₦airaland Forum

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, today, Thursday, June 11, received Nigerian-British actor, director, and producer David Oyelowo on a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the meeting featured a warm and engaging conversation centered on the creative industry, storytelling, and the growing opportunities within Lagos State’s entertainment and innovation ecosystem.

According to him, discussions highlighted the city’s continued emergence as a leading hub for talent development, cultural expression, and creative enterprise in Africa.>>>>>>https://thependulumnews.com/sanwo-olu-hosts-david-oyelowo-in-lagos-discusses-creative-industry-and-storytelling-opportunities/

Nestoil Limited founder Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi owns a $3.9 million (N6.3 billion) residential estate in Houston, Texas, acquired in October 2011, the same year his companies drew down a combined $700 million in Nigerian bank financing, according to property documents obtained and published by investigative publication Secret Reporters.

The property, located at 11703 Bistro Lane within the Royal Oaks Country Club enclave in Houston, is a 10,894-square-foot two-story residence on 0.41 acres, featuring five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an elevator, a private pool, a game room, an outdoor kitchen and a four-car garage. A warranty deed obtained by Secret Reporters records that Azudialu Ernest Obiejesi and his wife Obiejesi Maryann, also known as Nnenna Obiejesi, took possession of the property on October 31, 2011.>>>>>https://thependulumnews.com/revealed-how-nestoil-founder-ernest-azudialu-acquired-a-3-9m-houston-mansion-while-his-companies-owed-nigerian-banks-700m/

Roger Thompson Brown, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat Energy Plc served as the CEO for only 6 years. He officially assumed the role of CEO on August 1, 2020 (succeeding the company’s founding CEO, Austin Avuru) and will step down and retire from the board on July 31, 2026.

Before taking over as Seplat’s top executive, he served as Seplat’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for about 7 years.

While Roger Brown’s tenure lasted for only 6 years, that of Austin Avuru was for exactly 10 years.>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/why-roger-thompson-brown-lasted-for-only-6-years-as-seplat-ceo/

For many Africans living in the diaspora, culture often becomes more than tradition. It becomes memory, comfort, and belonging

For UK-based cultural storyteller, creative curator, and co-founder of Odyssey Media House, GbolaJesu Amusa, creating those emotionally meaningful experiences has quietly become part of her life’s work.

Through storytelling-led campaigns, cultural programming, youth-focused initiatives, and community-centred experiences, GbolaJesu has built a body of work rooted in one belief: people connect more deeply when stories are experienced collectively.

“I’ve always believed stories shape identity,” she explains. “They influence belonging, connection, and how people understand themselves and others.”

That understanding has guided much of her creative journey.

One of the clearest examples of this was the Bradford African Festival of Arts (BAFA), a large-scale celebration designed to amplify African creativity, heritage, and community participation.

As Media Lead, GbolaJesu helped shape the festival’s storytelling direction across both digital and physical experiences, with a deep focus on representation and atmosphere.

READ MORE HERE>>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/gbolajesu-amusa-redefines-human-connection-through-storytelling-culture-and-creative-experiences/

Recently, FirstBank in partnership with Visa, launched the Visa Signature card in Nigeria, a premium offering tailored for affluent customers seeking global travel privileges, lifestyle benefits, and exclusive merchant deals. This card is positioned as a strategic expansion of FirstBank’s premium portfolio, targeting executives, entrepreneurs, and frequent international travelers.

Visa Signature unlocks exclusive privileges for customers including lifestyle rewards and seamless access across Visa’s worldwide network, redefining what it means to bank with prestige.

What Makes Visa Signature Card Stand Out?

Multi-currency functionality: Make payments from your Naira, Dollar, Euro, Pounds account with just one card
Global travel privileges: Access to preferential rates, priority services, and premium experiences across hotels, airlines, and destinations worldwide.
Worldwide acceptance: Seamless transactions across Visa’s global network, whether in Lagos, New York, London, Dubai or anywhere in the world.
Premium merchant offers: Discounts and exclusive deals at select partner outlets.
Cross-border support: Designed for both domestic and international payments, ensuring convenience for globally connected Nigerians.

READ MORE>>> https://thependulumnews.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-visa-signature-card-by-firstbank/

Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance group, has announced the launch of its multi-language generative AI assistant, Prince AI, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation journey and reinforcing its commitment to making insurance simple, accessible, and inclusive.

