather in his cap. It is a monumental gesture of compassion and vision.

In his Amukwa village of Nsukka town, Enugu State stands a grand estate — what many would call a castle. This majestic building, which was once Dr. Onyishi’s private residence is a reflection of years of hard work and success. Most would have kept it that way, enjoying its beauty and comfort in peace. But Dr. Onyishi has chosen to do something extraordinary: he is transforming his private home and its surrounding buildings into an international multi-specialty hospital designed to serve both the public and the medical students of Maduka University and other medical training institutions.

To make this vision a reality, he acquired 14 additional properties around the vicinity, all in an effort to make sure that this full-scale health care facility was established in his village. Thinking - home, you may call this. This isn’t just renovation, but some new buildings are already rearing their heads. It’s transformation on a massive scale.

And it’s not just about healthcare. Dr. Onyishi intentionally chose the location of the proposed university teaching hospital to be in Nsukka urban town, with a clear purpose — to elevate the urban status of Nsukka and drive development in his beloved community.

Yes, his personal castle and other surrounding properties are being converted into a teaching hospital. Renovations are already ongoing and soon, this luxurious property will become a state-of-the-art medical facility, not for the rich, not for the elite, but for the people.

When completed, this teaching hospital is set to become one of the best in the country — a beacon of world-class medical education and accessible healthcare.

At a time when many use wealth to build walls, Dr. Onyishi is using his to build bridges. Instead of adding more zeros to his bank account, he is investing in something far more valuable: human lives. He has openly declared his intention to return most of his wealth to charity, and this hospital is just one part of that promise. He has given it all. A billionaire without a home in his village.

This is more than philanthropy. This is leadership. This is legacy. This is love in action.

Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi is not just building structures. He is building a future where healthcare is accessible, where education is empowering, and where transport is safe and reliable. He is proving that true success is not measured by what you accumulate but by what you give away.

In a country hungry for hope, this is the kind of story we need. It is a story of a man who remembers where he came from. A man who understands that wealth is not just for comfort but for impact.

There was a time when DStv felt like a luxury. Growing up, most of us watched NTA, AIT, and local TV stations. Only a few families had access to satellite TV, and they were seen as the well-to-do. No one complained about subscription fees then because it was clearly a premium service for a premium market.

But then, MultiChoice decided to do more.

They began investing heavily in Nigeria. Film production, local partnerships, jobs, and eventually launching GOtv, a more affordable option for the mass market. DStv also became more accessible across different income levels. And in doing that, MultiChoice broadened its reach, turned a luxury into a staple, and quietly shifted our expectations.

Now, when they review prices to adjust to the economy, people don’t just react with disappointment. They get angry. Not because the product suddenly lost value, but because we’ve grown entitled to it. It’s hard to admit, but the outrage often comes from knowing there’s no real alternative. Piracy exists, so do free streaming apps, but the quality, content, and consistency just don’t compare.

Other platforms have tried. iROKOtv, for example, poured massive resources into building a local streaming service. But even that couldn’t survive the realities of this market, from poor infrastructure to rampant account sharing and a general resistance to paying for digital services. Beyond economic hardship, Nigeria remains a tough environment for any subscription-based platform.

So why is MultiChoice the one company that keeps getting singled out? Court battles, regulatory crackdowns, social media dragging. The recent case with the FCCPC, which the courts dismissed, is just one example. Other sectors quietly adjust prices without scrutiny. From transport fares to food and government services, everything moves with inflation. But DSTV? That gets national attention.

Maybe it’s because they've done too much, for too long, too well.

They’ve created a product so central to daily entertainment that people now treat it like a public utility. You can stop paying for Netflix and move on. But DStv or GOtv? That hits differently. And when prices go up, it stings deeper.

In a way, MultiChoice is suffering for being consistent. And maybe, just maybe, that’s something we need to reflect on too.

In exercise of its regulatory powers, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has ordered MainPower Electricity Distribution Company, formerly Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, to refund over 20,000 estimated customers over “wrongful billing” by the company.

