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Transnational Corporation Plc (‘Transcorp Group’ or the ‘Company’), (NGX: TRANSCORP), Africa’s leading listed conglomerate, has announced its unaudited Q3 2025 financial results, delivering strong growth across business lines.

The Group recorded a 39% year-on-year increase in revenue, rising from ?297.7 billion in Q3 2024 to ?413.4 billion in Q3 2025. Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 18%, closing at ?124.5 billion, compared to ?105.5 billion in the same period last year.

Transcorp Group maintained its strong growth trajectory, driven by the Company’s resilient business strategy and operational excellence.

All operating units recorded significant growth, with the increased power generation capacity at the Group’s power plants and expansion in the hospitality revenue stream with the inclusion of the 5,000-capacity Transcorp Centre Abuja.

Profit Before Tax rose by 18% to ?124.5 billion, up from ?105.5 billion in Q3 2024.

Profit After Tax increased by 20.5%, reaching ?91.4 billion, compared to ?75.9 billion in 2024.

The Group maintained a gross profit margin of 48%, reflecting disciplined cost management and strategic pricing across its business units, underpinned by a strong ethos of operational efficiency.

Chairman. Transnational Corporation Plc Tony Elumelu said: ‘Transcorp’s robust revenue and earnings delivery demonstrates the opportunity in the Nigerian economy. Our diversified portfolio continues to offer investors access to key drivers of Nigeria’s growth opportunity.

‘As the macro-economic climate improves, the Group is well-positioned to take advantage of Nigeria’s extraordinary potential. We are executing our impact- driven mandate through strategic investments that solidify our leadership in Nigeria’s vital sectors. Our diversified model continues to demonstrate resilience, generating significant value.

‘In power generation and distribution, we are closing the energy deficit in Nigeria, propelling national development. We increased our power generation capacity at all our plants, and we remain committed to power Nigerians out of poverty. In hospitality, we are redefining excellence, with the landmark Transcorp Centre Abuja setting a new standard for world-class events. We remain unrelenting in our commitment to delivering superior shareholder returns and driving the long-term transformation of Nigeria’s economy.’

President/ Group CEO of Transcorp Plc Dr Owen Omogiafo, said: ‘Transcorp Group’s Q3 2025 results demonstrate the successful execution of our strategic direction, operational excellence and portfolio-wide efficiency. Driven by our core purpose to ‘Improve Lives and Transform Africa’, we continue to optimise our businesses to deliver superior stakeholder value.

‘As Nigeria’s leading conglomerate, with a disciplined approach to excellent corporate strategy, we are positioned to finish the year with strength and strategic momentum. We offer investors unique access to the Nigerian economy, delivering sustainable returns for our shareholders and championing economic growth.’

With rising cases of non-communicable and preventable diseases across Nigeria, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to shift national attention toward preventive healthcare and healthy living through the commemoration of the 2025 National Health Promotion Day.

Health promotion, according to the Federal Ministry of Health on Social Welfare, is now central to the country’s strategy for reducing disease burden, improving wellbeing, and ensuring sustainable national development.

It is in this context that the Ministry, through its Health Promotion Division in the Family Health Department, will mark the 2025 edition of the National Health Promotion Day with the theme ‘Health Promotion: The Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Wellbeing of Nigerians 2.0.’

According to the Director of the Family Health Department, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, the event reflects the government’s renewed commitment to equipping citizens with knowledge and tools to make healthier lifestyle choices.

She said the celebration, which follows the 64th National Council on Health (NCH) resolution, underscores the link between health literacy, economic productivity, and national growth.

The commemoration, according to her, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare, encourage positive health behaviours, and foster collaboration among citizens, policymakers, and health professionals to achieve national health goals

Dr. Ukaire recalled that the maiden National Health Promotion Day was declared on October 29, 2024, by Prof. Pate to institutionalize preventive health as a national priority and embed health promotion into the country’s public health system.

She added that the 2025 edition would feature post-event activities such as community sensitization, outreach programmes, health-promoting school initiatives, media campaigns, and webinars led by experts to educate Nigerians on preventive care and healthy living.

State governments are expected to join the Federal Ministry in marking the day, while Nigerians are encouraged to actively participate in the events and online conversations using the hashtag #HealthPromotionDay2025.

According to her, activities will begin on October 29 with a press briefing by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. L Ali Pate, followed by a fitness and wellness walk, as well as a technical session on October 30.

