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UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

Lukman Omikunle
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UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

NEC invites senior secondary school students across Nigeria to share their thoughts on the theme: “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions

UBA Foundation Unveils 2025 Essay Competition Offering Over N18m in Prizes and Scholarships

Now in its 15th consecutive year, the NEC invites senior secondary school students across Nigeria to share their thoughts on the theme: “Nigeria is characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religions. How can young Nigerians deploy diversity to build a united nation?” Students are required to research thoroughly, get their ideas together, write their essays, and submit the scanned copies of their entries through the digital portal on or before Friday, October 17, 2025

The topic has been carefully chosen to encourage participants to put on their thinking caps, as they examine how the country’s diversity can be utilised as a tool for nation-building, unity, and long-term development, while also rekindling the dwindling reading culture amongst the youth.

Over the years, the NEC has become one of the Foundation’s flagship education initiatives, designed to inspire critical thinking, foster a vibrant reading culture, and empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of the nation through reading and writing.

To also deepen its longstanding commitment to education and youth development, the foundation announced a significant increase in its educational grants, with the first-place winner receiving a university grant of N10 million to study at any African university of their choice, This amount represents a rise by 33% compared to the N7.5m winning prize last year, while the second-place and third-place winners will be awarded N7.5 million and N5 million grants, respectively up from N5m and N3.5m won last year.

The Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, who underscored the significance of the initiative, noted that young minds have a vital role to play in fostering national cohesion, particularly at a time when unity is most needed in the country.

“For well over a decade, the National Essay Competition has provided a vital platform for our secondary school students to express their ideas and showcase their intellectual prowess. Infact, parents and pupils have come to look forward to the NEC as they keep calling to ask about the commencement,” Atta said

According to her, “This year’s topic is particularly crucial as it tasks them to look at our country’s greatest asset which is our diversity, and devise ways to leverage it for unity, growth, and national development. We believe the young minds of today hold the key to a more harmonious and prosperous Nigeria.”

To be eligible to participate, applicants must be Nigerian senior secondary school students with interested candidates required to complete the online application form, upload a handwritten essay of no more than 750 words on the given topic, attach a recent passport photograph, and provide a valid birth certificate, National ID card, or international passport.

The deadline for submission of entries is Friday, October 17th, 2025, and applications can be accessed and submitted through the Foundation’s official website ubagroup.com/uba-foundation/national-essay-competition/, or by scanning the QR code available on the posters and websites.

The NEC has been rolled out in other African countries where UBA operates, in order to open up the opportunity for more African children to benefit from the educational grants.

UBA Foundation embodies the UBA Group’s CSR objectives and seeks to impact positively societies through several laudable projects and initiatives. Through its Education pillar, the Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of books to students across Africa under the ‘Read Africa’ initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting the reading culture in African youths. Its National Essay Competition has also afforded the opportunity to hundreds of students to improve their lives through higher education. Read More

Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

Lukman Omikunle
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Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

By Lukman Omikunle

Senator Daniel’s homage carried deeper significance, underscoring the enduring friendship and respect between the two elder statesmen. Their shared past as governors has now transformed into mutual admiration as Ladoja prepares to ascend the revered throne of Ibadanland

l-r: Olubadan-Elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja with Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel

Senator Gbenga Daniel Leads Ogun East Delegation to Olubadan-Elect, Rashidi Ladoja, Rekindles Bond [Photos]

Ibadan, Oyo State – Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Monday led a powerful delegation from his senatorial district to pay homage to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in a visit that highlighted their long-standing personal and political bond.

Daniel, who served as Ogun State governor between 2003 and 2011, was received with warmth at Oba Ladoja’s Bodija residence, joining a stream of dignitaries who have thronged Ibadan to honour the new monarch-in-waiting.

The senator described Ladoja as more than just a political ally, recalling their time as governors of Ogun and Oyo States respectively, when both worked closely together on issues of governance and economic growth.

