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Sanwo-Olu tasks banks on financing industries, creating jobs

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged financial institutions to look beyond conventional lending and become more active partners in unlocking substantial private investment, improving productivity and creating employment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said recapitalized banks should develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

He spoke at the 2026 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture themed: ‘Bank Recapitalization: Leveraging New Bank Capital for Nigeria’s Industrial Transformation’ at Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

During the 2026 CIBN Fellowship Investiture, 21 recipients were conferred with Honorary Fellowship, while 463 and 232 received new Fellows and Honorary Senior Membership of the Institute in recognition of professional excellence, leadership and contribution to the development of financial system and national economy.

Among the recipients of the Honorary Fellows are Mr. Samuel Egube, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil Limited, Apostle (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija and Chairman, Keystone Bank Limited, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, among others. Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, was also conferred with the Elected Fellow of the Institute.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive.

He said: ‘Recapitalization has strengthened the capacity of our banks to withstand economic pressures and undertake larger transactions. But raising capital is only the beginning. The true measure of success will be how effectively that capital supports productive enterprises, industrial expansion and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

‘One of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian businesses remains access to affordable, long-term financing. Manufacturers need capital to acquire machinery, expand production and compete in international markets. Agricultural processors need financing for storage, processing and distribution, while growing enterprises require credit that reflects their business realities. These investments take time to generate returns. Our recapitalized banks must therefore develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

‘In Lagos, we see enormous opportunities for this kind of investment. The Lekki Deep Sea Port, expanding industrial activities along the Lekki corridor, our investments in rail and road infrastructure, and the opportunities created by the Lagos State Electricity Law are opening new possibilities for manufacturing, logistics, energy and trade. These are sectors where stronger participation by financial institutions can unlock substantial private investment, improve productivity and create employment.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that ‘We must ensure that smaller businesses benefit from this stronger banking system. Through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, we have continued to support entrepreneurs with access to finance, enterprise development and capacity building. However, government intervention alone cannot meet the financing needs of our growing business community. We need commercial banks to develop more accessible credit products, support industrial clusters, finance equipment acquisition and strengthen the supply chains that connect small enterprises to larger markets.

‘Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive. But the scale of investment needed to transform our economy demands stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions and private investors. We must move from simply having more capital in our banks to putting more capital to work in our economy.

‘As we pursue this ambition, we must never compromise the integrity of our financial system. Strong capital positions must be accompanied by sound corporate governance, responsible lending, transparency and professional competence. This is where the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has a particularly important responsibility. Beyond professional certification and recognition, the Institute must continue to develop bankers who understand the financing needs of industry, emerging technologies and the wider development priorities of our country.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the recipients, particularly his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube and Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi for being among those who were conferred with CIBN Fellowship, noting that the honors attest to their competence, dedication and valuable contributions to his administration.

He said the recognition places a responsibility on the recipients to strengthen the institutions they serve, mentor younger professionals and contribute their experience towards addressing the challenges facing the economy.

‘The banking profession needs leaders who will not only preserve its standards but also help shape its future. Nigeria has recapitalized its banks. The next task is to help recapitalize Nigerian industry. The success of this exercise should ultimately be visible in the factories we establish, the businesses we grow, the exports we generate and the opportunities we create for our young people,’ he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria on another successful investiture and commended its leadership for sustaining the standards of the profession.

Group rejects removal of monarch in Edo

Concerned Indigenes of Ikpeshi/Egbigere Clan in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have protested the removal of Regent Nicholas Saliu Odamah III and the reinstatement of Lukeman Momodu Odamah III, as the traditional ruler of the clan.

Governor Okpebholo had, on November 13, 2025, in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, removed Lukeman Momodu and appointed Nicholas Odamah as regent pending the determination of the rightful occupant of the throne.

The state government, however, removed the regent in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government on Oct. 20, 2026, and reinstated Lukeman Momodu Odamah.

The government explained that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, stability and due process, and after reviewing appeals from Akoko-Edo indigenes and confirmed that the chieftaincy dispute was already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the indigenes in Benin City, the group’s coordinator, Ms Peggy Agbo, appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to reverse the removal of Regent Nicholas Odamah III in the interest of the people and peace.

She expressed concern that the state government’s decision could threaten the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the community

She said the community had experienced relative peace during the 11 months of Nicholas Odamah’s regency before he was removed, warning that the decision could heighten tensions if not urgently reviewed.