This was contained in a public notice issued by EERC on Monday where the Commission said that its order was consequent upon many complaints by MainPower’s customers against the firm’s overbilling.

“Pursuant to Section 35 of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and other extant rules, this is to inform customers in Enugu State that the Commission has issued an Order to MainPower to refund the affected customers the overbilled units for energy consumed in April 2025,” EERC notice reads.

It said the list of the affected customers have been published on the Commission’s website, www.eerc.en.gov.ng/order, and advised affected customers of MainPower, who are not refunded at the expiration of the timeframe for the refund to contact the Commission via email at info@eerc.en.gov.ng or call 09122642755 for the Commission’s necessary action.

Meanwhile, the order signed by the Chairman of EERC, Chijioke Okonkwo, and the Commissioner in charge of Market Operations, Barr. Reuben Okoye, gave MainPower till July 2025 billing cycle at most to refund the customers, failing which it would pay a fine of N500,000 for each day that it fails to comply with the order in line with the extant law of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023.

According to the Commission, it started tracking the estimate billing practices of MainPower from October 2024 when it assumed full regulatory control in Enugu State from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and raised the issues with the firm in a letter dated 16th December, which it said MainPower failed to adequately address in their response dated 14th January 2025.

EERC added that in another letter dated 4th April 2025, it further called MainPower’s attention to its continuous estimated billing violations from October 2024 to February 2025 and demanded a significant improvement in the next two billing cycles failing which it would be constrained to commence enforcement action.

“The Commission, in its letter to MainPower dated 6th May 2025 called MainPower’s attention to the suspiciously striking similarity between MainPower’s estimated billing reports in February and March 2025; and gave MainPower 14 days from the date of receipt of the letter to provide an explanation, if any.

“The 14 days given to MainPower to respond to the Commission’s letter dated 6th May 2025, expired on 23rd May 2025 without any response from MainPower.

“The Commission recently reviewed MainPower’s April 2025 estimated report, and observed that the degree of violation of the caps on estimated billing by MainPower had further deteriorated from the 24 percent observed in February and March 2025, to 34 percent in April, 2025,” EERC stated.

The Commission, therefore, said it had “established that MainPower is in deliberate breach of the Commission’s stipulations in the terms and conditions of MainPower’s Interim Licence with respect to the capping of estimated billing.”

Consequently, it ordered that MainPower refunds the equivalent amount of the April 2025 over-bill to the affected customers.

“MainPower shall refund the over-bill to the affected customers within the June 2025 billing cycle, but not later than the July 2025 billing cycle.

“Where MainPower fails or neglects to comply with this Order, the Commission shall invoke its powers under section 32 (5) of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023, which authorises the Commission to impose a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) for each day that MainPower may be in default of compliance with this Order,” the order concluded.

Global credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has upgraded Fidelity Bank Plc’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(nga)’ from ‘A(nga)’ while affirming its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’.

The rating action, announced on May 29, 2025, reflects the bank’s strengthened capital buffers, sustained earnings growth, and prudent risk management.

The upgrade follows Fidelity Bank’s recent successful capital-raising initiatives, including a rights issue and public offer, which significantly enhanced its capital base.

According to Fitch, the bank’s Fitch Core Capital (FCC) ratio improved to 29.9% at the end of 2024, well above the regulatory minimum and among the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.

Fitch noted that the enhanced capital position, combined with improved profitability and a stable deposit base, supports the bank’s creditworthiness and growth trajectory.

The rating agency also cited expectations of further capital inflows ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) N500 billion minimum capital requirement deadline for international banks in 2026.


Commenting on the development, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, said: “This upgrade by Fitch Ratings affirms the resilience of our business model, the strength of our risk management practices, and our unwavering focus on delivering sustainable value to stakeholders. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we have continued to maintain strong asset quality, solid profitability, and ample liquidity.”

Fidelity Bank recorded improved earnings driven by higher net interest income and efficiency in deposit mobilization. As of year-end 2024, 93% of the bank’s total deposits were low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA)—one of the strongest deposit structures in the Nigerian banking industry.