“Among the five governors elected in the South-West at the time, Ladoja and I shared cooperative backgrounds. He is a great politician, a great businessman, a shipowner, and a great governor,” Daniel said.

He further recalled how Ladoja’s input during Nigeria’s banking reforms led to Wema Bank’s transformation into a national bank—an example he cited as proof of the monarch-elect’s business acumen.

Clearly moved by the stream of high-profile visits, Oba Ladoja told Daniel and his entourage, “You should all pray for me because I’m overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who have been coming to pay homage across Nigeria.”

The Ogun East delegation included notable political leaders such as Akogun Kola Onadipe (former Ogun Commissioner representing the Joint Initiative Forum), Abagun Kole Omololu (representing Pa Fasoranti of Afenifere), Otunba Korede Okusanya, and Olotu.

Earlier that day, former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, now ADC’s National Secretary, also paid homage. Mimiko praised Ladoja’s “impressive feats” while Aregbesola stressed their visit was “purely ceremonial,” noting Ladoja’s seniority and stature.

Senator Daniel’s homage carried deeper significance, underscoring the enduring friendship and respect between the two elder statesmen. Their shared past as governors has now transformed into mutual admiration as Ladoja prepares to ascend the revered throne of Ibadanland. Read More

Alleged N500m Fraud: Court Denies Bail to UK-Based Nigerian Businesswoman

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Alleged N500m Fraud: Court Denies Bail to UK-Based Nigerian Businesswoman

Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has refused bail for UK-based Nigerian businesswoman Aminah Momoh-Orimoloye, accused by the EFCC of involvement in a N500m forex fraud

Alleged N500m Fraud: Court Denies Bail to UK-Based Nigerian Businesswoman

Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has refused the bail application of Aminah Momoh-Orimoloye, a UK-based Nigerian businesswoman, currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a ₦500 million fraud.

Momoh-Orimoloye, who is the Coordinator of the Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in Livestock Agriculture (EEWYLA) and founder of Oriyon International Limited, had filed suit number FHC/L/1741/2025, asking the court to order the EFCC to release her.

Through her counsel, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), she sought bail pending the conclusion of investigations or, alternatively, an order directing the EFCC to charge her to court without further delay. She argued that her continued detention since August 5, 2025, without arraignment, violated her fundamental rights.

In a 13-paragraph affidavit, her legal team alleged that she was subjected to “deplorable conditions, mental harassment, intimidation, and denial of adequate medical care.” They further faulted the bail terms set by the EFCC, which required her to produce two sureties who must be civil service directors and owners of landed property in Lagos State.

According to her, Deputy Registrars of higher institutions presented as sureties were unfairly rejected by the commission.

The EFCC, in a counter-affidavit sworn by investigator John Justice and argued by counsel Suleiman I. Suleiman, opposed the application. The agency alleged that Momoh-Orimoloye was implicated in a foreign exchange scam exceeding ₦1.6 billion, out of which ₦500 million belonging to a complainant was diverted.

The anti-graft agency argued that, She is a flight risk since she resides abroad.

  • The sureties presented were unreliable, with some providing false information during verification.
  • Contrary to her claims, she is kept under humane conditions, allowed medical checks, and permitted to exchange foreign currency and receive food from visitors.

In his ruling, Justice Kakaki held that the EFCC was not in breach of her rights since she had already been granted administrative bail, which she failed to perfect.

“Failure of the applicant to present reliable sureties should not be visited on the EFCC. Having been granted bail, the proper thing for her is to fulfill the terms,” the judge ruled.

The court consequently dismissed the application, declaring,

“The present application, as constituted, is hereby refused.”

