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FirstBank has announced the inaugural public lecture of the FirstBank Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance scheduled to hold at the University of Lagos on September 3, 2026.

The lecture, themed: ‘Business Ethics and the Future of Nigeria’s Economy,’ will bring together academics, students, business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other stakeholders to examine the critical role of ethics, integrity, accountability, and sustainability in shaping Nigeria’s economic future and fostering long-term national development.

The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair in Business Ethics and Governance was created in honour of Samuel Asabia, the Bank’s first indigenous Managing Director. The Chair has served as a platform for promoting scholarly research, teaching, and thought leadership in business ethics, corporate governance, responsible leadership, and sustainable business practices.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial services sector, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, will serve as Chairman of the Lecture.

Speaking on the significance of the lecture, Olusegun Alebiosu stated: At FirstBank, we believe that sustainable economic progress is anchored on ethical leadership, strong governance, and responsible enterprise. The Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair represents our enduring commitment to advancing thought leadership and fostering meaningful dialogue on issues that shape the future of business and society. Through this inaugural public lecture, we are bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders to explore how integrity-driven leadership can strengthen institutions, enhance economic resilience, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. We are proud to support this important platform for knowledge exchange and nation-building.’

The initiative further reflects FirstBank’s belief that sustainable development extends beyond financial performance to encompass ethical decision-making, responsible corporate citizenship, strong governance, and the development of future leaders capable of driving positive societal change.

The Chair is currently occupied by Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, an internationally recognised scholar whose work spans Sustainable Finance, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, and Economic Development.

Through enduring investments in education, research, and thought leadership initiatives such as the Samuel Asabia Professorial Chair, FirstBank continues to contribute to the development of ideas, institutions, and leadership principles that support a more prosperous, ethical, and sustainable Nigeria.

The Premier League season begins this weekend as defending champions Arsenal begin their title defence, while City, Liverpool, United and Chelsea also start their campaigns. All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Arsenal open proceedings tonight at 9:00 pm when they host newly promoted Coventry City. The Gunners begin their pursuit of consecutive league titles against a Coventry side making its return to the top flight and eager to start with a statement result.

Manchester United are in action on Saturday at 12:30 pm with a trip to Hull City. Both teams will look to make a strong start.

At 3:00 pm, Ipswich Town host Sunderland, while Everton welcome Crystal Palace in the other afternoon fixture at the same time. The Everton-Palace clash will be live on SuperSport Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206). Tottenham Hotspur then visit Brentford at 5:30 pm in an all-London contest.

Sunday begins with Manchester City travelling to Bournemouth at 2:00 pm. The fixture marks City’s first Premier League game under new manager Enzo Maresca, following Pep Guardiola’s departure, giving the visitors an early opportunity to show what the new era could bring.

At 4:30 pm, Newcastle United host Liverpool in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures. Liverpool also begin a new chapter under head coach Andoni Iraola, while Newcastle will look to make home advantage count against the reigning Premier League challengers.

All the action will be live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. All Premier League matches air live on SuperSport Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). The opening round concludes on Monday at 8:00 pm with Chelsea visiting Fulham in a West London derby.

The Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) 2026 once again brought the gospel music community together for a night of worship, excellence, and global recognition.

Organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria (AGMN), the awards continue to stand as Africa’s premier platform for celebrating ministers, creatives, and institutions using music to inspire faith and transformation.

It was a night of big wins and heartfelt tributes, held August 9 at MUSON Center, where worship leader Moses Bliss was crowned Artist of the Year, while Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor dominated with their anthem ‘No Turning Back II’, taking home Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year. Veteran worshipper Frank Edwards won Album of the Year for ‘Heart of Worship’, and Sunmisola Agbebi emerged Female Vocalist of the Year.

Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community were honored as Group/Choir of the Year, while gospel legend Chinyere Udoma won Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for ‘Eze Abata.’ Rising star Tkeyz was also recognized as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste.

NIGMA 2026 also celebrated gospel excellence beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian minstrel Nkiruka ‘Enkay’ Ogboruche was named Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year, and Limoblaze won Diaspora Male Artiste of the Year.