Fitch highlighted Fidelity Bank’s strong market positioning, ranking it as the sixth-largest bank in Nigeria by total assets, controlling approximately 5% of the industry’s asset base.

The bank’s well-diversified funding profile, robust risk controls, and increasing digital banking footprint were also cited as supporting factors in the rating decision.

The rating upgrade is expected to enhance investor confidence and support the bank’s capital market activities, including ongoing efforts to scale its operations locally and across key international markets.

Fidelity Bank serves a customer base of over 9.1 million through 255 business offices in Nigeria and a United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of market volatility, earning multiple recognitions for innovation, SME support, and digital transformation.

Recent awards include the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay BAFI Awards, Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application by Global Business Outlook, and Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney.

As regulatory and macroeconomic pressures continue to shape the Nigerian banking landscape, Fidelity Bank’s rating upgrade underscores its strong fundamentals, capital adequacy, and operational soundness, positioning it to capture future growth opportunities across retail, commercial, and investment banking segments.

The Deeper Life Bible Church located at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, has appealed to Nigerians for support following the demolition of its church structure by the Local government.

Speaking to the press, the Parish Pastor, Pastor Israel Adeagbo, expressed concern over the development, describing it as a call for broader reflection on issues of justice, rule of law, and respect for constitutional processes.

“Since 2007, we have worshipped and served the community from this location,” Pastor Adeagbo stated. “However, in January 2024, the Surulere Local Government notified us of plans to remove our building. This occurred despite an ongoing court case concerning the matter.”

According to him, the church obtained an injunction under Suit No. YSD/4860LM/24, which he said was intended to restrain any actions pending the court’s decision. Nevertheless, he alleged that demolition activity began on May 27, 2024, with part of the church fence being taken down.

He further claimed that the church structure was fully demolished the next day, May 28, 2024, despite what he described as a “valid court order” in their favor.

“A subsequent court order dated May 27, 2025, reaffirmed our ownership and ordered the restoration of the property,” he said.

Pastor Adeagbo noted that efforts to enforce the court’s directive have so far been unsuccessful, and appealed to legal professionals, civil society groups, and religious bodies to intervene in the matter.

“We are calling for support—not just as a religious organization, but as citizens seeking fairness under the law,” he said. “We possess valid documents confirming our ownership, and we trust that due process will ultimately prevail.”

Attempts to reach the Surulere Local Government for official comment were not immediately successful as of press time.

The 2025 UEFA Champions League Final is upon us: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Milan, live from Munich’s Allianz Arena on Saturday. For the purists, it’s a tactical showdown between two of Europe’s most disciplined sides.

But for the rest of us, the neutrals, the petty haters, the emotionally scarred (The Arsenal and Barca fans), this is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some good-natured “schadenfreude”.

Here’s your ultimate guide to watching the final through the lens of chaos, comedy, and pure hate.

The Final We Didn’t Know We Needed

This final marks the first time since 2021 that neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City are present, offering a refreshing change in the Champions League landscape.

PSG, under Luis Enrique, have transformed from a star-studded ensemble to a cohesive unit, emphasizing teamwork over individual brilliance.

Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, return to the final after a dramatic 7–6 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the semi-finals, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen.

It’s a new format for the Champions League and a return for free-flowing football. This final ushers in a new era where attacking football is more direct than the Guardiola-inspired possession football. It’s a final we didn’t know we needed.

Where the Chaos Might Erupt

PSG’s Pressing

While PSG have shown improved cohesion, their vulnerability under high pressing remains a concern. Inter’s midfield trio, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, are adept at disrupting build-up play, potentially forcing errors in PSG's defensive third.

Inter’s Conundrum

Inter’s defensive solidity is notable, but they could be susceptible to rapid attacks by PSG’s pacey forwards, Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. A misplaced pass or overcommitment in attack could leave them exposed. If they choose to sit deep, PSG’s relentless pressing and a more youthful midfield could create problems for them.

Set-Piece Shenanigans

A poorly defended corner or free-kick could lead to unexpected goals, adding to the match's unpredictability.