The launch comes as the Group approaches its fifth anniversary, highlighting five years of redefining insurance through innovation, customer-centricity, and technology-driven solutions.

With Prince AI, Heirs Insurance becomes the first insurer in Nigeria to deploy a multi-language generative AI assistant, setting a new benchmark for customer engagement in the industry. The AI-powered assistant delivers instant, intelligent responses not only to customer requests about Heirs Insurance products, but also to broader insurance enquiries, helping users understand coverage options, assess their needs, and identify the right policies for their unique situations.

Built with accessibility at its core, Prince communicates fluently in multiple local and international languages, including English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and many more, breaking down language barriers and enabling more customers to engage confidently with insurance in the language they understand best.

READ MORE>>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/heirs-insurance-unveils-nigerias-first-multi-language-genai-assistant-to-drive-africas-insurance-innovation/

Dr. Oluwafikayo Adeyemi-Benson, also known as Fikayo Benson, a medical practitioner and philanthropist, is providing free healthcare services to underserved communities in Osun State and other parts of the country through targeted outreach programmes and medical support initiatives.

Benson, through the Benson Adeyemi Foundation (BAF), has organised medical outreaches where residents receive free check-ups, consultations, and medications. The interventions aim to address limited access to healthcare, particularly among vulnerable populations who cannot afford basic medical services.

READ MORE: https://thependulumnews.com/fikayo-benson-provides-lifeline-through-free-medical-outreaches/

Checkout full list of 12th AMVCA 2026 winners as Linda Ejiofor, Bucci Franklin, Uzor Arukwe, and other stars win big at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards held on Saturday at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Pendulum News reports that the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) delivered another unforgettable night of glamour, emotional speeches, and major wins as some of Africa’s biggest movie stars gathered in Lagos to celebrate excellence in film and television. This year’s ceremony saw standout performances rewarded, with Linda Ejiofor, Bucci Franklin, and Uzor Arukwe emerging among the night’s biggest winners.

https://thependulumnews.com/amvca-2026-winners-linda-ejiofor-bucci-franklin-uzor-arukwe-shine-as-funke-akindele-loses/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fined financial giant, Access Bank, the sum of N35 Million for “anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing (aml/cft/cpf) risk-based examination for the period May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.”

READ MORE: https://thependulumnews.com/cbn-fines-access-bank-n35-million-for-anti-money-laundering-terrorism-financing-violations/

Access Bank, a subsidiary of Access Holdings chaired by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, recorded losses of ₦1.236 billion due to fraud in 2025, despite a decline in overall fraud cases compared to the previous year.

According to the Access Bank’s audited full-year 2025 financial results released a few days ago, the financial institution recorded 5,981 successful fraud incidents in 2025 alone, with N3.17 billion involved. However, the actual loss was N1.236 billion.

The single largest category was fraudulent account transfers, which alone accounted for N587.8 million in confirmed losses.

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄.....https://thependulumnews.com/fraud-hits-access-bank-hard-as-lender-loses-n1-23bn-in-nearly-6000-cases/

As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with calculation, quiet alliances, and subtle repositioning. What is unfolding is not just another electoral cycle—it is a contest that will test the durability of the country’s democracy, the strength of its institutions, and the patience of its citizens.

At the centre of the unfolding drama is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration will be seeking re-election amid mixed public sentiment. His government’s early economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have reshaped Nigeria’s fiscal direction, but also triggered inflationary pressures that continue to bite. For many Nigerians, the 2027 vote may well become a referendum on whether the pain of reform has translated into tangible progress.

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄: https://thependulumnews.com/nigerias-2027-elections-power-pressure-and-the-politics-of-survival/

Wema Bank Plc is celebrating the 9th anniversary of ALAT by Wema, Africa’s first fully digital bank, marking nine years of transforming how Nigerians experience banking.

Launched in 2017, ALAT by Wema was introduced as a bold response to the limitations of traditional banking, long queues, physical barriers, and slow processes. By eliminating these constraints, Wema Bank redefined banking as a fully digital, instant, and accessible experience, enabling customers to open accounts, transact, and manage their finances seamlessly from anywhere.

