INEC fixes June 20 for by-elections in 6 states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for the conduct of by-elections in six states. The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced this at the swearing-in of a new National Commissioner, Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (rtd), in Abuja on Thursday, April 30. Amupitan said the by-elections would be conducted alongside the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for...
First Lady distributes 100 trucks of rice, N1.2bn palliatives to northern Muslim communities
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has flagged off the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and N1.2 billion in palliative support to vulnerable Muslim communities across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of Eid el-Kabir. Speaking at the event held at the Abba Kyari Banquet Hall on Thursday, Senator Tinubu described the gesture as a fulfilment...
Falcon Chemicals marks 40 years, eyes African expansion
Nigerian speciality chemicals manufacturer Falcon Chemicals Limited has marked four decades of operation, drawing praise from industry stakeholders for its resilience in a sector where many indigenous businesses have failed to outlive their founders. Founded in 1985 by chemist Chief Francis Babatunde Adefarati, the Lagos-based firm produces surface coating and additive materials — including preservatives and thickeners — used by...
UBA hosts fintech conference, pushes bank-industry collaboration
United Bank for Africa has called for deeper structural collaboration between banks and fintechs across Africa, using its inaugural Fintech Conference in Lagos to push for a shift from competition to coordinated partnership. The conference, themed "Navigating Regulatory Milestones: The Future of Bank–Fintech Partnerships," brought together more than 20 fintechs and ecosystem stakeholders including PalmPay, OPay, PayAza, Mastercard, Visa, the...
FG approves N548.98bn to demolish, rebuild Carter Bridge
The Federal Government has approved the demolition and full reconstruction of Carter Bridge in Lagos at a cost of N548.98 billion, after investigations confirmed that the century-old structure's underwater foundations had deteriorated beyond repair. Works Minister Dave Umahi announced the decision after Thursday's Federal Executive Council meeting, saying assessments conducted in 2013, 2019, and under the current administration — all...
LP throws 2027 presidential ticket open to all regions
The Labour Party (LP) has declared its presidential ticket open to all qualified members ahead of the 2027 general election, while expressing confidence in its newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC). Abia State Governor and National Leader of LP, Dr Alex Otti, made this known after observing the inaugural meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Thursday,...
Ice Prince goes celibate, quits alcohol, junk food
Nigerian rapper Ice Prince has announced a sweeping lifestyle change, cutting out alcohol, sugar, bread, noodles, and sexual activity as part of what he described as a personal transformation. The rapper, born Panshak Zamani, shared the details in an Instagram post on Thursday, listing a strict daily regimen that includes a morning and evening walk, daily workouts, intermittent fasting, and...
Tinubu approves N2bn relief, backs ex-governors’ peace panel for Plateau
President Bola Tinubu has approved N2 billion in relief for victims of the March 29 attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, and endorsed the formation of a peace committee of former Plateau governors, following a high-level meeting with state stakeholders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting produced what Governor Caleb Mutfwang described as an unprecedented development — the...
Supreme Court ruling ends PDP faction crisis — Wike
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declared on Thursday that the Peoples Democratic Party has emerged united following a Supreme Court ruling that dismissed all appeals challenging the legitimacy of the party's convention and current leadership. Speaking at a press conference at his Guzape residence in Abuja, Wike said the apex court's judgment had finally extinguished disputes over rival leadership structures that...
FirstBank confirms Ijabiyi as marketing, communications chief
FirstBank has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, with immediate effect. Ijabiyi, who has over 25 years of experience across financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development, had been serving in an acting capacity in the role since December 2024. He joined FirstBank in 2011, holding successive leadership positions within the...
