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Zenith Bank Remains Nigeria’s No1 Financial Institution In Non-Export Proceeds

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Zenith Bank Remains Nigeria’s No1 Financial Institution In Non-Export Proceeds

Nonye Ayeni, ED and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has affirmed the continued dominance of Zenith Bank Plc in facilitating Nigeria’s non-oil export proceeds

Zenith Bank Remains Nigeria’s No1 Financial Institution In Non-Export Proceeds

Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has affirmed the continued dominance of Zenith Bank Plc in facilitating Nigeria’s non-oil export proceeds, describing the bank as the leading financial institution in export transaction processing under the Nigeria Export Proceeds framework.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on the performance of non-oil exports for 2025 and the outlook for 2026, Ayeni said increased engagement with financial institutions strengthened export documentation and monitoring, with measurable outcomes across the banking sector.

“Increased engagement with financial institutions yielded positive results, with 30 banks actively participating in non-oil export transactions and a total of 19,975 Nigeria Export Proceeds forms processed,” she said explaining “Zenith Bank Plc maintained its leading position, contributing 32.31% to the total number of NXPs for non-oil export.”

According to the NEPC Executive Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc ranked second with 12.37% of total transactions, while First Bank Nigeria Plc followed in third place with 11.52%, reflecting what she described as “a strong showing by some banks, while others dropped in terms of NXP performance.”

Checks revealed beyond its dominant position in export proceeds processing, Zenith Bank’s leadership reflects its long-standing role as one of Nigeria’s most influential financial institutions. Founded by Jim Ovia and headquartered in Lagos, the bank has built a reputation for strong corporate banking operations, trade finance capacity, and digital banking infrastructure, making it a preferred partner for exporters handling international transactions and documentation. Its consistent top ranking of the financial institution with Dame Adaora Umeoji as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) in Nigeria Export Proceeds processing reinforces its strategic position at the centre of the country’s growing non-oil export ecosystem.

The NEPC chief linked improved banking participation to the broader expansion of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, which recorded its highest performance since the council’s establishment.

Export earnings rose to about $6.1 billion in 2025, representing an 11.5% increase from $5.46 billion in 2024, while export volumes climbed 10% to 8.02 million metric tonnes.

She noted that the number of exported products also expanded significantly to 281, up 14.23% from the previous year, while Nigerian non-oil goods reached 120 countries, reflecting growing diversification and global market penetration.

Ayeni attributed the performance to policy alignment and institutional reforms under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose economic diversification drive she said was reshaping Nigeria’s trade structure.

She also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, in strengthening policy direction and coordination across export-support institutions.

The NEPC Boss added that the administration’s strategy had produced “impressive results in deepening the non-oil export sector, creating jobs, alleviating poverty and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade.”

She explained that improvements in export compliance, stronger monitoring under the Nigeria Export Proceeds framework, increased participation by registered exporters, and better coordination among regulatory agencies all contributed to the sector’s growth. Global demand for key Nigerian commodities, recovering logistics networks, and export promotion programmes also supported expansion.

Ayeni said the data confirmed that Nigeria’s non-oil sector was gaining resilience but warned that growth remained concentrated among a limited number of large exporters and high-value commodities.

And stressed that sustaining expansion would require deeper value addition, broader exporter participation, infrastructure development, and stronger regional trade engagement.

“The overall increase in export value and volume demonstrates resilience and continued relevance of non-oil exports to the national economy,” she said, stressing “However, sustaining growth will require deliberate efforts to balance scale with inclusiveness, deepen domestic value chains, and reduce exposure to external price shocks.”

The CEO added that the NEPC would continue strengthening exporter capacity, expanding market access, and improving monitoring systems to sustain performance in 2026, while leveraging international trade agreements and new market opportunities.

Ayeni concluded that the 2025 results reaffirmed the strategic importance of non-oil exports in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, with the banking sector — led by Zenith Bank — playing a central role in facilitating export proceeds and supporting the country’s transition away from oil dependence. Read More

Kano Bye-Elections Peaceful Despite Opposition Boycott, Gov Yusuf Hails ‘Crisis-Free’ Poll

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Kano Bye-Elections Peaceful Despite Opposition Boycott, Gov Yusuf Hails ‘Crisis-Free’ Poll

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has praised the peaceful conduct of the recent bye-elections in Kano State, describing the exercise as a landmark in the state’s democratic journey despite a boycott by key opposition parties.

The polls, held across Kano Municipal and Ungogo, were boycotted by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

However, nine political parties participated in the election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Accord Party, AAC, APN, APP, PRP, WPP and ZLP.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Governor Yusuf commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring what he described as an orderly and hitch-free exercise.

