News
Tinubu commiserates with Makinde over brother’s death
By Francesca Hangeior
President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde.
In a statement personally signed by the President on Monday, he expressed his sympathy to Makinde, his family, and the people of Oyo State, describing the loss as a “profound sorrow.”
“With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest sympathies to you, your family, and the people of Oyo State on the passing of your beloved elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde,” the President said.
Acknowledging the pain that comes with losing a loved one, Tinubu noted, “The loss of a loved one, especially a cherished elder brother, is a profound sorrow. In this time of mourning, I want you to know that I, along with many others, stand with you and your family.”
The President also prayed for comfort and strength for Makinde and his family during this period of grief. He emphasised the importance of family values and unity, which he said have always been exemplified by the Makinde family.
“This moment reminds us of the importance of family, unity, and love—values that your family has always exemplified and that we all hold dear. May these values strengthen you and your loved ones in this time of grief,” Tinubu added.
He concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and reassured the governor of his unwavering support.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of Engineer Sunday Makinde’s soul and for the Almighty to grant you and your family the strength to navigate this challenging time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and that you are not alone in this period,” the statement read.
…Aig-Imoukhuede honoured as “Titan of the Year”
By Gloria Ikibah
Access Bank PLC has received the prestigious 2024 THISDAY Global Bank of the Year award in recognition of its transformative impact on the global banking industry.
Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, was also honoured with the THISDAY Titan of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the financial sector.
At the 2025 THISDAY Awards held in Lagos, Access Bank surpassed competitors such as the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) to claim the highly coveted title. The event, marking the 30th anniversary of THISDAY Newspapers and the 12th anniversary of Arise News Channel, carried the theme “When the Going Gets Tough… The Tough Get Rewarded.”
Access Bank was lauded for its strategic growth, innovative leadership, and commitment to sustainability. It also received recognition for its technological advancements, clinching the 2024 Digital Jurist Award for Best Digital Bank.
In addition, the bank’s emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles earned it the 2024 Euromoney Award for Best Bank for ESG in Nigeria and Ghana. With an expanding international presence across Africa, Europe, and Asia, Access Bank continues to strengthen its global influence.
Managing Director Roosevelt Ogbonna, while accepting the award, credited the achievement to the bank’s stakeholders and stated, “This honour reflects decades of hard work and the vision of trailblazers like Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Herbert Wigwe. We dedicate this award to our customers and team members who inspire us daily.”
Aig-Imoukhuede, recognised alongside other top leaders, reflected on his career, thanking Prince Nduka Obaigbena for his mentorship and shared, “This recognition is a testament to perseverance and vision. I am grateful to stand among exceptional peers.”
The ceremony, attended by luminaries from the private and public sectors, celebrated excellence across industries and highlighted the impact of visionary leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future.
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in establishing the country’s actual population.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a biometric-based census, the Speaker described the exercise as long overdue.
He affirmed his commitment to engaging with the President, following consultations with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the matter.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the NPC board and management, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and Director-General Dr. Ojogun Tellson Osifo, the Speaker criticized the 19-year gap since the last census, calling it unacceptable for a nation of Nigeria’s size and significance.
Rep. Abbas noted that a fresh population census would help dispel doubts and counter claims of population overestimation by critics. The NPC chairman confirmed that the President had approved the biometric census to take place in 2025.
He said: “Statistics don’t lie,” expressing his belief that the biometric system is the only way to determine the actual population with less deployment of resources.
“I will be part of those who will engage Mr. President on the issue of conducting census this year”.
Speaket Abbas who noted that the budget of NPC was inadequate to conduct a successful census, said the Federal Government may consider other sources of funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
“I will see my counterpart in the Senate on how to see Mr President. It will be a historic thing in Nigeria while it would also be something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of NPC briefed the Speaker on the plans for the census and the preparations made so far. He solicited the support of the House, and National Assembly by extension, with regards to funding and enabling laws.
According to Hon. Kwarra, part of the plans for the census included acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, establishment of a situation room as well as advocacy/stakeholders engagements, including visits to former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, has commended the FCT Minister, BarrIster Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to developing the nation’s capital.
In a congratulatory message, Betara, who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani and Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, praised Wike for earning the prestigious “Best Minister of the Year” award by THISDAY/Arise TV, citing his dedication to infrastructure and transformation in Abuja.
He said: “On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Bar Nyesom Wike (CON, GSSRS), on your well-deserved recognition as the Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise TV.
“This prestigious honour is a testament to your visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and exceptional contributions to the infrastructural transformation of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Your unwavering commitment to service and your determination to improve the lives of residents and visitors alike to the FACT has been nothing short of exemplary.
“Through your bold initiatives and strategic policies, you have not only enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Abuja, but have also reaffirmed the FCT’s position as a beacon of progress and modernity in Nigeria.”
According to Betara, the award reflects the Minister’s positive impact and the widespread admiration he has garnered across different sectors.
“I celebrate this outstanding achievement with you and express my gratitude for your leadership and passion for development.
“May this milestone serve as an inspiration for even greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with integrity and purpose.
“Once again, congratulations on this remarkable feat. I wish you continued success in your endeavours,” he noted.
Betara described Wike as an outstanding leader whose transformative vision for the FCT is delivering remarkable results.
Access Bank Wins THISDAY Global Bank of the Year Award
Speaker Abbas Hails President Tinubu’s Order For Biometric Headcount
Betara Hails Wike’s Transformation Efforts, Celebrates Best Minister of the Year Award
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro20 hours agoEFCC to invite Ondo Speaker over N200m for phone calls, investigates N11.5b allocation to finance ministry
-
Politics20 hours agoEdo guber Election Tribunal to resume in Abuja today
-
Sports20 hours agoFull List: AFCON 2025 Draw Confirmed
-
News20 hours agoDifficult to believe: ” I now feed from rents from my house in Kaduna-Ex-President Buhari
-
News20 hours agoPeter Obi commends Afe Babalola for dropping defamation cases against Farotimi
-
News20 hours agoFuel Prices Set to Drop as Global Crude Prices Fall
-
Politics18 hours agoWe’ve reconciled warring factions in FCT – APC
-
Relationship20 hours agoScarcity of men: Lady confesses no man has touched her for 24 months in UK (Video)