MSME Boost: Fidelity Bank Kicks Off Disbursement of FG Intervention Funds

Lukman Omikunle
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MSME Boost: Fidelity Bank Kicks Off Disbursement of FG Intervention Funds

Fidelity Bank Plc has begun disbursing the Federal Government of Nigeria’s MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry, to support qualified SMEs, especially women-owned businesses, across the country

Fidelity Bank

MSME Boost: Fidelity Bank Kicks Off Disbursement of FG Intervention Funds

Tier One Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has commenced the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), to qualified SMES with a strategic focus on empowering women-owned businesses across the country.

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund is designed to provide accessible financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all 36 states of the federation. The intervention aligns with Fidelity Bank’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and its long-standing support for Nigeria’s SME sector.

In this phase of the disbursement, the bank is prioritizing women entrepreneurs, reinforcing its belief in the catalytic role of women-led enterprises in driving sustainable development and job creation.

Speaking on the development, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc, said, “As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention. For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”

Fidelity Bank has also put in place a robust structure to ensure seamless onboarding and fund disbursement.

Leveraging its nationwide branch network, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers, the bank is poised to reach and support entrepreneurs across urban and rural communities.

The bank’s emergence as a critical player in the disbursement of the FGN MSME intervention Fund strongly aligns with its ongoing initiatives as the leading supporter of SMEs in Nigeria. Recently, the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) was launched at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos. This flagship initiative provided 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, receipt printers, barcode scanners, inventory support, bookkeeping and branding training, three-day masterclasses, and six months of post-installation monitoring—all at no cost.

Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity Bank also signed an MoU with SMEDAN, Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, to deliver SME-friendly low-interest financing, capacity-building support, and market access for SMEs referred under the agreement.

“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market access. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion”, Ede added.

The FGN MSME Intervention Fund will further advance the bank’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises by expanding access to affordable financing and strategic support. Through this fund, Fidelity Bank aims to deepen its impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, fostering sustainable growth, job creation, and economic resilience across the country.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Read More

2027: Abiodun’s Power of Incumbency Won’t Stop Gbenga Daniel’s Return to Senate – Oliyide

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2027: Abiodun’s Power of Incumbency Won’t Stop Gbenga Daniel’s Return to Senate – Oliyide

Senator Gbenga Daniel’s aide, Steve Oliyide, insists Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incumbency power cannot stop Daniel’s 2027 Senate return, stressing only Ogun East voters hold that mandate

Senator (Otunba) Gbenga Daniel

2027: Abiodun’s Power of Incumbency Won’t Stop Gbenga Daniel’s Return to Senate – Oliyide

The Media Aide to Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East), Mr. Steve Oliyide, has declared that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incumbency power cannot prevent his principal from returning to the Senate in 2027.

Speaking during a radio programme hosted by veteran broadcaster Dele Ayodo, Oliyide insisted that only the people of Ogun East Senatorial District will decide Daniel’s political fate, not gubernatorial influence.

“Neither the power of incumbency nor the position of Governor Abiodun can stop Senator Daniel. The people he has diligently served will speak for him in 2027,” Oliyide said confidently.

Daniel’s Legislative Track Record

Highlighting Daniel’s performance since assuming office, Oliyide noted that the senator has sponsored 19 bills and three motions in less than two years, while executing projects based on comprehensive needs assessments across Ogun East.

Abiodun vs Daniel: A Lingering Rivalry

Oliyide also dismissed speculations that Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel enjoy a cordial political friendship, describing such claims as “false.”

He traced their strained relationship back to the 2003 PDP governorship primaries, where Daniel defeated Abiodun and 15 other aspirants to clinch the ticket.

“There is a wrong public perception that Governor Abiodun and Senator Daniel are friends. That is not true. The root of their strained relationship dates back to 2003,” Oliyide explained.

He recalled that Abiodun, who finished second, allegedly never recovered from the loss. According to him, the rivalry was further fuelled by ethnic sentiments within Ogun politics, with many believing that an Ijebu man (Daniel) should not take what was perceived as a Remo slot.

“OGD shocked everyone by winning outright, crossing the 50% mark and avoiding a re-run, which could have favoured Abiodun,” Oliyide recalled.