The calm atmosphere across polling units reflects the growing political maturity of our people,” Yusuf said, thanking residents for their cooperation and peaceful participation.

He particularly acknowledged the APC and other participating parties for adhering strictly to electoral guidelines, noting that the election marked the first time Kano experienced a crisis-free poll in recent years.

“For the first time, we have had a crisis-free election in Kano,” the governor stated, adding that the development aligns with his administration’s “Kano First Agenda.”

Yusuf assured citizens that his government would continue to prioritise security and collaborate with electoral authorities to strengthen transparency and credibility in future elections. He said the state is entering a new phase of issue-based politics anchored on dialogue and democratic values.

Meanwhile, Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango, defended INEC’s handling of the process, attributing the absence of some opposition parties to their internal decisions rather than any institutional failure.

He explained that INEC had received no formal complaints from the parties that abstained and maintained that any party meeting the legal requirements under the Electoral Act was free to participate.

Zango also cited Ramadan and the perception that the contest involved limited candidates as possible reasons for low voter turnout.

“As far as security is concerned, there was no issue,” he said. “Citizens behaved responsibly. No violence, no threats.”

The bye-election, though marked by notable absences, appears to have set a calmer tone in Kano’s often turbulent political landscape, even as debates continue over the broader implications of opposition non-participation.

APC’s Joshua Ishaku Wins Bwari Chairmanship with 18,466 Votes

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APC’s Joshua Ishaku Wins Bwari Chairmanship with 18,466 Votes

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr. Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council chairmanship election held on February 21, 2026.

Announcing the results on Sunday in Bwari, the Returning Officer, Prof. Mohammed Nurudeen, said Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes to emerge victorious.

“I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council Bwari chairmanship election held on Feb. 21, 2026. Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he stated.

According to the results announced, the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 4,254 votes to place second, while the candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) garnered 3,515 votes to finish third.

The election was conducted across 10 wards in Bwari Area Council — Igu, Shere, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Kubwa, Usuma, Bwari Central and Kawu.

The outcome adds to the results emerging from the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, closely watched as a key political test ahead of the next general election cycle.

NNPC, Dangote Seal Renewed Energy Alliance After High-Level Talks at 650,000bpd Refinery

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NNPC, Dangote Seal Renewed Energy Alliance After High-Level Talks at 650,000bpd Refinery

NNPC, Dangote Seal Renewed Energy Alliance After High-Level Talks at 650,000bpd Refinery

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has led the company’s top management on a strategic visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, culminating in a renewed commitment to deepen collaboration between both energy giants.

The high-level engagement, which featured a guided facility tour of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, focused on strengthening operational and commercial ties, with both parties reaffirming a shared vision for Nigeria’s energy transformation.

Ojulari commended President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for his resilience and vision in delivering what is regarded as Africa’s largest single-train refinery. He described the partnership as a strategic alliance capable of unlocking synergies across infrastructure, capital deployment, asset utilisation and market access.

This collaboration will unlock synergies across assets, infrastructure, capital and markets. It will also provide visibility of all NNPC-Dangote business relations,” Ojulari said, highlighting opportunities for expansion into upstream operations, trading, shipping and gas supply.

The NNPC boss also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that policy clarity and investor-friendly reforms under his administration have created an enabling environment for large-scale energy partnerships to thrive.

Dangote, in his remarks, said the strengthened partnership would ultimately benefit Nigerians through economies of scale and enhanced value creation across the energy market.

“Nigerians will be the beneficiaries of the synergy between Dangote Group and NNPC Ltd, because our collaboration will achieve economies of scale and unlock value across markets,” he stated.

NNPC Limited currently holds a 7.25 percent equity stake in the refinery — a strategic investment aligned with its downstream expansion agenda and commitment to boosting domestic refining capacity.

Both organisations concluded the visit by reaffirming their resolve to advance energy security, industrial growth and long-term value delivery for the nation.

2027 Governorship Agenda Ignites Unity Drive in Ogun West as Olu of Ilaro, Yewa Monarchs Meet Otta-Awori Obas

Lukman Omikunle
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2027 Governorship Agenda Ignites Unity Drive in Ogun West as Olu of Ilaro, Yewa Monarchs Meet Otta-Awori Obas

The Olu of Ilaro and Yewa monarchs paid a strategic visit to Otta-Awori District Obas, focusing on unity and a unified push for Ogun West

Otta-Awori District Obas Receive Olu Of Ilaro, Other Yewa Monarchs; 2027 Agenda Takes Centre Stage

In a powerful show of solidarity, the Otta-Awori District Obas rolled out the royal welcome mat for HRM Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, who also chairs the Ogun State Council of Obas.

