Thursday, April 23

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Flutterwave secures CBN approval for banking services
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Flutterwave secures CBN approval for banking services

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Flutterwave has secured regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide banking services in Nigeria. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. Agboola said the development followed the company’s processing of more than 40 billion dollars in payments across its platform within 10 years of operations. He explained that the approval marked a significant milestone for the Lagos-based payments company, enabling it to expand beyond core payment infrastructure services into broader financial offerings. “This milestone allows us to make our infrastructure more efficient and deliver faster, more reliable financial services. “By operating dir...
Shaping Future of Work, Justice: Vivacity Development Leads CSW70 Dialogue on Women’s Economic EmpowermentNew York, United States | 2026
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Shaping Future of Work, Justice: Vivacity Development Leads CSW70 Dialogue on Women’s Economic EmpowermentNew York, United States | 2026

Vivacity Development, in partnership with Sam Empowerment Foundation (SEF) and The New Africa Group, has convened a high-level dialogue at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), advancing global discourse on women’s economic empowerment through inclusive legal and policy frameworks. Held on the sidelines of CSW70, the dialogue brought together global leaders, policymakers, legal experts, and development practitioners to examine the theme: “Future of Work, Future of Justice: Strengthening Legal Pathways for Women’s Economic Empowerment.” As lead convener, Vivacity Development positioned the event as a strategic platform at the intersection of policy, innovation, and inclusion, while its partners contributed perspectives grounded in grassroots impact, A...
A new initiative which aims to shine spotlight on whistleblowing and protection in Nigeria has been launched by Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
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A new initiative which aims to shine spotlight on whistleblowing and protection in Nigeria has been launched by Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).

The 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, is meant to amplify youth voices in promoting whistle blowing and whistleblower protection in Nigeria.Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Programmes, Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, said the competition is an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity and passion for transparency and accountability. According to her, the competition aligns with the United Nations Convention against Corruption(UNCAC)."We seek to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire collective action against corruption.Participants can submit artwork, skits, songs, and more, highlighting the importance of whistleblowers and the need for legal protection."She noted that the competition is open to Nigerian resi...
Toptier, Team 33 Drive NNL Commercial Revival
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Toptier, Team 33 Drive NNL Commercial Revival

By Victor Okoye The Nigerian National League (NNL) is witnessing strong commercial resurgence, driven by Toptier Sports Management’s investment and Team 33 Production’s innovative broadcast execution. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team 33 recently produced a live broadcast of First Bank of Lagos versus Osun United, earning widespread praise from fans and stakeholders after the 2-0 victory. Previously seen as having limited commercial appeal, the league is being repositioned as a viable sports property for sponsors, advertisers and media investors. This shift stems from improved packaging through quality broadcasts, structured storytelling and consistent digital visibility, enhancing the league’s attractiveness to local and international stakeholders. ...
Benin Barracks Gives General Akerejola Ceremonial Pull-Out
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Benin Barracks Gives General Akerejola Ceremonial Pull-Out

The Nigerian Army’s Supply and Transport Barracks hosted a full-dress pull-out parade Saturday as Major General Erema Akerejola retired after decades of service. Family, friends and senior officers gathered under overcast skies to witness the symbolic end-of-tour tradition. Troops marched in precise review order while a bugler sounded the final call, marking Akerejola’s departure from active duty. Colleagues described the atmos-phere as “charged with emotion,” with current and former soldiers offering tributes to a commander remembered for discipline and a hard line on national unity. Akerejola, whose postings spanned logistics and field operations, leaves with honours that include counter-insurgency coordination in the North-East and modernization of transport command strat...
Ruby House Triumphs as Benford International School Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports, Launches N250m “Play, Swim, and Grow Initiative”
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Ruby House Triumphs as Benford International School Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports, Launches N250m “Play, Swim, and Grow Initiative”

By Victor Okoye Ruby House emerged overall winner at Benford International School Inter-House Sports and facilities launch in Abuja, titled "Play, Swim and Grow Initiative", showcasing talent and grassroots sports development. Chairman, Board of Directors, Benaoyagha Okoyen, said the event highlighted the importance of sports in total child development. Okoyen expressed satisfaction with participation, noting that pupils, parents, and guests turned out massively despite other engagements. “We are happy with the turnout and participation. Sports remain essential for children’s physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership development,” he said. He emphasised the need to promote grassroots sports and early talent discovery among young Nigerians. “This is about catching th...
Ruby House Triumphs as Benford Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports, Launches N250m Initiative
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Ruby House Triumphs as Benford Hosts Colourful Inter-House Sports, Launches N250m Initiative