According to her, the group had also submitted a written objection to the governor and the State Executive Council and approached the court to maintain the status quo.

She appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene urgently and ensure that the dispute was resolved peacefully and in accordance with the law.

‘We are appealing to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who is a man of peace, to suspend this action and reverse the decision contained in the statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government. We want peace, not war,’ Agbo said,

Responding, Lukeman Momodu Odamah III, said the government has acted in accordance with the law and with the customary tradition of the people.

He said the case is in court and that the protest cannot change the customs and tradition of the people, advising the protesters to wait for the court to decide.

Manufacturing credit plunges 34 percent despite N4.65trn bank recapitalisation

Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is losing access to bank credit despite the N4.65 trillion raised through the banking sector’s recapitalisation exercise, raising concerns about whether stronger lender balance sheets will translate into industrial growth.

Credit to manufacturing fell by 33.8 percent, from N8.53 trillion in December 2024 to N5.65 trillion in August 2026, while the sector’s share of total bank credit declined to 8.7 percent from 17.4 percent in December 2023.

The figures, presented by Tayo Aduloju, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture Ceremony in Lagos on Saturday, highlight the disconnect between increased bank capital and financing for productive sectors of the economy.

The presentation showed that average credit to manufacturing fell by 26 percent year-on-year between January and August 2026 to N5.7 trillion, while average credit to trade and commerce rose by 49 percent to N5.9 trillion over the same period.

The shift suggests that banks are directing more financing towards trade and commerce than manufacturing, despite the latter’s importance to industrialisation, employment and export growth.

Nigeria’s banking recapitalisation exercise, launched in March 2024 and concluded in March 2026, raised N4.65 trillion in fresh capital, with 33 of 37 banks meeting the new minimum capital requirements. Domestic investors contributed 72.6 percent of the funds, while foreign investors accounted for 27.4 percent.

According to the NESG presentation, the additional capital could theoretically support between N31 trillion and N46.5 trillion in lending, depending on the applicable capital ratio. However, the estimates represent potential lending capacity rather than actual new loans.

The figures raise questions about how effectively the stronger capital base can support businesses that require long-term financing to acquire machinery, expand production and improve competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, said the real measure of recapitalisation would be its impact on factories, expanding businesses, sustainable jobs and economic competitiveness.

He said manufacturers needed capital to acquire machinery, expand production and compete in international markets, while agricultural processors required financing for storage, processing and distribution.

Sanwo-Olu urged banks to develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth while maintaining prudent risk management.

He also pointed to investment opportunities around the Lekki Deep Sea Port, industrial activities along the Lekki corridor, rail and road infrastructure, and the Lagos State Electricity Law, saying stronger financial sector participation could unlock private investment, improve productivity and create jobs.

The challenge extends beyond manufacturing. The NESG presentation showed that oil and gas accounted for N18.15 trillion in bank credit as of August 2026, while finance and insurance received N11.46 trillion. Together, the two sectors accounted for approximately 46 percent of total bank credit.

Manufacturing received N5.65 trillion, representing 8.7 percent of total credit, while agriculture accounted for 6.2 percent, despite employing 33.5 percent of Nigeria’s workforce in 2025.

The presentation also highlighted Nigeria’s relatively shallow credit market, with private-sector credit standing at 13 percent of gross domestic product in 2025, compared with 38.1 percent in lower-middle-income economies.

High borrowing costs remain another obstacle to expanding industrial financing. Although the Central Bank of Nigeria reduced its monetary policy rate to 23 percent in September 2026, bank lending rates remained between 19 percent and 32.6 percent, according to the presentation.

Government borrowing is also competing with private businesses for available funds. Credit to the government rose by 63 percent year-on-year to N39.4 trillion in September 2026, compared with 16 percent growth in private-sector credit to N83.9 trillion.

Treasury bill yields of around 16 percent also provide banks with an alternative to lending to businesses, where credit risks may be higher and repayment periods longer.

The NESG argued that Nigeria’s industrial financing challenge is not simply a shortage of capital but the fragmented way existing financial institutions mobilise and deploy funds.

It called for a more coordinated financing framework involving commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies, the Bank of Industry, the Development Bank of Nigeria and credit guarantee institutions.

The proposed framework would combine long-term funding with risk-sharing arrangements, credit guarantees, interest rebates and tax incentives to encourage investment in productive sectors.