Party Loyalty and 2027 Prospects

Addressing recent rumours of Senator Daniel’s possible suspension from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oliyide dismissed the claims as baseless, linking them to a misleading social media post.

“Under no circumstance will anybody push him out of the APC. The Senator is fully in the party, working for the people, and focused on his legislative duties,” Oliyide affirmed.

The aide emphasised that Senator Daniel remains a committed member of the ruling party and is determined to continue serving Ogun East with dedication. Read More

Our Refinery Ended 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria, Creating Jobs, Driving Africa’s Industrialisation – Dangote Refinery

Lukman Omikunle
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Our Refinery Ended 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria, Creating Jobs, Driving Africa’s Industrialisation – Dangote Refinery

Aliko Dangote says his refinery has ended Nigeria’s 50-year fuel queues, cut petrol prices, created thousands of jobs, and is driving Africa’s industrialisation by reducing imports

newsheadline247/ Dangote Compressed  Natural gas, CNG trucks Loading with PMS at Dangote Petroleum Refinery Gantry; at the Dangote;Unveiling of the Trucks for free logistics for Distribution scheme and one year of fuel roll out at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Lekki Lagos on Monday 15, September 2025.

Our Refinery Ended 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria, Creating Jobs, Driving Africa’s Industrialisation – Dangote Refinery

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.

Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975. However, this issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery commenced production on 3rd September 2024.

“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.

Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.

newsheadline247/ L-R, Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Sayyu Dantata; President / CE, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko; Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited Devakumar Edwin;
at the Dangote;Unveiling of the Trucks for free logistics for Distribution scheme and one year of fuel roll out at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Lekki Lagos on Monday 15, September 2025. newsheadline247

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk. He received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertook such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.

He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.  He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said. “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”

Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development. Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies. Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy. My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty. Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said

He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.

Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.

He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.

Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser. These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.

“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support. In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon. He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure. Read More

Is Pan African Towers up for grabs? Nigeria’s telecom star faces sale rumours

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Is Pan African Towers up for grabs? Nigeria’s telecom star faces sale rumours

Pan African Towers (PAT), the local leader that has been building digital bridges since 2017, may be up for auction

Is Pan African Towers up for grabs? Nigeria’s telecom star faces sale rumours

Whispers are rippling through Nigeria’s telecom scene: Pan African Towers (PAT), the homegrown heavyweight that’s been building digital bridges since 2017, might be on the auction block.

Sources close to the deal, speaking off the record to Freelanews, say the company’s private equity owners; Development Partners International (DPI) and Verod Capital, are quietly shopping it around, looking to cash in on PAT’s clout in a market desperate for more cell towers.

The buzz comes hot on the heels of a failed joint venture bid with Eastcastle Infrastructure earlier this year and a bold management buyout in November 2023 that saw DPI and Verod scoop up a 99% stake (DPI with 67%, Verod with 32%) through PAT Holdings Limited.

Word on the street is the deal could peg PAT’s value in the hundreds of millions, given its nearly 1,000 towers dotting Nigeria.

“They’re feeling out buyers for a clean exit,” one top executive close to the deal spilled. “It could sell to the highest bidder if the right offer is on the table.”

Nigeria’s telecom sector is a pressure cooker, needing 70,000 to 80,000 more towers to roll out 4G and 5G properly, according to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

PAT, born in 2017 as a scrappy Nigerian answer to global giants like IHS Towers and American Tower Corporation, has been a standout, leasing space to heavyweights like MTN, Airtel, and Glo.

In eight years, it’s racked up over 1,200 tenants through savvy colocation deals, riding the wave of Nigeria’s data-hungry consumers.

Earlier this year, PAT reportedly cozied up to Eastcastle Infrastructure, a pan-African player backed by the International Finance Corporation and African Infrastructure Investment Managers.

The plan? A joint venture to crank out more towers. But talks fizzled; some say over price tags, others point to clashing visions and process misalignments. Neither side is talking, leaving the rumor mill to churn.