By Victor Okoye Ruby House emerged overall winner at Benford International School Inter-House Sports and facilities launch in Abuja, showcasing talent and grassroots sports development. Chairman, Board of Directors, Benaoyagha Okoyen, said the event highlighted the importance of sports in total child development. Okoyen expressed satisfaction with participation, noting that pupils, parents and guests turned out massively despite other engagements. “We are happy with the turnout and participation. Sports remain essential for children’s physical fitness, teamwork and leadership development,” he said. He emphasised the need to promote grassroots sports and early talent discovery among young Nigerians. “This is about catching them young. What we saw today shows great po...
Dr. Gbadewole Amos Champions Real Estate Excellence at Crown Elite Realtors Conference 2026
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Dr. Gbadewole Amos Champions Real Estate Excellence at Crown Elite Realtors Conference 2026

By Genesis Ogiri ABUJA — In a move aimed at strengthening professional standards and enterprise capacity within Nigeria’s property sector, Crown Elite Realtors has convened its 2026 conference in Abuja, bringing together key practitioners, developers, and marketers for advanced business development sessions. The conference was organised under the leadership of Dr. Gbadewole Amos Kayode, Vice-Chairman of Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria–FCT and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Crown Luxury Properties, as part of efforts to deepen professionalism and enterprise growth within the sector. Powered by Crown Luxury Properties, the conference held at The Blanc Hotels and attracted participants from different segments of the property industry, including market...
BOI’s N825m clean energy financing boosts Nigerian industries
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BOI’s N825m clean energy financing boosts Nigerian industries

By Lucy Ogalue The Bank of Industry (BOI) says small and large enterprises have benefited from a N825 million clean energy financing window. The initiative is part of a 600,000-dollar GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP project. Of the total, 550,000 dollars were disbursed to BOI for on-lending to eligible industries. The funding supports investments in energy efficiency, cleaner production technologies, renewable energy solutions, recycling infrastructure, and resource-efficient production systems. Mrs Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, Executive Director, Risk Management and ITD, GEF-UNIDO IEE and RECP, disclosed this during the presentation of the financing results to national stakeholders and financial institutions in Abuja on Thursday. She said the programme demonstrated how targeted financi...
NSC, Bodybuilding Federation Partner to Regulate Gyms, Boost Talent Development, Eye IFBB Hosting Rights for Socio-Economic Growth
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NSC, Bodybuilding Federation Partner to Regulate Gyms, Boost Talent Development, Eye IFBB Hosting Rights for Socio-Economic Growth

By Victor Okoye The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s bodybuilding and fitness federation to enhance talent development nationwide. NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN), led by its President, Mr. Soye Elekima. Dikko said the partnership would improve talent identification, training facilities, and competition standards across all levels of the sport. He emphasized that the NSC would support national teams, organise championship workshops, and promote school-level fitness programmes for sustainable athlete development. “We are committed to building a structured pathway from grass...
APC Convention: FG Orders Workers To Work From Home
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APC Convention: FG Orders Workers To Work From Home

The Federal Government has directed civil servants working within the Federal Secretariat in Abuja to work from home on Friday, March 27, 2026.This is due to the national convention of the All Progressives Congress. The directive was contained in a circular issued and signed by Abdul Garba, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. According to the circular, all access roads leading to and around the Federal Secretariat Complex, Phases I, II and III, will be closed from Friday, March 27, to Saturday, March 28, 2026. “All Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, Agencies and Offices located within the Federal Secretariat, Phases I, II & III are hereby informed of the closure of all access roads leading to and around...
CBN Blacklists Top Loan Defaulters
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CBN Blacklists Top Loan Defaulters

The Central Bank of Nigeria has restricted banking services for “chronic defaulters” and large-ticket obligors with non-performing loans. This is part of the efforts to enforce credit discipline and safeguard the nation’s financial system, the apex bank issued a policy statement on Wednesday following remarks by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso at the 4th Annual IMF/AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum in Abuja. The Governor made it clear that the era of regulatory forbearance for delinquent borrowers is over. He emphasised that the bank is shifting toward a more aggressive stance on corporate governance to ensure that the N4.61tn in new capital recently attracted by the banking sector is protected from systemic abuse. “Our stance on corporate governance is unequivocal: z...
IGP Submits Framework For Establishment Of State Police To Senate
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IGP Submits Framework For Establishment Of State Police To Senate

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Thursday 26 March 2026 submitted a framework for the creation of State Police to the Senate.Disu said the move is part of efforts to decentralize policing in the country.The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, received the documents at the senator’s office in the National Assembly, Abuja. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, it was explained that the 75-page framework was submitted on behalf of the IGP by Professor Olu Ogunsakin, Chairman of the committee set up by the Nigeria Police Force to examine the modalities for establishing State Police in...
NSITF boss calls for increased investment in youth, social protection
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NSITF boss calls for increased investment in youth, social protection