Over the past nine years, ALAT has evolved beyond convenience into a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of individuals, businesses, and a new generation of financially aware users. From enabling structured savings through features like ALAT Goals to simplifying payments and expanding access to financial services, the platform has consistently delivered solutions that empower users and drive financial inclusion at scale.

https://thependulumnews.com/alat-at-9-wema-bank-celebrates-nine-years-of-redefining-digital-banking-in-nigeria/

A Nigerian boxing event headlined by the bout between Agbaje and Tosin took a dramatic turn on Saturday night as Agbaje was presented with a special honour, the “Omo Lile Belt,” following the conclusion of the fight.

The event, which attracted significant attention due to the build-up between both fighters, featured an intense contest that kept fans engaged throughout. However, the post-fight ceremony became the focal point of the night.

Nigerian entertainment entrepreneur and Web3 innovator Ogegbo Babajide, popularly known as “Locomotive,” presented Agbaje with the custom-designed belt immediately after the main event.

The “Omo Lile Belt,” created by Blackadudu Africa, was introduced as a symbolic award recognising resilience, dominance, and street credibility within Nigeria’s growing combat sports scene.

https://thependulumnews.com/locomotive-elevates-nigerian-boxing-entertainment-honours-agbaje-with-exclusive-omo-lile-belt/

A Nigerian property subscriber, Precious Nwankwo, has narrated to The Pendulum News his prolonged and frustrating experience with RevolutionPlus Property, raising fresh concerns about customer relations and accountability in the real estate sector.

Precious Nwankwo, who invested in a promotional offer by RevolutionPlus Property in 2021, said the deal—marketed as “buy two, get one free”—initially secured him three plots of land. However, the transaction soon took a different turn when the company allegedly introduced additional requirements not captured in the original agreement.

According to him, RevolutionPlus Property later insisted that allocation could not proceed without extra payments for documentation, a condition precious declined. He claimed he was subsequently told to forfeit two plots to process the documentation and secure allocation for just one.

In a bid to salvage the investment, Precious agreed to the new terms. Despite this concession, he alleged that the company still failed to allocate even a single plot.

READ MORE HERE>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/fresh-trouble-for-revolutionplus-as-customer-alleges-deception-refund-neglect/

The Pendulum News reports that former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has commended the peaceful conduct of elections in the Republic of Benin, contrasting it with Nigeria’s electoral experience.

In a post shared on his social media platform, Shehu Sani highlighted the calm and orderly nature of Benin’s election, noting the absence of violence, threats, and post-election disputes.

According to him, the process produced a winner without rancour, with no reports of ballot-related controversies, voter inducement, or legal battles challenging the outcome.

https://thependulumnews.com/nigeria-other-african-countries-should-learn-from-benin-republic-election-shehu-sani/

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that the state’s iconic tourist attraction, Olumo Rock, has witnessed significant growth in revenue under his administration.

The Pendulum News reports that Dapo Abiodun stated this via a now viral video sighted on his official X handle.

The Governor revealed that the historic site previously generated between ₦3 million and ₦4 million annually before his government took office. He noted that strategic reforms and investments have since transformed the site into a more viable economic asset for the state.

READ MORE>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/video-gov-dapo-abiodun-highlights-revenue-growth-of-olumo-rock/

The Federal High Court has granted bail to Nigerian billionaire and Chairman of Blord Group, Linus Williams, popularly known as B Lord, following his recent arrest by the Nigeria Police Force.

B Lord, who had been in police custody after a high-profile arrest by the force’s cybercrime unit in Abuja, was granted bail on self-recognisance, allowing him to regain freedom pending the continuation of his trial.

The development was confirmed by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who disclosed that the court imposed specific conditions to ensure Williams’ compliance with legal proceedings.

READ MORE>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/breaking-court-grants-b-lord-bail-orders-him-to-surrender-passport/

Iyabo Obasanjo has suspended her bid for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election following the emergence of Solomon Adeola as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Monday, Iyabo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said her decision was influenced by the party’s endorsement of Adeola.

She congratulated the senator on his emergence and expressed gratitude to party leaders for the opportunity to participate in the selection process.

“I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process,” she said.>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/iyabo-obasanjo-withdraws-from-ogun-governorship-race-2027-after-apc-endorses-solomon-adeola/

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has conferred a Fellowship Award on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, at a special convocation held at the Sir Kensington Adebutu Media Resource Centre in Lagos State.

The ceremony featured a formal declaration by the chairman of the occasion and former governor of Osun State, Olusegun Osoba, who described the honour as a recognition of excellence and service.

In his remarks, the Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, highlighted the institute’s commitment to training future media professionals, noting that the award reflects “a celebration of impact and dedication to national development.”