Joined by key monarchs from the Yewa Traditional Council, the high-profile courtesy visit on Friday, February 20, 2026, doubled as a strategic powerhouse session at the historic Ipeti Royal Square in the Olota’s Palace, Otta, Ogun State.

Prince Adeyemi Olusesi, Principal Secretary to His Majesty the Olota of Otta, Oba (Professor) AbduKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, confirmed the meeting in a statement released Saturday and shared with newsheadline247. The discussions centered on forging a united front to safeguard and promote the interests of the Yewa-Awori people in Ogun West Senatorial District.

At the heart of the agenda, a coordinated, strategic blueprint to finally deliver the Ogun State governorship to Ogun West in the 2027 general elections.

Ogun West—home to the Yewa and Awori communities—has never produced a governor since Ogun State’s creation 50 years ago, fueling long-standing calls for power rotation and equity.

The royal gathering underscores growing momentum behind the “Ogun West 2027” agenda, with traditional leaders positioning themselves as key architects of consensus, unity, and political leverage ahead of the polls.

As aspirants and stakeholders intensify efforts, this monarch-led alignment signals a determined push to end the decades-long exclusion and reshape the state’s leadership landscape. Read More

Influencer Papaya Ex Alleges Assault by Police Officer in Lagos

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Social media influencer Papaya Ex has accused a police officer of assaulting her in the Ajah area of Lagos State.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred late at night while she was returning from a shoot. Speaking during an emotional TikTok live session on Friday, the influencer claimed that the officer struck her in the face with a gun, assaulted her driver, and touched her inappropriately.

During the live broadcast, she displayed visible injuries, including a wound mark on her face. She further alleged that the officer slapped her, hit her buttocks and breasts, and forcibly seized her mobile phone.

Although the alleged assault was not captured on video, Papaya Ex attributed the lack of footage to network issues at the time of the incident.

In clips circulating online, a police officer could be heard speaking during a heated exchange, as both parties engaged in a verbal confrontation.

The incident has since sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with many users calling for a thorough investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the authenticity of the allegations and the full circumstances surrounding the incident could not be independently verified.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the claims.

Keyamo: APC Not a Party of Saints, But Still Better Than PDP

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Keyamo: APC Not a Party of Saints, But Still Better Than PDP

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a better alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while acknowledging that no political party is without flaws.

Keyamo addressed the matter in a post on X on Saturday, accompanied by a video, clarifying that comments from a 2017 interview with a blog had been misrepresented.

This is the unedited part of the interview I granted a blog in 2017, emphasising that APC may not be a party of saints (which, I repeat, is a matter of fact), BUT it is still far better than where we were coming from,” he wrote. “Some characters edited the last part of my statement out of it.”

He added, “And today, I repeat it again, I will be a fool to say APC is a party of saints. And anyone who declares any party to which he/she belongs as a party of saints will also be a fool.”

The minister insisted that despite imperfections, the APC offers more promising prospects for Nigeria compared to the PDP, which previously governed the country.

But, on the balance, the APC still holds the best hope for the country and we cannot return to the era of PDP, where you had some of the characters who are running for President today,” Keyamo said. “It was only Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that never hopped onto that battered train of PDP at that time.”

Adamu Garba Denies Leaving APC, Calls Rumors “Misleading”

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Adamu Garba Denies Leaving APC, Calls Rumors “Misleading”

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Adamu Garba, has dismissed recent social media reports claiming he left the party.

The rumors, shared by X user @tenibegiloju202, suggested that Garba removed the APC flag from his office and distanced himself from the party under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, alleging that the party had “derailed” from serving the people’s interests.

Garba took to X to refute the claims, describing them as “false and misleading.” He appealed to the public for privacy, stating that he wished to focus on his writing and business.

Please allow me to write my books and do my business in peace. These bot-trons want to drag me back on this street with their mercantile fake news. I’m still very much a full member of the APC,” Garba wrote.

The former aspirant’s statement reinforces his continued support for the ruling party, despite speculation circulating online.

Viral Rape Claim Sparks Outrage, Donations as TikToker Mirabel Lands in Police Custody

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Viral Rape Claim Sparks Outrage, Donations as TikToker Mirabel Lands in Police Custody

Nigerians woke up on Monday to a disturbing video posted by a young TikToker, Abigail Nsuka, popularly known as Mirabel, alleging she was raped in her apartment in the early hours of Sunday, February 15.

