Author: Nationalmonitor

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom. According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family. During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Friday, 13 March 2026, honoured retiring Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Dera Nnadi and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Kingsley Egwu at a Pulling-Out Parade celebrating their decades of service to the nation. The ceremony, held at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, brought together members of the Customs management team, senior officers, colleagues and well-wishers. Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the occasion provided an opportunity for the Service to recognise the professional contributions and dedication of the retiring officers. Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs…

How FirstBank is quietly Rewriting Nigeria’s Homeownership Story The dream by Nigerians of homeownership is taking a bold new turn and those who move early will gain the most. Through a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), First Bank of Nigeria Limited is unlocking access to one of the most affordable mortgage windows currently available in the country. Backed by a N1 trillion MREIF fund designed to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit, the initiative empowers Nigerians with long-term, low-cost credit to own their homes, not just dream about them. Eligible customers can access up…

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for…

The Chairman of Polaris Bank, Dr. Kassim Gidado, has called on newly inducted banking professionals to uphold integrity, embrace continuous learning, and demonstrate ethical leadership as they navigate the rapidly evolving financial services landscape. Dr. Gidado, made the call while delivering his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2026 Stream 1 Chartered Banker Induction Ceremony organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). The ceremony which held in Lagos at the weekend, celebrated the induction of 2,037 professionals into the prestigious Chartered Banker and Microfinance Certified Banker cadre of the Institute, marking a significant milestone…

A dramatic scene reportedly unfolded in a United States courtroom as a legal battle involving Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) ended in favor of the church, leaving the opposing party visibly shaken. According to accounts from individuals familiar with the proceedings, tension had been high throughout the hearing as the court prepared to deliver its ruling in the long-running dispute involving Funke Ashekun and her husband. Moments after the decision was announced in favor of MFM, the atmosphere inside the courtroom reportedly turned chaotic. Witnesses said Ashekun and her husband appeared overwhelmed by the verdict and suddenly fainted,…

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has launched the 2026 Hackaholics Accelerator Program, welcoming ten startups into the cohort. The Hackaholics Accelerator, a selective growth program under Wema Bank’s Hackaholics platform, is designed to help promising Nigerian startups strengthen their business foundations and prepare for sustainable scale and investment. After six years of driving innovation through Hackaholics, Wema Bank is extending its support beyond ideation and competition into hands-on startup building through Hackaholics Accelerator. The initiative provides founders with the structure, mentorship, and ecosystem access they need to turn strong…

By Adeyemi Obadimu A prominent Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has publicly commended renowned businessman and philanthropist, Ibrahim Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD Dende, for what he described as extraordinary generosity and unwavering support during one of the most challenging periods of his life. Speaking about his experience following his release from detention in the Benin Republic, Igboho disclosed that IBD Dende reached out to him immediately to inquire about his welfare and next destination. According to him, when he explained that he was planning to travel to Germany and that the cost of flight tickets for himself and his…

​…Mega 99 Thrills Crowd, Endorses “SMA Gold” The landscape of Lagos politics shifted significantly on Wednesday as Dr. Samuel Mawuyon Ajose, popularly known as “SMA Gold,” officially declared his intention to run for the Governor of Lagos State in 2027. ​Addressing a massive crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful at the Police College Field in Ikeja, Ajose framed his candidacy as a blend of “fresh blood” and “progressive continuity,” while simultaneously launching a nationwide mobilization movement for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term. ​A Vision for “Renewed Hope 2.0” ​Standing before party leaders and vibrant youth groups, Dr. Ajose…

L-R: Chief Talent Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi; Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ali Kadiri; Head, Retail and SME Business, Union Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Imoh-Ita; Founder/Executive Director, Deaf International Foundation, Funmilola Ogunro; MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde Oni; SouthWest Coordinator, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Adenike Olorundare; Women Leader, Lagos Chapter, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Olubukola Salako; Executive Director, Corporate Bank & Business Banking Lagos & West, Union Bank of Nigeria, Taiwo Shote; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Olufunmilola Aluko; Regional Executive, Business Banking SouthWest and Lagos, Union Bank…