READ MORE>>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/nij-confers-fellowship-honour-on-customs-cg-bashir-adeniyi/

Iyabo Obasanjo has suspended her bid for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election following the emergence of Solomon Adeola as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Monday, Iyabo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said her decision was influenced by the party’s endorsement of Adeola.

She congratulated the senator on his emergence and expressed gratitude to party leaders for the opportunity to participate in the selection process.

“I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process,” she said.>>>>> https://thependulumnews.com/iyabo-obasanjo-withdraws-from-ogun-governorship-race-2027-after-apc-endorses-solomon-adeola/

Recently, the parking rate at the Multi-Storey Car Park at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) and managed by Balosh, was arbitrarily increased. Overnight parking, which used to be six thousand naira (N6,000) only, was increased to fifty thousand naira (N50,000) only. What is the mathematical rationale for this type of increase?

In 2021, Balosh, the company managing the toll system within the airport, was engaged by the Lagos State Government and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and it almost resorted into a crisis within the hospital premises because one would not be able to explain the rationale for having a patient in the hospital, and one would be charged for car park.

Nigerians are unable to commute by road, train, or even the waterways. Despite the rising cost of all modes of commuting, one is now confronted with an unjustified increase in airport parking rates.

READ MORE HERE>>>>>https://thependulumnews.com/economic-insensitivity-the-arbitrary-spike-in-the-parking-rate-at-mm2/

The Lagos State Government has sealed an Access Bank branch in Victoria Island over alleged environmental violations and an attack on its enforcement officers.

This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, following an inspection of the bank’s facility in Oniru.

According to Wahab, the action was triggered by a whistleblower complaint, which prompted officials of the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office to investigate the premises.

“Following a whistleblower complaint, I directed the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office team to visit the Access Bank Plc building at Oniru, Victoria Island,” the statement read.

He said the inspection revealed that the facility’s wastewater treatment system was not functioning, leading to environmental pollution.

“It was discovered that the wastewater treatment plant at the facility was non-functional, resulting in the discharge of untreated faecal matter into the public drainage system and causing severe damage to the environment,” he stated.

The commissioner further alleged that enforcement officers were resisted during the operation.

“During the enforcement visit, officials of LSWMO were denied access to seal the facility. Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team,” he added.

Wahab said samples taken from the site confirmed the environmental breach.

“The LSWMO team has taken samples of the effluent being discharged from the premises for laboratory analysis and result of test came back positive,” he said.

He added that the state would pursue legal action against those involved in the incident.

“The State will also proceed to court to obtain the necessary orders for the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties,” the statement noted.

The commissioner stressed that the government would strictly enforce environmental regulations across the state.

“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he added.


https://punchng.com/lagos-seals-access-bank-branch-over-environmental-violations-threatens-legal-action/

WeSpare, a Nigerian digital savings startup has announced plans to revolutionise the informal savings sector of the economy.

Announcing its plans via a statement to The Pendulum News, WeSpare said it is betting that predictability can modernise one of the country’s oldest financial traditions, maintaining that the platform promises members of its digital 'ajo' circles that their payouts will arrive exactly on schedule, every time.

The Co-founder of WeSpare, Riquiel Keudem, said, "people already had a system that worked, adding that what often broke was the coordination required to keep everyone contributing on time.

READ FULL STORY: https://thependulumnews.com/wespare-moves-to-revolutionise-nigerias-informal-savings-industry/

Veteran Nollywood actress and evangelist, Dr. Eucharia Anunobi, has opened up about the emotional realities behind celebrity life, revealing that fame often hides deep personal pain and difficult experiences.

Speaking during a candid conversation on the The Honest Bunch Podcast, Eucharia Anunobi reflected on her journey in the Nigerian film industry, personal trials, and the role faith has played in shaping her life.

READ FULL STORY HERE......... https://thependulumnews.com/eucharia-anunobi-opens-up-on-pain-behind-fame-in-emotional-podcast-interview/

A Nigerian journalist, Ridwan Yusuf, has accused a popular Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), Fidelity Pension Managers Limited, of facilitating illegality and unethical practices.