The presentation also recommended that banks develop specialist industrial lending capabilities, provide longer-term financing and use digital cash-flow data and movable assets to assess borrowers beyond traditional land-based collateral.

It urged the CBN to improve the transmission of monetary policy rate cuts to lending rates and consider reducing cash reserve requirements as disinflation continues. Fiscal authorities were also advised to contain government borrowing that crowds out private-sector credit and fund the proposed N3 trillion allocation to the Bank of Industry.

Reliable electricity, logistics, ports and access to foreign exchange for machinery and industrial inputs were identified as additional requirements for industrial expansion.

The NESG’s proposed industrial policy targets include increasing manufacturing’s share of GDP to 15 percent by 2030 and 25 percent by 2035.

Dele Alabi, president and chairman of council of the CIBN, said the question was no longer whether banks had sufficient capital, but whether the funds would translate into new industries, expanded businesses, better infrastructure and sustainable jobs.

He said Nigeria had an opportunity to deploy the enhanced capital towards manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, technology and other productive sectors.

Alabi also announced that the Institute would host its CIBN MSME Forum on December 1, 2026, to advance solutions for expanding access to finance and accelerating enterprise growth. The Institute is also advocating the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprise hubs across Nigeria to provide entrepreneurs with financing, business support, capacity development and market opportunities.

For the NESG, the ultimate test of recapitalisation is whether the additional capital supports production rather than remaining concentrated in safer or shorter-term lending opportunities.

The outcome, it argued, should be measured by improvements in industrial productivity, manufacturing growth, export competitiveness and job creation rather than by the amount of capital banks have raised.

Wike hails Tinubu’s leadership at Dunamis bridge commissioning

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has cited the swift approval of Dunamis church pedestrian bridge eight-year-old application as evidence of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership capacity and commitment to addressing longstanding administrative bottlenecks.

Wike who spoke on Friday when he commissioned the pedestrian bridge built by Dunamis church along Airport Road Abuja recalled that the church had submitted its application for approval in 2018 but could not secure the necessary clearance until February 2026 following his intervention.

According to the minister the application which had remained unattended to for years under previous administrations was processed within a month after he drew the attention of relevant authorities to it.

The minister said the development underscored the importance of responsive governance stressing that government must be judged by its ability to identify challenges address them and deliver results that improve the lives of citizens.

Wike also emphasised that effective governance requires cooperation between the government and the people noting that citizens should acknowledge achievements while holding public officials accountable for areas requiring improvement.

Wike cautioned against what he described as uninformed criticism particularly on social media urging Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and assess leaders based on their actions and the impact of their decisions.

He argued that leadership demands courage commitment and the willingness to take difficult decisions even when such decisions may not immediately appeal to everyone.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting institutions and community initiatives capable of contributing to societal development stressing that purposeful leadership must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

The General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre Dr. Paul Enenche underscored the transcendent value of legacy community impact and stewardship over material accumulation asserting that humanity is remembered not by what it hoards but by the problems it solves and the contributions it makes.

Recounting the arduous journey behind the project the cleric expressed profound appreciation to the FCT Minister and the nation’s leadership for graciously granting approval for the construction of the bridge noting that the community had pursued the critical public asset for half a decade.

‘We had endeavored to construct this bridge for the last six years’ Dr. Enenche stated.

He said: ‘We made presentations and so forth but for one reason or the other it was not forthcoming until just this year the approval came and we are grateful for that which has happened’.

He revealed that when negotiations began with the construction firm the contractors initially argued that the project would require a minimum of six months.

However following a revision to four months under intense round-the-clock scheduling the project was delivered ahead of standard projections-a feat the contractor described as a personal record.

‘They were put under pressure they worked night and day and we give the Lord the praise’ he added.

Addressing skeptics who might question the church’s direct involvement in municipal and infrastructural development Enenche anchored the initiative in divine principles.

‘The answer is simple: God is love’ he said citing 1 John 4:8.

He said; ‘To be a messenger of God means to be a messenger of love. And the definition of love-love is about giving.’

Shifting focus to national leadership and public service Enenche admonished citizens and leaders alike to prioritise eternal value over transient gains reminding the people of the inescapable accountability awaiting all mortals.

‘Future generations will remember all of us whether for good or for bad’ he warned.

The pastor urged the gathering to live purposefully for impact and with eternity in view reminding them that life’s ultimate destination transcends physical accomplishments.

