Author: Nationalmonitor

The second legs of the European semi-finals take centre stage this week, with six ties across the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League set to decide who advances to the finals. Five English clubs remain in contention, and each will be looking to complete the job or mount a comeback after the opening legs.On Tuesday, Barcelona and Inter Milan resume their heavyweight clash following a pulsating 3–3 draw at the Olympic Stadium. Xavi’s side, already crowned Copa del Rey winners and top of La Liga, were twice behind before salvaging a draw in the first leg. Inter, who…

FirstBank, the West African premier bank and financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports. Empowering the Next Generation of Esports ProfessionalsThe partnership provides a platform for FirstBank to support the rollout of EStars’ comprehensive esports qualifications, including entry-level Certificates and BTEC courses in esports. These programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the burgeoning esports industry. Innovative Financial Solutions for GamersIn addition to educational initiatives, FirstBank and EStars are exploring the development of a co-branded gaming…

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assembling a capable leadership team at the NNPC, highlighting the appointments of Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.Dangote said he visited the President to commend him for putting together such a formidable and professionally competent team, that is eminently qualified to take NNPCL to a greater height.According to Dangote, the new management team brings a wealth of technical expertise, and all have managerial experiences that are essential for revitalising Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.The new team,…

A coalition of concerned landlords, electorates, and political stakeholders in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has expressed strong opposition to the rumored nomination of Mr. Joseph Babatunde Ojo as Chairman in the upcoming 2025 Lagos State Local Government Elections. The group led by Amoo Ismail has officially petitioned the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu (OON), urging her and the President to intervene and prevent what they describe as a repeat of past political imposition that hindered development in the area.In a formal communication to the First Lady, the group raised concerns…

Big Brother Naija, Africa’s biggest and most-watched reality television show, is officially back, and it’s marking its milestone 10th season with a bold throwback to its roots: physical auditions across Nigeria.For the first time in recent years, hopeful contestants will have the opportunity to audition in person as the show’s organizers unveil a three-city audition tour. Aspiring housemates can showcase their charisma and charm at audition venues in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu on May 16, 17, and 18, 2025.The audition process kicks off with online registration beginning Saturday, May 3, and closing Wednesday, May 7, via the official portal: www.africamagic.tv/bbaudition.…

Lagos, Nigeria – May 2, 2025 – Quickteller, leading digital payments platform powered by Interswitch, and Verve, Africa’s foremost payment cards and digital tokens brand, have been unveiled as official sponsors of the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. As the AMVCA continues to celebrate excellence and innovation in African film, television, and digital content, Quickteller and Verve are proud to partner with this flagship event, further reaffirming their commitment to supporting creativity, storytelling, and talent development across the continent.…

The Premier League continues this weekend as the fight for a top-five finish reaches a critical point. With only a handful of games remaining, just two points separate third from sixth.Saturday’s action begins with Aston Villa hosting Fulham at 12:30 PM. Villa will aim to bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City ended their five-game unbeaten run. At 3:00 PM, Everton play relegated Ipswich Town, while Leicester face Southampton. Arsenal wrap up the day at 5:30 PM against Bournemouth. The Gunners are second on the table and five points clear of the chasing pack. A win would all…

Man City’s chase for a Champions League spot continues today when they welcome Wolves to the Etihad. It’s a clash between a side desperate to lock in a top-five finish and one riding a six-game winning streak, though the story beneath the surface tells a different tale. City are fourth on the Premier League table with just a single point separating them from fifth-placed Chelsea. With only three games left, the margin for error is slim. This season has been anything but smooth for Pep Guardiola’s men. Injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Ruben Dias…

Was it prophecy, or precision? On January 1st, before an elite gathering of past and present leaders of the National Assembly in Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a statement that would echo louder with time,“If Senator Ned Nwoko joins the APC, all the red caps will follow him.”It sounded lofty, almost mythical, but today, that statement is no longer a prediction, it is Delta’s living, breathing reality.For years, Senator Ned Nwoko was described as a brilliant mind with no structure. After his distinguished stint in the House of Representatives, he would contest, inspire, but the “system” repeatedly delayed the…

L-R The International Vice President, Junior Chamber International(JCI), Yudhish Rohee; the Head of Tourism Business Unit, Sterling Bank Plc, Abiola Adelana; the National President, JCI Nigeria, Oluwatoyin Atanda and the Group Head for Mobility, Sterling Bank Plc, Akinkunmi Akingbogun during the signing of partnership between JCI and Sterling Bank Plc’s Torrista to promote Tourism recently in Lagos. Torrista, the tourism platform under Sterling Bank’s Renewable Energy, Mobility & Tourism division, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at deepening tourism development and empowering young leaders…