Beyond competitive categories, the night was dedicated to honoring legacies. The Experience received the Gospel Concert of the Year. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi, while Gospel Icon Awards were presented to global worship leader Sinach and veteran singer Kingsley Ike.

The Kingdom Impact Award recognized Pastors Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo for their influence through media and ministry. The Legacy Award celebrated pioneers Buchi, Lara George, Segun Obe, and a posthumous honor for Sammie Okposo.

Special Recognition Awards were awarded to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT, and Akpororo. The Distinguished Service Award honored Peter Armand Boyo, Victor Igibinigie, and Dr. Timothy Ogboruche for their outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry.

The Organisers expressed appreciation to all nominees, winners, partners, and guests, reaffirming NIGMA’s commitment to ‘celebrating excellence, honoring impact, and advancing the sound of the Gospel across Nigeria and the world.’

Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has revealed how ex-military ruler Ibrahim Babangida privately warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo against trusting his deputy, Atiku Abubakar.

Duke’s account appears in Seun Oloketuyi’s new book, How to Win Elections in Nigeria, which chronicles the intrigues of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

According to Duke, tensions between Obasanjo and Atiku had reached a boiling point as the president prepared for his 2003 re-election bid. Atiku’s political manoeuvres, he said, raised doubts about his loyalty, prompting Obasanjo to confide in allies about what he saw as betrayal.

Duke recalled receiving a late-night call from Obasanjo, who complained bitterly about Atiku’s conduct. ‘I urged him to remain calm and promised to fly to Abuja the next morning,’ Duke said.

What followed was a dramatic meeting at the presidential villa involving Obasanjo, Atiku, Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar. Babangida reportedly reminded Obasanjo of earlier agreements made after his release from prison and warned that northern leaders might resist backing his second-term bid.

But the most striking moment came after the meeting ended. As Babangida and Obasanjo walked back alone to retrieve Babangida’s forgotten keys, the former military ruler dropped his diplomatic tone.

‘I warned you not to trust that your deputy,’ Babangida allegedly told Obasanjo. Moments later, in front of the others, he looked at Atiku and declared: ‘This one cannot rule Nigeria.’

Duke said the episode underscored the depth of distrust between the two men and highlighted the brutal realities of political betrayal. ‘Betrayal is a very crazy thing in politics,’ he reflected.

The frosty relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku has endured for decades, marked by accusations of corruption, abuse of office, and political sabotage. Obasanjo recently reignited the feud, alleging that Atiku once offered ?5 million to the late Speaker Ghali Umar Na’Abba to initiate impeachment proceedings against him.

Atiku, a presidential candidate in next year’s general election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissed the claims as fabrications, accusing Obasanjo of bitterness over his failed third-term agenda.

The revelations in Oloketuyi’s book add fresh layers to one of Nigeria’s most enduring political rivalries. This uneasy partnership shaped the country’s democratic journey and continues to reverberate ahead of the 2027 election.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Darlington Nwauju, has applauded the three-year scorecard of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Describing Tunji-Ojo as a dedicated, visionary and committed minister, Nwauju said the minister had transformed a hitherto redundant ministry.

The former Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the APC recalled that Tunji-Ojo was among the 45 ministers Tinubu appointed, and that Tinubu assigned him to an unpopular ministry known only for headlining announcements of national public holidays.

But he said, ‘In the last three years, the Interior Ministry underwent measurable reforms and, in a particular instance, last year received parliamentary commendations for surpassing the revenue generation target set for it by the National Assembly for the 2024/25 fiscal year.

‘For those of us who believe that there is a serious need to deliberately inject fresh blood into every leadership stratum in this country, Dr Tunji-Ojo stands as empirical evidence. Having been tried and having delivered beyond the imaginations of naysayers.’

He said the Interior Minister remained a source of pride to the people of Ondo, the youth demography in the country and a silver lining for visionary and impactful leadership.

He said the minister hit the ground running as soon as he was appointed, mobilising funds through corporate social responsibility to the tune of N585 million to pay court fines and compensation for 4,068 indigent inmates in November 2023, as part of measures to decongest the custodial centres nationwide.