By Joan Nwagwu Mr Oluwaseun Faleye, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has called for increased investment in youth development and social protection. Faleye, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Dr Dayo Alao, made the call at the Students Mentorship Summit 2026, organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Thursday. He described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest asset, noting that their potential must be nurtured through deliberate policies and programmes. “Nigeria’s greatest asset is not oil or infrastructure, but its youth, who are energetic, innovative and full of potential. “Potential alone is not enough; there is a need to guide, support and protect young people to enable the...
President Tinubu Approves Appointment of Prof. Thairu Yunusa as CMD of UATH
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President Tinubu Approves Appointment of Prof. Thairu Yunusa as CMD of UATH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof. Thairu Yunusa as the fifth substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, for a tenure of four years. The approval was conveyed through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. During the official handover ceremony held at the hospital’s Board Room, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the outgoing Acting CMD, Prof. Bob Ukonu, commended the management and staff for their cooperation and support during his tenure. He pledged his continued support to the new leadership whenever called upon, in the collective effort to advance healthcare delivery within the institution. In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Thairu Yunusa expressed...
Plan International advocates gender-inclusiveness in national budget
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Plan International advocates gender-inclusiveness in national budget

By Jacinta Nwachukwu A non-governmental organisation, Plan International Nigeria, has called for a national budget that reflects the needs of women and girls to ensure their wellbeing. The Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Plan International Nigeria, Dr Nana Chidi-Emmanuel, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja, at a roundtable hybrid session on promoting inclusive legislation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the session was organised to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). Chidi-Emmanuel, who was represented by a board member, Pelemo Nyajo, noted that many girls and women have continued to face barriers in education, economic opportunity, leadership and protection from harm. “Shifting this reality starts with making sure that girls and young w...
Convention: APC To Elect National Leaders By Consensus
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Convention: APC To Elect National Leaders By Consensus

The All Progressives Congress plans to adopt a consensus approach for selecting its national leadership during the party’s convention scheduled for March 27–28, 2026, in Abuja, NewsSpecng learnt. The Assistant Secretary for Media and Publicity for the APC National Convention 2026, Mary Ikoku, disclosed the plan during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday. Ikoku said the party had not yet decided how these would be handled, noting that decisions may vary depending on local political dynamics. She explained, “APC, for this convention, I am aware and can say that the party is adopting consensus for this convention. As to whether they are adopting consensus for elective positions, I do not have an answer to that because politics is local. “So, I bel...
North Central APC Adopts Tinubu As Sole Presidential Candidate
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North Central APC Adopts Tinubu As Sole Presidential Candidate

The All Progressives Congress, North Central Zone, has unanimously adopted President Bola Tinubu as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.The party stakeholders at the zone including governors, senators, and former ministers declared their full support for the President’s re-election bid at the North Central Zonal Congress held at the late Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, Government House, Lafia, Nasarawa State. The event produced new zonal executives for the party through a consensus process, affirmed by voice vote and acclamation, in line with the approach adopted at the ward, local government and state levels of the congress exercise. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, who doubles as the Chairman, North Central Governors Forum, seconded the motion, adopti...
Sowore replies NBA, denies staging press conference in court
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Sowore replies NBA, denies staging press conference in court

By: Ayoade Esther Damola Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has replied the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), denying an allegation that he staged a press conference in the court. NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN) had warned on Wednesday that the courtrooms should not be used as a stage for media briefings. Osigwe issued the warning via a statement shared on the association’s official X account, in reaction to an incident involving Sowore on Tuesday. Reacting to the NBA and its President via a post on his verified X handle, Sowore said: “I have read the statement issued by the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and I must say this is yet another sad day for democracy in Nigeria. While I understand that the NBA may feel compelled ...
Court Grants Final Forfeiture of $13m Linked to Achimugu’s Firm to Government
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Court Grants Final Forfeiture of $13m Linked to Achimugu’s Firm to Government

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday granted an order of final forfeiture of the sum of $13 million linked to a business woman, Ms Aisha Achimugu and her Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, to the federal government. Justice Emeka Nwite held that the company failed woefully to establish how it came about the money.Justice Nwite held that the company failed woefully to establish how it came about the money.The judge, according to a statement by the Commission however, stressed that the EFCC succeeded in convincing the court that the funds are proceeds of fraud and should be forfeited to the government. The judge dismissed the claims that the $13 million was gifts received into the Oceangate Engineering Company by Aisha Achimugu adding that the said Aisha never showed u...