Yusuf explained that he first opened a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) with Fidelity Pension Managers in 2017 after securing a job with a financial institution through ICS Outsourcing Limited in Ilupeju, Lagos. However, in 2019, an acquaintance who worked as a marketer with NLPC Pension Fund Administrators Limited assisted him in opening another RSA with the company. As a result, he inadvertently operated more than one RSA.


https://thependulumnews.com/how-fidelity-pension-managers-is-facilitating-illegality-unethical-practice/

The Lagos State University (LASU) management has prohibited the School of Part-Time Studies (SPTS) students from engaging or belonging to any form of unionism in the institution.

The SPTS Director, Prof. Oluwatobi Pemede, announced this while speaking at the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of part-time students held at the LASU main campus in the Ojo area of Lagos State on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Pemede, who was represented at the event by the SPTS Assistant Director, Dr Oluwaseun Babalola, said the institution would not condone any act of misconduct from them.#


https://thependulumnews.com/why-lasu-banned-part-time-students-from-unionism/

In legislative politics, not all representatives are created equal. Some merely occupy seats; others shape conversations, influence outcomes, and leave visible footprints in the lives of their people. Since 2019, Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I has belonged firmly to the latter category, thanks to the emergence of Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, fondly known as JAH, as its representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

As a journalist who has covered proceedings of the Lagos Assembly consistently since 2015, I have witnessed first-hand how representation can either fade into the normal routine or rise into relevance. The entry of Hon. Adedeji into the Assembly marked a clear turning point—not only for Ifako-Ijaiye, but for the quality of debate, advocacy, and people-focused legislation within the House.

On the floor of the Assembly, Hon. Adedeji stands out as one of the lawmakers journalists naturally gravitate towards. His interventions during plenary sessions are deliberate, articulate, and deeply rooted in public interest and knowledge. In the 40-member House, he is widely regarded as one of the top five lawmakers whose contributions command attention, not because of theatrics, but due to his clarity of thought, persuasive delivery, and uncommon mastery of issues. When JAH speaks, the chamber listens—and the press takes notes.

Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi has formally assumed office as Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Electrical Engineers (NIEE), administering the oath of office to newly elected executive committee members and pledging to strengthen the institute’s role in advancing electrical engineering practice.

The inauguration ceremony themed “Engineering Sustainable Nigeria,” brought together top engineers, government officials and academics, stakeholders of the institute amongst others. It also marked the official commencement of a new leadership tenure, with Umekesiobi emphasizing professionalism, collaboration, and commitment to the institute’s objectives.

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo has issued arrest warrants against United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and four of its senior officials over allegations bordering on the illegal operation and maintenance of bank accounts in the names of the 30 local government councils in Osun State.

The case, Suit No. MOS/601c/2025 , was instituted by the Osun State Government and was heard on Friday at the Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo.

In a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order titled“Warrant for Arrest of Defendant Who Has Disobeyed Summons (General Title – Form No. 1)”, the court directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to immediately apprehend the defendants for failing to honour court summons.

http://thependulumnews.com/court-orders-arrest-of-uba-top-executives-over-alleged-illegal-lg-accounts-operation/

Complaints against Access Bank have surfaced on social media following allegations by customers over unresolved transactions and unauthorized debits. The incidents have raised concerns about dispute resolution timelines and customer service responsiveness in Nigeria’s banking sector.

One of the Access Bank complaints was raised by a customer identified as Ahmed, who alleged that a ₦230,000 transfer from his Access Bank account to his Flex Naira wallet has remained unresolved for over a year.

In a message shared publicly on social media, Ahmed stated: “Hello @myaccessbank, a ₦230,000 transfer from Access Bank to my Flex Naira on Feb 10th last year has remained unresolved for over a year, despite multiple emails and messages. I’d appreciate an urgent response.”

https://thependulumnews.com/access-bank-faces-backlash-over-alleged-unauthorized-%e2%82%a6230000-debit/

A top official of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) has been sentenced to a cumulative forty (40) years’ imprisonment for corruption-related offences involving the misappropriation of public funds, in a judgment that has sent shockwaves through Sierra Leone’s banking and corporate sectors.

The conviction was handed down on Monday, 19 January 2026, by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Freetown. The ruling was delivered by Honourable Justice Aiah Simeon Allieu, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, sitting at the Main Law Courts Building.

The convict, Fredrick Caulker, was until his arrest the Head of Operations at UBA, one of Sierra Leone’s leading commercial banks. His conviction has raised serious concerns about internal controls, ethical standards, and compliance mechanisms within major financial institutions.

https://thependulumnews.com/uba-top-staff-sentenced-to-40-years-jail-term-for-public-fund-theft/