He said that, as part of the prison reforms introduced by Tunji-Ojo, many Master’s, undergraduate and PhD candidates had successfully completed their studies, with numerous others enrolling for NABTEB/NECO examinations.

‘Other empirically verifiable projects/policies like the remodelling/upgrade of the National Fire Academy; launch of ECOWAS national biometric identity card (ENBIC); a new NIMC Act 2026 empowering NIMC as the mother certification authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI),’ he said.

Nwauju said under the minister, the immigration services in the country witnessed a turnaround following the digitising of expatriate quota and resident permit processes, and the inauguration of a Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre, the first of its kind in the 62-year history of the NIS

‘These are all testaments to performance delivery, which speaks volumes of an accountable leadership paradigm,’ he said.

He added, ‘It is my time-tested principle and belief that politics and governance should and must be about the good of the greater majority. In that light, the Interior Ministry under Dr Tunji-Ojo’s watch has promoted over 75,000 paramilitary officers, with elevations across various ranks, thereby ending years of career stagnation.

‘There is also an ongoing recruitment exercise of 60,000 youths into the four paramilitary agencies under that Ministry.’

The Federal Government and the private sector have been urged to increase their support for humanitarian operations as insecurity and other crises worsen across the country.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Francis Origa, made the call during a press briefing marking the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.

Origa said the annual event, observed on August 19, offered an opportunity to honour humanitarian workers and first responders who risk their lives to assist victims of conflicts and other emergencies.

He said the 2026 theme, ‘The Time for Consequence is Now,’ with the hashtag #ActForHumanity, highlighted the need for urgent, concrete action to protect vulnerable populations and humanitarian workers.

The institute’s chief executive noted that Nigeria continued to face complex humanitarian challenges, including displacement, food insecurity and climate-related emergencies, particularly in the North-East.

He expressed concern about the rising attacks on humanitarian workers, warning that those providing assistance to people affected by crises must be protected.

‘Humanitarian workers are increasingly targeted. We have seen a disturbing trend of attacks on those who are there to help, with aid workers facing significant risks to their safety and security while delivering aid in conflict zones,’ Origa said.

He called on the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of international humanitarian law and to end impunity for attacks against aid workers and civilians.

Origa also urged communities and leaders to acquire the skills, training and resources required to respond effectively to emergencies and to rebuild affected communities with dignity.

He explained that World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to honour the 22 humanitarian workers killed in the August 19, 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.

Among those killed was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello.

Meanwhile, the institute announced its 16th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and Induction Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday.

Origa said the programme, organised in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders, UNITAR-CIFAL Nigeria, would focus on ‘Resilience in Action: Strengthening Ethical Leadership, Inclusivity and Humanitarian Values in Nigeria.’

He said the event would also feature the presentation of his book, Materialism and Humanitarianism, which examines the relationship between material wealth and humanitarian values.

According to him, the institute will formally launch its Honorary Humanitarian Ambassadors Network as part of efforts to expand its training, advocacy and community development activities across Nigeria.

He disclosed that the initiative would be implemented in partnership with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria and would incorporate para-legal services into grassroots humanitarian interventions.

Origa said the initiative aimed to promote human dignity, human rights, and access to justice in communities.

He commended humanitarian workers for their sacrifices, noting that many continued to provide food, medical care, shelter and hope to vulnerable people despite the risks to their lives.

He called for stronger collaboration among the government, humanitarian organisations, the private sector, and the media to address the country’s growing humanitarian challenges.

‘Darkness returns to Long Bridge’. That was the screaming headline that introduced the story. The word ‘returns’ meant the place was in darkness before, that is; there was no light there and light was provided to illuminate one of the obvious dark spots on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This was only last year.

Sadly, as at last week when the darkness on the bridge was reported, at least 168 of the solar lights installed on the about five-kilometre Long Bridge stretch connecting the OPIC end toward Wawa, had been stolen.

These were public facilities provided to illuminate the dark corridor, improve night visibility, and curb criminal attacks on motorists whose vehicles have the misfortune of developing faults on that part of the ever-busy expressway.

Of course, the next logical question is how? Long Bridge is not in any part of rural Nigeria.