Michael Bageine’s flavourful journey from dreams to the kitchen in The Meat Whisperer

In the path-breaking book The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating, chef Fergus Henderson revolutionised the modern culinary world by championing ‘nose-to-tail’ dining-the idea that if you are going to kill an animal to eat it, it is only respectful to use the entire thing.

‘If you are going to kill an animal, it seems only polite to use the whole thing. There are delectable bits beyond the loin,’ he said.

Michael Bageine, a premier Ugandan chef who mixes sizzle with substance, has written a book comparable in wit and a lightness of touch to chef Henderson’s. His book, The Meat Whisperer, is part-extended ode to the marvels of meat and part-autobiography. It is such an epic story that he has had to break it up into parts of a whole book.

‘This series is borne out of a need to tell my stories in a way that may not conform to the expected but to share a lifetime of experience, shenanigans, hard lessons and the joy that cooking has brought into my life. Please, do not expect recipes. This is not that kind of storytelling,’ he warns.

‘My career as a chef was more or less one that I stumbled into. A defined trajectory had been set via Urban Planning and a comfortable job within the real estate business.’

For those who do not know, I walked away from this course in my third year. All I had to do was complete my thesis. I did not. And I have no regrets. Am I grateful for the effort that was made to get me to a point of success?

Of course, I am. It simply was not my calling. It gets more interesting. My first career choice was in the military. This too is a story for another day. Over the years, I have developed and grown into what fate presented to me. A career as a chef. Most of you think my area of expertise is BBQ and it is because of this; I have named this series TheMeat Whisperer.’

His culinary skills extend beyond meat and are certainly not limited to using the noun ‘meat’ as a homophone, as most ‘muchomo’ establishments are wont to do when urging you to seize the verb ‘meat’ and thereby gather at their establishments.

The road less taken

His story is not that bland, probably because he insists on his cooking being anything but bland. Chef Bageine has a more playful take on his skills, however.

He has seen tragedy, losing many close friends and watched his life take on the vicissitudes reserved for those who take the road less taken.

As he tells it, he could have been anything he chose to be. Not because he hails from an affluent family but because his mind is a sponge.

No, we are not referring to Maria Montessori’s theory of the ‘absorbent mind’, which describes the unique, effortless capacity of young children (from birth to age six) to soak up language, culture, habits, and details from their environment just like a sponge absorbs water.

Chef Bageine is no infant, but he does use his inner child to tell his story. Thus, he lends his prose a childlike instead of childish quality.

Allow dream to blossom

This book is for those who allow their dreams to blossom into what psychologists such as John Bradshaw, channelling Carl Jung’s ‘divine child’ archetype, would call the power of the subconscious.

Many of us go through life allowing convention to trump invention and thereby stifle our innate ability to create. Chef Bageine uses his own story not only to appeal to your palate but to also to remind us that our chosen professions in life are what we make them.

Marcos greets INC leader Eduardo Manalo on his 71st birthday

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday greeted Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo on his 71st birthday, expressing support for their shared goal of a peaceful and united Philippines.

‘Maligayang kaarawan po kay Kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo, Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan ng Iglesia ni Cristo!’ Marcos said in a Facebook post on his official page.(Happy birthday to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo!)’Nawa’y patuloy kayong pagkalooban ng Panginoong Diyos ng mabuting kalusugan, lakas, at karunungan sa inyong pamumuno at paglilingkod,’ he added.(May the Lord God continue to bless you with good health, strength and wisdom as you lead and serve.)

Marcos also expressed solidarity with Manalo’s aspirations for the country.

‘Kasama ninyo kami sa hangaring magkaroon ng isang mapayapa, nagkakaisa, at maunlad na Pilipinas,’ Marcos said.

(We stand with you in aspiring for a peaceful, united and prosperous Philippines.)

The Iglesia ni Cristo, which is known for its practice of bloc voting, endorsed Marcos and his running mate, Sara Duterte, in the 2022 national elections.

The INC also backed Marcos’ unsuccessful vice presidential bid in 2016.

In September 2023, Marcos appointed Manalo as his special envoy for overseas Filipino concerns for a term that ended on Sept. 1, 2024.

Manalo held the same position during the Duterte administration from January 2018 to January 2019.

Marcos also visited Manalo at the Iglesia ni Cristo Central Office in Quezon City in October 2024, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos, ahead of the religious leader’s 69th birth anniversary.