Rewind to November 2023, when DPI and Verod’s buyout was the talk of the town.

Enter India’s Indus Towers, the world’s third-biggest tower operator with over 251,000 sites, which just threw its hat in the African ring this September.

Backed by Bharti Airtel; a major PAT client, Indus is eyeing Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.

“PAT’s been a steady player since 2017; it’s a perfect springboard for Indus,” a telecom insider disclosed.

When reached for comment, PAT, DPI, and Verod stayed mum. A Verod rep doubled down on their “commitment to Africa’s infrastructure,” but the silence speaks volumes.

With mobile data use set to skyrocket fourfold by 2030, PAT’s next move, whether it’s a blockbuster sale, a new alliance, or going it alone, could reshape Nigeria’s digital future. Read More

Peter Obi Visits Obasanjo, Olubadan-Designate Ladoja

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Peter Obi Visits Obasanjo, Olubadan-Designate Ladoja

Former Anambra Governor Peter Obi visited ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Olubadan-designate Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Olusegun Obasanjo

Peter Obi Visits Obasanjo, Olubadan-Designate Ladoja

Urges Nigerians to Unite Beyond Politics and Tribe

Ibadan, Nigeria – Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and love across political, tribal, and religious divides.

Obi made the call on Thursday during visits to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.

The former governor, who announced his meeting with Obasanjo via his official X handle, later proceeded to Oba Ladoja’s Bodija residence where he addressed journalists.

He was accompanied by the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour—who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko.

Otunba-Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja

Obi explained that his visit to the Olubadan-designate was a show of respect and recognition of Ibadan’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s socio-political and economic development.

“First, I’m here to pay my sincere respect to royalty, to the Olubadan-designate before the installation. I’m here to pay respect for the man I give deep respect for,” Obi said.

He congratulated Oba Ladoja on his forthcoming installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a leader whose vast experience as a former senator, governor, and business mogul would elevate Ibadan to an enviable position.

Highlighting Nigeria’s current challenges, Obi stressed the need for collective responsibility and unity of purpose.

“My visit is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning our society around. Can we unite and love each other to build a better country? We have no other country except this one. We must all build it together for the benefit of everybody,” he said. Read More

UBA Pledges $150m to Kenya’s Roads Project as CEO Oliver Alawuba Meets President Ruto

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UBA Pledges $150m to Kenya’s Roads Project as CEO Oliver Alawuba Meets President Ruto

UBA CEO Oliver Alawuba has pledged $150m to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program during a high-level visit to President William Ruto, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to infrastructure, SMEs, and sustainable growth

l-r: Presidential Advisor, Mohammed Hassan; Managing Director/CEO, UBA Kenya, Mary Mulilu; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba; President of Kenya, H.E. President William Ruto; Group Executive Director/CEO, UBA Africa, Sola Yomi-Ajayi; Executive Director, UBA Kenya, Joseph Adedotun; and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir, during the official visit of UBA Executive to the President and the announcement of UBA’s pledged of USD 150 million to the Government of Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program, an initiative spearheaded by the Kenya Roads Board in Nairobi, Kenya at the weekend

UBA Pledges $150m to Kenya’s Roads Project as CEO Oliver Alawuba Meets President Ruto

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Oliver Alawuba, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation on a working visit to Kenya, where he reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to accelerating investment and supporting inclusive growth in the country.

Alawuba, who was received at the State House Nairobi by President William Ruto, was commended for UBA’s longstanding support to Kenya’s economic development. Discussions centered on infrastructure development, financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting Kenya’s long-term economic transformation agenda.

“Kenya holds a strategic place in Africa’s growth story, and UBA is committed to being a long-term partner in unlocking the immense potential here,” Alawuba said. “From financing critical infrastructure to empowering SMEs that drive job creation, our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that connect markets, foster trade, and improve lives.”