Within hours, the emotional video had spread rapidly across social media platforms, attracting millions of views and prompting widespread outrage. Among those who publicly demanded justice was singer Simi, as thousands of users amplified the call for accountability.

However, what began as a wave of sympathy would later spiral into controversy.
Mirabel is currently in the custody of the Ogun State Police Command as investigations continue.

In the tearful video, Mirabel claimed she was attacked by an unknown man who allegedly forced his way into her apartment around 9am.
According to her account, she had struggled with insomnia and had consumed alcohol in a bid to sleep.

She said she eventually slept around 6am but was awakened three hours later by a knock on her door.

Believing it was a neighbour, she said she opened the door and was immediately overpowered.

She alleged she was restrained and assaulted, further claiming the attacker inflicted injuries on her before fleeing. The graphic details shared in the video deeply unsettled viewers and fueled calls for swift justice.

Advocacy groups quickly indicated interest in the matter. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Ogun State Government reportedly signaled readiness to ensure the case was thoroughly investigated.

As the video gained traction, Mirabel shared her bank details online, prompting financial support from sympathisers.

Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, disclosed that he transferred ₦100,000 to her, stating he had initially intended to send ₦500,000 but encountered banking limitations.

Other supporters also reportedly sent varying amounts. One of her associates confirmed multiple transfers into her account, while another influencer alleged that the total donations ranged between ₦1 million and ₦5 million.

Growing Doubts and Online Scrutiny
The narrative took a dramatic turn days later when some social media users began questioning inconsistencies in her account.

Critics analysed her statements and alleged similarities between her writing style and the messages she claimed were sent by the supposed attacker.

A neighbour reportedly dismissed parts of her story, while a YouTuber alleged the incident may have been fabricated to solicit financial assistance.

The viral video, which had garnered over seven million views, quickly became the subject of intense debate online, splitting public opinion between supporters and skeptics.

Amid the mounting controversy, the Ogun State Police Command took Mirabel into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into the claims and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Authorities have yet to release an official conclusion, but the case has reignited conversations about the dangers of misinformation, the sensitivity of sexual assault allegations, and the impact such claims can have on real victims.

As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians continue to watch closely, reflecting on the power—and consequences—of viral narratives in the digital age.

Opposition Erupts as NASS Softens E-Transmission Rule; ‘Battle for 2027 Has Just Begun’

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Opposition Erupts as NASS Softens E-Transmission Rule; ‘Battle for 2027 Has Just Begun’

Tempers flared at the National Assembly as opposition lawmakers decried the decision to stop short of making electronic transmission of election results to the IReV portal strictly mandatory, warning that the “battle for Nigeria’s democracy has just begun.”

The controversy followed the passage of amendments to the Electoral Reform Bill, which now recognise electronic transmission of results but allow manual transmission as a fallback in cases of network failure. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swiftly assented to the bill after its passage.

Opposition members accused the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria of betraying public trust, arguing that mandatory real-time electronic transmission would have strengthened confidence in the electoral process.

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, advised Nigerians to take proactive steps ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, citizens must safeguard their votes by deploying well-trained and motivated party agents at polling units.

Nigerians can defeat any attempt to rig their votes. All we need are properly trained agents who will not be afraid to confront sabotage at polling stations,” Abaribe said.

In the House of Representatives, Labour Party caucus leader Hon. Afam Ogene criticised what he described as a hasty presidential assent, questioning whether adequate scrutiny was given to the final document. He lamented what he called a retreat from earlier commitments to electronic voting reforms.

Similarly, Minority Caucus leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda said opposition lawmakers rejected provisions they believed could create room for “micro-manipulation,” insisting their resistance was rooted in patriotism rather than partisanship.

Hon. Ikwechegh Alexander Mascot of APGA urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, stressing that protecting votes requires vigilance beyond election day rhetoric. Rep. Peter Uzokwe also expressed anger, alleging that earlier agreements were altered following consultations outside the chamber.

However, House Spokesperson Hon. Akin Rotimi defended the amendment, describing it as a balanced and constitutional outcome of bipartisan deliberations.

For the first time, the law expressly mandates and recognises the IReV and electronic transmission of Form EC8A. The presiding officer shall mandatorily transmit results electronically, with manual transmission only as a fallback in the event of failure,” Rotimi said.

He maintained that the process complied fully with legislative rules and constitutional provisions, adding that electoral reforms evolve over time.

It was done in the best interest of Nigerians. What we have may not be perfect, but it is a step toward strengthening free, fair, and credible elections,” he stated.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the debate underscores deep divisions within the legislature over how best to guarantee electoral integrity, leaving the broader public to weigh competing narratives about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

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