The bridge is at the boundary between Ogun State and Berger Bus Stop in Lagos State, which is about 7.3 kilometres distance. It takes approximately 11 minutes travel time from Berger to the bridge.

Not only that, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is regarded as the busiest interstate highway in Nigeria. So, it is ever busy.

All of these should make one curious that some 168 solar lights could vanish from such a highway without anyone knowing.

One, such a number of lights could only have been stolen over a period.

Two, these lights are not within reach as the poles are very high. Therefore, removing the solar lights could only be possible with the use of special equipment that mainly those maintaining such facilities have access to.

It does not seem to us as something that can be done without the active connivance of some internal collaborators.

Unfortunately, we do not have a strong record of apprehending such criminals. That explains the impunity with which the criminals operate and the frequency of such crimes in the country.

Just imagine the vandalisation that has been occurring on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway that is still under construction, but which some miscreants and scavengers have been caught cutting and removing parts of its metal fencing, barbed wire, and structural iron fittings?

How do we explain the actions of rail vandals who remove rails or tracks, that is the metal path that guides the train safely along its route? This can lead to fatal accidents.

There is no reason for people to be so callous to the point that they can just strip public utilities without a thought for the lives of fellow Nigerians.

Mercifully, the Federal Government has swiftly responded to these thefts on the coastal highway by deploying a specialised security team – the Coastal Highway Guards- to patrol the corridor.

.People who vandalise public facilities do not deserve any pity. Apart from the economic loss to the country, they also make life difficult for fellow Nigerians. That is where the criminality of the vandals does not lead to the death of their compatriots.

Penalties for vandalism would seem stiff enough, ranging from 21 years in prison to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty under anti-sabotage laws.

Where the problem lies is in the arrest and prosecution of the suspects. This is where the government and Nigerians generally have to wake up.

The government must ensure that the facilities are well protected. It can deploy technology in monitoring such facilities. Like the coastal road that now has a security outfit after some of the road’s facilities had been stolen. There is need for proactiveness on the part of the government even as Nigerians must be vigilant, and report something when they see something.

WAPTV has reached another ground breaking milestone, as it will be the first TV channel in Nigeria, to broadcast the smash hit Indian Romantic Drama, Rajjo.

The move, according to an official statement from the channel, is an effort to ensure the TV channel maintains its apex position in ensuring premium programming for its millions of viewers worldwide, in the ever rising competitive world of broadcasting.

The show revolves around the trials and tests of an aspiring athlete Rajjo from Uttarakhand. Her mother, Manorama, has a dark past, and hence is against Rajjo’s dreams of turning an athlete.

Rajjo is a family drama, fully dubbed and subtitled in English Language.

Wale Adenuga Jnr, Director WAPTV, excitedly announced; ‘after years of painstakingly pursuing the broadcast license of the hit show: Rajjo, we were delighted when we acquired the rights, as the series is tailor-fitted to our core values at WAPTV, to provide wholesome family friendly entertainment, that will keep our audiences glued to their screens, both TV and Mobile.’ Rajjo will start showing from September 7 between Mondays and Fridays on the WAPTV channels.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured investors of a safe environment for their businesses to thrive.

He said his administration recognised the private sector as a critical partner in development.

He said his SHINE Agenda was designed to improve infrastructure, strengthen security, support agriculture and human development, thus creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.

Governor Okpebholo spoke in Gbelebu, Ovia South West Local Government while inaugurating a mini solar power grid established for the community by Okomu Oil Palm Company PLC, in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and ETIN Power.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, said the solar project was beyond providing electricity to the community, but represented an investment in the people, their livelihoods, economic opportunities and quality of life.

Okpebholo commended Okomu Oil Palm Company and its development partners for the initiative.

He urged other businesses operating in the state to emulate the gesture by supporting their host communities.

The governor appealed to communities to protect legitimate investments and regard responsible businesses as partners in development.

Acting Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government, Mr Nosakhare Edobor, advised residents of Gbelebu to protect developmental projects located in the community.

Managing Director of Okomu Oil Palm Company plc, Mr Graham Hefer, said the company remained committed to contributing to the development of its host communities.