Zuma Agric Radio has launched Koyo Health App, an innovative digital platform to enhance access to healthcare services in rural communities in Niger State.

Managing Director of Zuma Agric Radio, Mr. Shuaibu Ahmed, described the initiative as a bridge between technology and inclusion.

‘The app bridges innovation and inclusion, connecting rural communities to essential medical services,’ he said.

Dr. Murtala Babagana, special adviser to the governor, praised the partnership for supporting the state’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

Permanent Secretary of Primary Health Care Development Agency reaffirmed government’s commitment to boosting health innovations of rural dwellers.

At the launch, over 300 were enrolled on the app, with access to digital medical consultations and health updates.

The event, from Suleja to Numba Health Care Centre in Tafa, brought together stakeholders from health and tech.

Nigerian policy, civil society, community, and religious leaders have been challenged on the urgent need for action to address the rising moral decay among young Nigerians and the necessity of equipping them with the skills and values needed for effective leadership.

A non-governmental organization, Favour Adetutu Global Impact, said the challenge becomes imperative considering the pervasive moral decay so glaringly on display among the nation’s youth demography which is now eroding family cultural and national values, promoting vices of all forms

The group made the call at the 2025 Rising Leaders Conference, themed ‘Accelerate,’ held during the weekend in Madalla, Suleja, that brought together more than 500 participants, including students from six secondary schools, to inspire a new generation of visionary leaders capable of driving positive change in their communities.

The conference, according to the convener and Executive Director of Favour Adetutu Global Impact, Favour Adetutu, was conceived to counter the erosion of moral values and provide young people with the tools to lead with purpose and integrity.

Noting that transformation is not just the government’s responsibility but begins with individuals who understand their role in nation-building, Adetutu said, ‘Transformation is not just the government’s job, it begins with individuals who understand their role in nation-building’.

He said the interest in the young Nigerians begins with sustained investment in their development.

‘Investing in young people was crucial, as over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population consists of youth.

‘If a teenager gets it right in secondary school, they will get it right in their career and in life,’ he added, urging participants to move beyond complacency and push toward greater achievements.

According to him, the need to counter moral decay and prepare young people to lead effectively formed the central motivation that cannot be overemphasized.

The Keynote speaker, Temitope Famoroti, in his presentation, ACCELERATE, provided a roadmap that emphasized essential leadership traits, aspiration, concentration, consecration, execution, liberation, education, responsibility, articulation, tenacity, and excellence.

Echenim Chidinma, the Chief Executive Officer of Paywithkiakia, who led a business and entrepreneurship session, mentored the participants on how to turn ideas into enterprises.

He challenged the youth to embrace innovation instead of resorting to negative behaviours such as internet fraud, noting that dreaming big and starting small is how nations are built.

An Educationist, Samuel Adeleke said the event could not have come at a better time, noting, ‘Many young people today are searching for guidance. The theme ‘Accelerate’ captures the urgency to move forward despite challenges. The conference gave them direction’.

Participants described the conference as eye-opening and impactful, ‘Every session had something meaningful to offer. The chant, ‘I accelerate with purpose,’ will keep ringing in our heads,’ Daniel Kayode, a student participant said.

Adetutu, while reaffirming the organization’s commitment to building a generation of purpose-driven leaders, said, ‘We are committed to raising leaders who will transform society. This is just the beginning.’

SIR: On October 21, the governments of Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa signed an agreement to establish a regional electricity market, pledging to raise N50 billion to expand access to power across their states.

At the Marrakech Electrification Summit, where the pact was sealed, officials from the three states stood side by side, announcing their plan not only to share costs but to take equity in Future Energies Africa (FEA), the core investor in Kano Electricity Distribution Company. The goal is to fix power distribution from the ground up, together.

The N50 billion investments might seem modest compared to the billions Nigeria borrows yearly for less coherent projects, but the symbolism matters. For once, three governors are not waiting for Abuja’s permission to act. They’re choosing self-help over dependency, efficiency over rhetoric.

They’re also making a bet on the Electricity Act 2023, which devolves power generation and distribution to states.

For all the promise of this northern initiative, the real tragedy is how rare such cooperation has become. Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones – Northwest, Northeast, North-central, Southwest, Southeast, and South-south – rarely collaborate on anything meaningful.

Imagine if states across Nigeria pooled resources to tackle problems regionally: Southeast states could jointly revive the Enugu coal belt or set up shared logistics hubs for Aba and Onitsha. Southwest states could jointly manage the Lagos-Ibadan corridor’s transport and industrial ecosystem. North-central states could form agricultural processing zones powered by renewable energy.