Alawuba was accompanied by Sola Yomi-Ajayi, Executive Director/CEO of UBA Africa, and Mary Mulilu, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya. The team also held high-level talks with key financial sector leaders, including Dr. Kamau Thugge, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, on strengthening financial sector resilience, enhancing cross-border payments, and reinforcing UBA’s strong capital base in the country.

In a landmark announcement, UBA pledged USD 150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to Kenya’s Roads Levy Securitization Program, a USD 1.35 billion initiative spearheaded by the Kenya Roads Board. The program, unveiled during a meeting with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, seeks to upgrade critical road infrastructure, accelerate contractor payments, and enhance national connectivity.

“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness, and shared prosperity,” Alawuba said. “UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this program, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future.”

Mary Mulilu, UBA Kenya CEO, added, “Our participation cements UBA’s role as a trusted ally to the Kenyan government, businesses, and communities. We are paving the way for better connectivity that empowers farmers, manufacturers, and SMEs across the country.”

The delegation also met with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, where discussions highlighted the role of African-led enterprises in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth.

“These engagements reaffirm UBA’s commitment to collaborate with governments and stakeholders in building a prosperous, united, and self-reliant Africa,” Alawuba noted.

UBA’s engagements in Kenya align with its broader strategy of driving economic transformation across Africa, with Kenya positioned as a vital hub for regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With SMEs contributing over 80% of Kenya’s employment, the bank is rolling out tailored financing solutions to strengthen entrepreneurship and unlock opportunities.

United Bank for Africa, known as “Africa’s Global Bank,” operates in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. With over 25,000 employees and more than 45 million customers worldwide, UBA remains one of Africa’s largest and most influential financial institutions. Read More

FRSC Redeploys 66 Senior Officers in Major Shake-Up to Strengthen Road Safety Nationwide

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FRSC Redeploys 66 Senior Officers in Major Shake-Up to Strengthen Road Safety Nationwide

FRSC Redeploys 66 Senior Officers in Major Shake-Up to Strengthen Road Safety Nationwide

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has carried out a sweeping redeployment exercise involving 66 senior officers across the country in what it described as a strategic step to strengthen road safety management nationwide.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Public Education Officer, said the postings were approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to “enhance operational efficiency and reinvigorate the agency’s activities.”

At the national headquarters, ACM G. Ntukidem, formerly in charge of Personnel, has been appointed Corps Secretary. Other key appointments include:

  • ACM J.W. Toby, redeployed from the Policy Research and Statistics Department to Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO), RS11HQ Osogbo.
  • ACM I. Abubakar, who moves from ZCO RS11HQ Osogbo to ACM Policy at the national headquarters.
  • ACM A.M. Hassan, shifted from Manpower Development in the Training Department to head the Technical Service Department.

The redeployment also extended to critical Sector Commands across the federation:

  • CC S.O. Ayodele retained as Benue State Sector Commander.
  • CC J.N. Alexander, moved from Anambra to Delta State.
  • CC N.I. Ezeoma, retained as Abia State Sector Commander.
  • CC Y.T. Etuku, posted from Kebbi to Kogi State.
  • CC B. Asekhauno, redeployed to Anambra State.
  • CC R.M.Z. Abubakar, posted to Kebbi State.
  • CC D.B. Apaji, posted to Bauchi State.
  • CC A.P. Longkam, posted to Yobe State.

In addition, 61 other Corps Commanders were redeployed to various departments and units, including Operations, Policy, Administration, Logistics, Training, Data Management, Research, Establishment, and Medical Services, as well as to the FRSC Headquarters, Academy, and Zonal Commands.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed explained that the exercise was carefully designed to ensure greater efficiency, improved service delivery, and sustained road safety initiatives across Nigeria. He urged the affected officers to “justify the confidence placed in them” and appealed to motorists nationwide to cooperate with the newly posted officials in order to maintain safer highways. Read More

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