ADC-PCC condemns attack on Sokoto guber candidate, demands arrest of perpetrators

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has condemned an attack on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, allegedly carried out by operatives of the state-owned security outfit, Sokoto Marshals.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council said the attack occurred along Airport Road in Sokoto as Dan Iya was returning to the city after accompanying former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.

Ologbondiyan said several vehicles in the governorship candidate’s convoy were vandalised during the incident.

He alleged that since the incident, operatives of the same outfit had been stationed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis, harassing motorists and targeting vehicles bearing ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.

He also alleged that two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to the governorship candidate were abducted by the Sokoto Marshals.

He said Dan Iya had reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and that his personal SUV was vandalised during the attack.

‘This reprehensible conduct is provocative, unacceptable and represents a dangerous descent into state-sponsored thuggery. It is part of a disturbing pattern of political intimidation and violence against ADC members and opposition figures across the country. Only a few weeks ago, similar incidents were reported in Kaduna and other states. Sokoto has now become the latest theatre of this growing assault on democratic freedoms,’ the statement said.

‘The coordinated harassment and attacks against ADC and other opposition voices constitute a grave violation of democratic principles and constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement, association and peaceful political participation.

‘We are particularly alarmed that a security outfit established and funded with taxpayers’ money is allegedly being transformed into a political militia for intimidating, harassing and attacking perceived political opponents,’ it added.

The ADC-PCC said the party would no longer sit back and watch its members, leaders and candidates being subjected to intimidation and violence.

‘The era of taking our party for granted, threatening its members and attacking its political structures with impunity is over. This must be the last time such an attack is allowed to happen,’ it said.

‘While ADC remains committed to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law, we are fully prepared to defend our members and protect their constitutional rights through every legitimate means available to us. No individual or group has a monopoly on violence, intimidation or lawlessness,’ the statement said.

The council called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to investigate the incidents, apprehend those responsible, secure the release of the two DSS personnel allegedly abducted and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

‘We hereby give the relevant authorities 24 hours to rein in these rogue elements, secure the safety of our candidate and members, and commence decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Failure to do so will leave the leadership of our party with no option but to take further decisive and lawful steps to protect its members, defend its political rights and safeguard our democracy,’ it said.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to descend into an era where state-funded security outfits are deployed as instruments of political persecution. ADC will resist every attempt to silence the opposition through violence and intimidation,’ the statement added.

Osun NUJ honours outstanding members at ‘Day with Past Leaders,’ night

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has honoured its outstanding active members with professional awards of excellence during the ‘Day with Past Leaders’ programme, separate from the Asun Night that followed later in the evening.

The awards were presented on Friday at the ‘A Day With Past Leaders, Professional Awards and Dinner’ held at the NUJ Press Centre in Osogbo, as part of activities marking the union’s 35th Anniversary and 2026 Press Week. Categories included Best Newspaper Journalist of the Year, Online Journalist of the Year, Best Investigative Journalist of the Year, and Broadcaster of the Year (Yoruba and English), among others.

Veteran journalist Adetoyese Shittu Alamu, a retired Director at the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) who served as Master of Ceremonies at the event held 35 years ago to inaugurate the Osun NUJ, took members down memory lane, highlighting the various roles played by members of the council, some of whom have passed away. Other veterans also spoke glowingly of the event’s significance, particularly appreciating the Council Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, for the thoughtful and memorable programme.

Tried and tested: Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

THE first thing I notice when holding the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE for the first time is how perfectly it fits in my hand. It has a 6.7-inch display and is quite ‘tall.’ Its thickness is at 7.4mm. The back has a glossy finish. Like all Samsung phones, the Samsung Galaxy FE feels premium, encased in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an aluminum alloy frame. It has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

As I am coming from using Samsung’s flagship devices, I immediately wanted to look at the difference in the FE’s 6.7′ display (2340 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate). I like how big the display is and it was crisp and vivid. To be honest, it was not as bright as the S26 Ultra’s display. But with prices starting at P46,990 for the 8GB + 128GB model compared with the S26 Ultra’s P86,990, the S26 FE is looking good. Money is, after all, a serious consideration in these financially challenging times so if you want something reasonably priced without having to shell out nearly P100,000, you know the FE is a good deal. The other storage options for the FE are 256GB and 512GB.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, which comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, is powered by an Exynos 2500 chipset built on a 3nm process, an improvement from the 2025 processor. The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE also has the latest versions of Android and One UI out of the box. It will also get Android support up to Android 24 (seven major updates).