Each zone has comparative advantages. What’s missing is collective will.

Of course, cooperation isn’t magic. The Kano-Katsina-Jigawa alliance faces real challenges. The sum, N50 billion is small compared to what’s needed to transform energy access. Political continuity is fragile – one election cycle can derail years of planning. The federal transmission grid still sits under Abuja’s control, requiring alignment that often slows things down.

But the alternative of each state acting alone is far worse. As things stand, most state-owned initiatives collapse before they scale. A joint regional framework can attract better financing, and spread innovation faster.

If northern states can make this model work, they could provide a template for others. It would show that Nigeria doesn’t need more states; it needs smarter states.

We already have lessons on what happens when Nigerian leaders collaborate across borders. When Chief Awolowo’s Western Region shared agricultural strategies with the North in the 1950s, both regions grew. When the River Basin Authorities in the 1970s worked jointly across state lines, irrigation and food production improved before corruption and politics ruined the system.

The lesson endures: development thrives when leadership looks beyond state boundaries.

Today, it’s time for governors to rediscover that old spirit of partnership. Let them form regional councils not for press releases, but for projects. Let them share expertise and markets.

London-based Pastor and founder of the now-defunct SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has criticised Nigerian pastors who prioritise building mega church structures over positively impacting members.

In a viral video, Adegboyega expressed concern over this approach, stating that it feeds the pastor’s ego and creates a system where younger pastors strive to build their own mega churches without focusing on real community impact.

The cleric said: ‘Mega church or church versus impact. A lot of young people coming up in their own world, business, streamers are asking ”I do not go to church in Nigeria. Should I feel guilty?’ I say don’t feel guilty. You do not have to.

‘The idea of mega churches in the world and in Nigeria is actually concerning. It was the system we grew up in. That means, a person builds a large auditorium, puts a crowd in it, it fits the ego of the pastor..he feels God must be with him that is why many people are there and so the younger pastor is trying to sow to become a mega pastor as well’.

He emphasised the importance of ‘actual and real communities positively infiltrating different industries and bringing souls to God for real,’ rather than just recycling Christians.

‘They forget impact, Impact is actual and real communities positively infiltrating different industries and bringing souls to God for real. Like real evangelical work and not the recycling of Christians’, he added.

Adegboyega also highlighted that countries like India and Brazil have mega churches due to poverty and lack of government support, but this doesn’t necessarily apply to Nigeria.

He said: ‘Countries like India and Brazil have built mega churches because there is so much poverty. The government is not functional in those countries. People need hope’.

He advised young pastors that building a mega church isn’t necessary to be successful in their faith, instead, they should focus on making a tangible impact in their communities.

He added: ‘If you are to choose impact over mega church, I am telling the young pastor who is bending their back to become like their father in faith that you do not need mega church.’

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hailed his team’s gritty 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace as their most valuable of the season, praising his players’ resilience amid a relentless schedule and against a well-drilled opponent.

‘Fully agree, I value more this victory than any other this season,’ Arteta told reporters.

‘Coming from playing every three days (they beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday and next play Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday), you play against one of the teams I think is one of the best, when you lose that concentration they can punish you.

‘A massive win. We knew the difficulty of it.’

The victory, sealed by a stunning set-piece goal from Eberechi Eze against his former club, widened Arsenal’s lead at the top of the league table to four points. But Arteta was quick to temper any title talk.

‘It’s very early, we’re still in October,’ he said. ‘The emotional state is really high but there are a lot of things to get better. Let’s try and recover for Wednesday.’

Rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both lost this weekend, which contributed to

‘It shows you how hard this league is,’ Arteta said. ‘The players aren’t allowed their phones so I hope (that they weren’t following other results).

‘We are where we are,’ he added. ‘It’s a credit to us because we have been very consistent. It doesn’t mean much other than we are doing a lot of things.’

The match-winner came from a set-piece, an area Arsenal have clearly refined. They have a league-high 11 goals from dead-ball situations.

‘We have noticed a shift, methods that are implemented that are more efficient,’ Arteta said. ‘You can contain the spaces, because you are better and we have to find a way to score in different ways.’

Eze’s brilliant finish that obviously held a lot of meaning coming against the team for which he played for five seasons drew praise from his manager.

‘He was super relaxed before the game,’ Arteta said. ‘Such a strong feeling and gratitude. The technique (on the goal) is unbelievable. We needed something (special) against a team so well organised.’

Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Monday emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State ahead of the June 20, 2026 poll.

The Governor, who is the sole candidate, was unanimously affirmed by a total of 885 delegates five each from 177 wards across the state in line with the party’s internal electoral guidelines and electoral Act 2020.

His emergence followed the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo and disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke who failed to meet the party’s requirements, which paved way for Oyebanji’s affirmation as the APC consensus candidate.

Omolayo, who officially stepped down during the governorship primary at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, said her decision was based on the Governor Oyebanji sterling performance and the need to sustain his administration’s developmental strides.

She said she had collapsed her political structure across the 16 local government areas in support of Oyebanji’s re-election bid, describing her withdrawal as an act of loyalty to the party and commitment to Ekiti’s progress.

‘Governor Oyebanji has performed excellently well. His achievements in infrastructure, governance and inclusiveness speak volumes. He deserves a second term, and that is why I am stepping down to support him fully,’ she said.

Following her withdrawal, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the ratification of Oyebanji’s nomination as the APC governorship candidate and seconded by Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly,Adeoye Aribasoye, in line with Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The motion for affirmation was put to a voice vote and delegates unanimously chorused a resounding ‘yes,’ sealing Oyebanji’s emergence as the APC flag bearer for the 2026 election.

Lafarge Africa Plc recorded significant growths across key performance indicators in the third quarter, with net profit rising by 246 per cent to N207.8 billion within the period.

Interim report and accounts of Lafarge Africa for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 showed that total revenue grew by 63 per cent from N479.49 billion in third quarter 2024 to N780.48 billion in third quarter 2025. Cost of sales increased from N241.73 billion to N324.36 billion. Administrative and selling expenses rose by 48 per cent from N109.74 billion to N162.03 billion. Net profit after tax rose from N60.08 billion in third quarter 2024 to N207.78 billion in third quarter 2025.

Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said the company’s strong performance reflected higher sales volumes, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced currency stability.

According to him, the nine-month results built on the momentum from previous quarters, with the latest results further highlighting the group’s cost discipline, strategic market positioning, and operational excellence.

He pointed out that within the three-month period ended September 2025, the company specifically saw 43 per cent increase in sales, a double of 107 per cent growth in operating profit and net profit after tax of N75 billion.

He said: ‘For the nine-month period, net sales and operating profit grew by 63 per cent and 129 per cent, respectively. These results reaffirm Lafarge Africa’s resilience, supported by sustained volume growth, efficiency gains, innovative products, and a relatively stable operating environment.

‘Our collaboration with Huaxin Cement Group enables us to deepen technical expertise, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen supply reliability. Huaxin’s 115-year global legacy in cement manufacturing is a major strategic advantage for Lafarge Africa’.

Alade-Akinyemi said the company remains optimistic on future performance noting that the building materials segment is expected to maintain strong growth momentum through year-end.

He said Lafarge Africa is committed to sustainability and would further deepen its footprint in the use of alternative fuel, Ecocrete and Ecopanet solutions to accelerate green growth in the Nigerian cement industry.

He said: ‘Our focus remains on seizing emerging opportunities, driving sustainable growth, and delivering longterm value to all stakeholders’.

He expressed appreciation to shareholders, customers, partners, and employees for their continued confidence and commitment, emphasising that their collective support has been instrumental to the company’s sustained growth.

Lafarge Africa operates cement plants in Ewekoro and Sagamu, Ogun State; Ashaka, Gombe State, and Mfamosing in Cross River State, alongside Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

It was a moment of reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment when hundreds of ministers and members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) gathered at the Old Auditorium, Redemption City, to commemorate the fellowship’s 40th Anniversary.

The event with the theme: ‘PFN: Yesterday, today and tomorrow,’ attracted leading voices from across denominations and generations to celebrate four decades of unity, revival, and national impact through the Pentecostal movement.

The National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, led a vibrant session of praise and thanksgiving before delivering a keynote address recounting the fellowship’s humble beginnings and global growth.

‘We are here to celebrate the goodness of the Lord over the past 40 years,’ Oke declared.

‘PFN started like a mustard seed in Lagos. Today it is in every local government area, every state, and several nations of the world. To God be the glory!’

The celebration took a solemn turn as Bishop Oke announced the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, one of PFN’s founding fathers and a renowned global evangelist.

‘Men and brethren, Evangelist Dr. Uma Ukpai has gone home,’ he said emotionally.

