Author: Nationalmonitor

Nigeria’s most forward-looking financial institution, Sterling Bank, has announced an over ₦2bn commitment for fully-funded private university scholarships for young Nigerians. Unveiled on Democracy Day, the initiative titled Beyond Education, represents a decisive step towards building the country’s future leaders by dismantling the barriers that keep millions of Nigerians from accessing quality, future-focused learning.This is one of the largest private sector investments ever made in a single Nigerian tertiary institution. It extends Sterling’s longstanding commitment to the HEART sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. The bank has deployed over half a trillion naira in financing and development programs…

In the heart of Nigeria’s political history stands Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola—MKO—a man whose vision for democracy defied oppression. As the nation approaches July 7, 2025, it marks 27 years since his tragic and controversial demise, a date etched in the consciousness of Nigerians who recall his unrelenting pursuit of justice. Alhaji Lekan Abiola, his son, and Dr. Layo Adeniyi, a former detainee under Abacha’s regime, stand as torchbearers of this legacy. Their joint effort brings forth MKO Abiola—Symbol of Democracy, a book that reexamines his life, his political struggles, and the forces that thwarted his rise to leadership.…

BUSINESSAfrica, the leading continental voice of employers and private sector organizations across Africa, with headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, elects Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director-General/Chief Executive of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) into its Executive Council, at its General Assembly, held on 10th June, 2025 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. BUSINESSAfrica serves as a vital platform for promoting private sector development and regional business integration, while also representing African business interests at regional and international forums, including the African Union and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The election underscores Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde’s dedication and commitment to the advancement and…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has collaborated with the Association for Progressive Communications and other institutional stakeholders towards addressing challenges confronting rural network connectivity in Nigeria. The collaboration resulted in a two-day workshop hosted in Abuja from June 3-4, 2025, to explore policy framework for enabling community networks towards bridging the digital divide and accelerating socio-economic development in Nigeria’s underserved and unserved communities. The forum brought together regulators, community leaders, technical experts and potential foreign investors, among others, to examine policy and regulatory barriers, explore innovative funding mechanisms, ensure sustainable renewable solutions and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders. Addressing participants at…

L-R: Team Lead, Human Resource and Business Partner East and South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osayi Uwumarongie; Principal, Government Junior Secondary School Elekahia, Port Harcourt; Dr Ekeh Florence; Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; and Procurement Officer/Class President, Suncrest 2025 Inductees Class, Fidelity Bank Plc, Euphemia Okereafor; during the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme Donation to Government Secondary School, Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently. In furtherance of its long-standing commitment to education and youth development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has donated a wide range of relief and academic materials to Government Junior Secondary School, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers…

…Rev. Seyi Oluwadiran Unveils Groundbreaking Book on Leadership and National Transformation Renowned pastor, educator, and author Rev. Seyi Oluwadiran has announced the release of his highly anticipated book, Leadership in Nigeria: Its Impact on the Next Generation — From Past Failures to Future Possibilities. This insightful work dives deep into Nigeria’s leadership challenges while offering a compelling vision for a brighter, more ethical future shaped by the next generation. In this thought-provoking book, Rev. Oluwadiran examines the persistent leadership crises in Nigeria, tracing their historical roots while presenting faith-based solutions to overcome them. With a blend of historical perspectives, inspirational…

The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to reactions trailing the discontinuation of the criminal charge against the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc.The Attorney General’s decision to discontinue the criminal charge against Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, is a testament to the office’s commitment to upholding justice and fairness. As the chief law officer of the federation, the AGF has the constitutional power to enter a nolle prosequi, discontinuing a prosecution where it is deemed necessary to prevent a…

Union Bank of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment through its alpher initiative by sponsoring the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) Cohort 2 Programme, which has graduated 125 entrepreneurs who have benefited from firsthand entrepreneurship training and business grants.Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria account for more than 50% of industrial employment and contribute approximately 48% to the country’s GDP. This makes entrepreneurship one of the economy’s building blocks and is a testament to Union Bank’s unwavering dedication to national development in partnership with NBCC.In her welcome…

With plastic pollution still threatening lives, coastlines, and ecosystems across Nigeria, the Sterling One Foundation is taking concrete steps to confront the crisis through community-led cleanups, strategic partnerships, and ongoing policy engagement.Earlier this year, the Foundation led a major cleanup at Elegushi Beach under its Beach Adoption Programme, a national initiative that has now formally adopted more than five beaches since 2021, including Alpha, Eleko, Lafiaji, Iwerekun and Okun Ajah. Across these sites, the Foundation has cleared over 9,000 kilograms of waste, including more than 4,800 kilograms of recyclables, while working with local leaders to embed awareness and long-term stewardship…

In a stunning political shift, leading figures within the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially abandoned the party, pledging their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a speech delivered by Hon. Hakeem Amode, the Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, the defectors cited internal crises, poor leadership, and a failure to support party candidates as key reasons for their decision.The defectors, led by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), include prominent figures such as:- Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem (Former Deputy Governorship Candidate, PDP Lagos State) – Chief Ola Apena (Former Deputy Chairman, PDP Lagos State) – Prince…