The Amanawei of Gbelebu Community, High Chief Enoch Sulubor, thanked the oil firm for the development projects in the community.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to ensure policy stability, faster approvals and predictable regulations to attract more investment into the oil and gas sector.

PENGASSAN also urged the government to submit recent executive orders on the petroleum industry to the National Assembly as an executive bill seeking amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, stressing that the process should be transparent and involve all stakeholders.

The union made the demands in a communiqué signed by PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and its General Secretary, Comrade Jerry Amah, at the end of its three-day 5th PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, from August 19 to 21, 2026.

The summit, with the theme, ‘Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks as a Catalyst for Stability and Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry,’ brought together government representatives, regulators, oil and gas companies, investors, organised labour, industry professionals and other stakeholders.

The association said Nigeria needed a stable and competitive fiscal and regulatory environment to attract the long-term capital required to develop its oil and gas resources.

It urged the government and regulatory institutions to minimise abrupt policy changes and ensure adequate consultation with stakeholders before introducing major changes in the industry.

PENGASSAN also called for improved coordination among regulatory and government agencies to eliminate overlapping mandates, repetitive approvals and conflicting directives which, it said, increased the cost of doing business and weakened Nigeria’s competitiveness for global energy capital.

The union said regulation should protect national interests, workers, host communities, investors, safety and the environment while enabling legitimate businesses to operate efficiently.

It urged regulators to embrace digitalisation, set clear approval timelines, and adopt transparent processes, arguing that regulatory effectiveness should be measured by its impact on investment, production, revenue generation, worker protection, and national value creation.

On investment and production, PENGASSAN said Nigeria could not rely solely on its large hydrocarbon reserves to attract investors, noting that the country was competing with other oil-producing jurisdictions for limited global capital.

It therefore urged the government to consolidate recent reforms and incentives that had encouraged fresh investments and Final Investment Decisions in the sector.

The association also identified gas as a key driver of industrialisation, noting that Nigeria had more than 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves but had yet to fully convert the resource into reliable energy and economic growth.

It called for an integrated national gas development strategy covering upstream supply, processing, pipelines, storage, LNG, LPG and CNG infrastructure.

PENGASSAN further urged the government to accelerate the use of gas for electricity generation, manufacturing, transportation, fertiliser, petrochemicals and domestic cooking, while reducing routine gas flaring and methane emissions.

The union also called for sustained policies and investments to expand domestic refining capacity and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

It stressed the need to protect refineries operating within Nigeria, including the Dangote and Waltersmith refineries, saying greater domestic refining and processing would create jobs, conserve foreign exchange and promote industrial development.

On labour issues, PENGASSAN said capital and labour were complementary rather than competing interests, stressing that sustainable investment required skilled, motivated and fairly treated workers.

It called for stronger protection of jobs, accrued benefits, pensions, collective bargaining agreements and other established workers’ rights, particularly during mergers, acquisitions, divestments and asset transfers.

The association also warned that increased production must not come at the expense of workers’ lives and well-being, insisting that occupational health and safety remain non-negotiable.

On Nigerian content, the union called for a shift from procurement targets to developing Nigerian companies and professionals capable of competing globally on competence, quality, governance, and cost.

It also demanded stronger enforcement of expatriate quota requirements to ensure that foreign expertise was deployed only where genuine skills gaps existed and accompanied by measurable knowledge transfer and succession plans for qualified Nigerians.

PENGASSAN urged the government to sustain collaboration with security agencies, operators and host communities to consolidate recent gains in the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

It also called for effective implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust framework under the PIA, saying host communities must become genuine partners in petroleum development.

The association said Nigeria’s major challenge was no longer a lack of resources, laws, institutions or human capacity but the failure to translate them into bankable projects and measurable outcomes.

It therefore called for stronger execution discipline, measurable targets, clearly assigned responsibilities and transparent monitoring of commitments.

The union said, ‘Policies must translate into implementation; resources into projects; projects into production; production into value; and investment into sustainable jobs and national prosperity.’

PENGASSAN called for deeper collaboration among the Federal Government, regulators, NNPC Limited, operators, investors, organised labour and host communities to resolve bottlenecks and accelerate investment and production.