Moments to Watch for Maximum Entertainment

Goalkeeper Gaffes

Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) and Yann Sommer (Inter) are top-class and are nearly faultless in goal, but under the pressure of a final, even the best can falter. A misjudged cross or a misplaced pass could provide comedic relief.

Celebration Misfires

Overzealous goal celebrations have backfired before. Keep an eye out for any premature celebrations that might be followed by VAR interventions.

Managerial Meltdowns

Luis Enrique and Simone Inzaghi are known for their passionate touchline antics. A contentious decision or a missed opportunity could lead to animated reactions worth watching.

*For the Fans Who Just Want Drama*

If you're tuning in not for the love of the game but for the love of drama:

Root for Extra Time (with plenty goals...)

The longer the match, the higher the chances of fatigue-induced errors and unexpected twists.

Hope for Penalties

Nothing beats the tension of a penalty shootout, especially when players known for their composure step up.

Cheer for the Underdog Moments

An unexpected goal from a defender or a last-minute equalizer can turn the game on its head.

Football’s Best Plot Twist is Happening

The match kicks off at 8 PM on Saturday on SuperSport. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just here for the drama, the 2025 Champions League Final promises to deliver moments worth remembering, for better or worse.

Let’s be honest, football is about glory. Tactics are nice, skills are great, but at the end of the day, fans want their teams lifting trophies. Some English clubs have mastered the art of winning so well, they’ve turned silverware into a tradition.

So who’s really running the trophy table in English football history? We’re not counting glorified friendlies like the Community Shield or random intercontinental showpieces. This list is based on major trophies: Premier League/First Division, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Cup Winners’ Cup, and the Conference League.

Here’s how the true giants stack up:

1. Liverpool – 47 Major Trophies
From the glory days of the '70s and '80s to their 21st-century revival, Liverpool are the kings of English football silverware. The Jurgen Klopp era brought back the spark, and with the 2024/25 English Premier League title added by Arne Slot, they now sit on the throne with 47 major honours.

2. Manchester United – 44 Major Trophies
United fans will forever sing Sir Alex Ferguson’s name, and rightly so. The bulk of their glory came under his reign, with 13 Premier League titles alone. They’ve slowed down a bit recently, but the 2024 FA Cup win over City proved they’re still in the mix.

3. Arsenal – 30 Major Trophies
Remember the Invincibles? That was the last time Arsenal won the league, but they've remained FA Cup specialists since. Arteta added a modern twist to their tradition of success, bringing home silverware and belief.

4. Manchester City – 27 Major Trophies
City were once the noisy neighbours, now they’re the landlords. The Pep Guardiola era has delivered Premier League dominance, a historic treble in 2023, and their first-ever UEFA Champions League. They’re hunting Arsenal’s spot, and with their momentum, don’t bet against it.

5. Chelsea – 25 Major Trophies
Money met ambition at Stamford Bridge in 2003, and the rest is history. Chelsea became serial winners, with multiple league titles, two Champions Leagues, and domestic cups to show. No one builds a trophy cabinet without some blue in it.

6. Aston Villa – 20 Major Trophies
Villa might not dominate today’s headlines, but their legacy is rich. A European Cup win in 1982 and a stack of league and FA Cup titles prove they're no minnows.

7. Tottenham Hotspur – 18 Major Trophies
Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought in 2025 with a Europa League triumph. For a club often joked about, they’ve still done better than most. Just not Arsenal.

8. Everton – 15 Major Trophies
It’s been a while since Everton won something meaningful (hello, 1995 FA Cup), but their early history was stacked with silverware. Their place in the top 10 remains firm.

9. Newcastle United – 11 Major Trophies
Newcastle broke a seven-decade curse by winning the Carabao Cup in 2025. With ambition, a growing squad, and solid investment, they could climb this list quickly.

10. Blackburn Rovers – 10 Major Trophies
Yes, Blackburn. They gave us a Premier League fairy tale in 1995. Their trophy count may not be rising now, but they earned their place with early and mid-20th-century success.

History has a way of repeating itself, and successful clubs often know how to edge tight games and go all the way.