‘A titan and an iconic man of God whose 1985 crusade at the National Stadium, Lagos – Lagos for Christ – was the spark that birthed PFN. His legacy will live forever.’

The congregation observed a minute of silence for the late evangelist, who passed away on October 6, 2025, at age 80. A documentary celebrating his ministry and worldwide influence followed, along with prayers for his family and ministry.

A commemorative video chronicled PFN’s journey since 1985, tracing its evolution from a small coalition of Pentecostal pastors into a powerful voice for faith and national transformation.

The documentary paid tributes to PFN’s pioneering leaders, including Rev. Dr. James Boyejo (First National President, Foursquare Gospel Church), the General Surpritendnet of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi,Pastor Enoch Adeboye (RCCG), Archbishop Benson Idahosa (CGMI), Dr. Mike Okonkwo (TREM), and Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor (Word of Life Bible Church) and former PFN Chairman, South Africa, Archbishop Dr. Frank Ogagba.

It also spotlighted the emerging generation of Pentecostal leaders – Pastors Poju Oyemade, Paul Adefarasin, Godman Akinlabi, Apostle Arome Osayi, and Pastor Jerry Eze – whom Bishop Oke described as ‘torchbearers of the digital revival age.’

Special awards were presented to 12 founding fathers – some posthumously – in recognition of their pioneering contributions. The presentation was led by Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria.

‘These fathers gave their time, ministries, and resources to ensure the PFN was born, survived, and continues to thrive,’ Bishop Oke said. ‘We stand on their shoulders.’

‘The PFN today is strong, vibrant, and relevant. But the PFN of tomorrow will be even greater – a fellowship of revivalists carrying the fire of Pentecost to every corner of the world.’ Bishop Oke said.

One of the igh points came as Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), delivered a message of revival, transformation, and hope.

Speaking on the theme ‘PFN: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,’ Bishop Oyedepo declared that Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement has flourished across nations and must now lead through divine wisdom.

‘God has been here, and I knew it not. The impact of the church in Nigeria cannot be ignored. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world – our revival must translate into social and economic transformation,’ he said.

He cited South Korea’s Christian revival as an example of how faith can reshape a nation, noting that Nigeria’s revival wave, which began in the 1970s, has similarly transformed millions of lives.

‘The church we met was a beggarly church that celebrated poverty,’ he reflected.

‘Today, we see entrepreneurs, innovators, and educators raised by God through the church. Wherever education goes, civilization follows and that wave is shifting here.’

Oyedepo emphasized that the next move of God will be marked by wisdom and dominion, not just power.

‘We have celebrated power; now it’s time to celebrate wisdom,’ he declared.

‘Divine wisdom is our next frontier. The church must reign in knowledge, governance, and innovation.’

He posited further with a prophetic declaration ‘We have seen grace, but greater grace lies ahead. Nigeria will not remain as it is. A new, prosperous, and godly nation is emerging in Jesus’ name.’

In his sermon, Apostle Joshua Selman, founder of Koinonia Global, delivered a sobering message titled ‘A Letter to the Church in Nigeria.’

Drawing inspiration from Revelation 3:22, Selman described the anniversary as a prophetic moment for the Nigerian church to reflect, reform, and realign with God’s purpose.

‘At every major prophetic milestone, God brings commendations, rebukes, and new chapters,’ he said.

Commending the Nigerian church for exporting revival globally, he noted that ‘Nigeria has been a hub for missions and spiritual influence across the world,’ but warned that moral decay and doctrinal imbalance threaten the church’s witness.

He identified seven critical issues confronting the Nigerian church: immorality, materialism, witchcraft-like manipulation, pride, gossip, unhealthy rivalry and doctrinal imbalance.

‘We cannot love Jesus so much that we begin to kill one another as proof of that love,’ he said, cautioning against division and competition among ministers.

Selman also called attention to the mental health of ministers, urging the church to provide emotional and psychological support for pastors.

‘Not every problem is solved by prayer and fasting; sometimes professional help is needed,’ he said.

To strengthen the church, he recommended: establishing a restoration framework for fallen ministers. Correcting false doctrines through dialogue and mentorship. Creating a doctrinal guide to preserve Christian orthodoxy and setting up a ministerial training institute for balanced biblical education.

‘Most of the confusion we see on the altar is not demonic attack – it is a lack of training,’ he posited. ‘When people are properly taught, they will reflect Christ.’

His message drew thunderous applause as attendees stood in agreement, marking a moment of repentance and renewal for the Nigerian Pentecostal movement.