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a 4,900mAh typical battery capacity with support for 45W wired charging. The FE’s battery is higher than the Flip8’s 4,300 mAh and the Z Fold8’s 4,800 mAh, both of which last the whole day. The 4,900mAh means up to 29 hours on a single charge.

The Galaxy S26 FE features a triple rear camera setup and a single front-facing selfie camera, enhanced by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine and AI processing. The main camera is a 50MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The 12MP ultra-wide sits at f/2.2 for landscapes and group shots, and the 8MP telephoto adds 3x optical zoom with its own OIS and an f/2.4 aperture.

On the front, the upgraded 12MP selfie camera offers a wider view. At the core of the camera experience is the ProVisual Engine, designed to enhance image quality across different shooting conditions, including low light and distant subjects. The main camera also supports up to 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 60fps for detailed, high-resolution footage.

As someone who has used Samsung’s flagship models for years now, I would describe the S26 FE’s camera as reliable and steady. To compare, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still takes amazing photos from the Upper Box and General Admission of Mall of Asia Arena and the S26 FE can shoot good concert photos from Lower Box. For a midrange phone, this is very much acceptable.

To be honest, while the camera of the S26 FE is reliable, if you are a frequent concertgoer buying a phone for this purpose I would advise you to get the S26 Ultra because you won’t always be seated in Lower Box. However, if you’re using your phone camera normally for everyday things, the S26 FE is enough.

It’s worth noting that the S26 FE has the My FanCam feature. This Galaxy AI video-editing feature turns wider group or concert recordings into tight, personalized solo tracking shots. This is very helpful for taking videos and shooting photos during concerts and events.

As for videos, daylight videos are fine. The nighttime videos can be a bit bright. The stabilization is quite good, so that is a bonus.

In terms of performance, I would say the Galaxy S26 FE was fast, smooth, and reliable except for a few lags here and there. The lags usually happen at the end of the day so is it safe to say that they occur when the phone is ‘overworked?’ Otherwise, the S26 FE’s performance was satisfactory.

I would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE to someone who’s looking for a good everyday phone. The models with the larger memory will allow you to do more things seamlessly, such as gaming and streaming.

Considering the price and everything else, one of the major cons for me is the glossy back, which can be slippery and a fingerprint magnet. Otherwise, the S26 FE is a solid phone with some of the features that have made Samsung’s flagship phones iconic.

Nigeria must move beyond data collection to evidence-based decisions – IBAN President

The President of the Institute of Business Analytics of Nigeria (IBAN), Dr Olu-Young Johnson Olusegun, has said Nigeria must move beyond data collection to the effective use of data in policymaking, business strategy and national development.

Olusegun said this on Thursday during the induction of new Fellows and Associates of the Institute, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Describing the occasion as the dawn of a new era, he called for a national shift towards evidence-based decision-making in government and the private sector.

He noted that business analytics could improve public administration, optimise resource allocation, strengthen organisational performance and promote accountability.

He charged the inductees to uphold professional ethics, protect data privacy and ensure that their analyses remained objective and evidence-based.

The President also called on government institutions, private organisations and academic institutions to partner with IBAN in building analytical capacity, promoting research and integrating data-driven decision-making into their operations.

The ceremony brought together distinguished professionals, academics, members of the Institute’s Governing Council and other invited guests.

Among the notable inductees were the Registrar of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), Adegbiji Adebayo; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Professor Kareem Rasaki Olufemi; the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Governing Council of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Dr Musa Richard; and the Head of the Safety Office, Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Solarin Temilola, alongside other professionals.

In his address, the IBAN Registrar, Dr ‘Bosun Sowunmi, congratulated the inductees and urged them to regard their professional recognition as a call to greater responsibility, integrity and service to society.

He encouraged members to apply their analytical knowledge to solving real-world business problems, uphold ethical standards and contribute to organisational growth and national development.

Sowunmi also highlighted the Institute’s commitment to professional development, collaboration, research and the promotion of responsible data analytics and artificial intelligence.

He noted that IBAN, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2021, continued to expand opportunities for professionals to improve their skills, share knowledge and build productive networks.

The Registrar further encouraged members and stakeholders to support the Institute’s vision of making business analytics a vital instrument for national transformation.