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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial landscape with a bold ?160 billion public offer, unveiled before capital market operators, investors, and regulators at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) on October 13, 2025.

The move marks a crucial phase in FCMB’s recapitalisation plan aimed at meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ?500 billion minimum capital requirement for international banks while reinforcing the Group’s balance sheet, sustaining its licence, and enhancing shareholder value.

Group Chief Executive, Ladi Balogun, presented the offer’s details during the ‘Facts Behind the Offer’ session, positioning the initiative as a strategic step to build a stronger, more resilient financial institution.

He traced FCMB’s long-standing relationship with the NGX, noting that the bank has raised about $863 million through the exchange since inception, with recent rounds predominantly funded by domestic investors, reflecting growing local confidence in the financial system.

Balogun tied the capital raise to Nigeria’s improving economic fundamentals, pointing to a 10-year high in foreign reserves, inflation easing toward 20%, and a strengthening naira as indicators of renewed macroeconomic stability.

He expressed optimism that sustained monetary reforms, lower interest rates, and Nigeria’s likely re-entry into global emerging market indices would stimulate increased foreign portfolio inflows and higher valuations across the banking sector.

In his remarks, NGX CEO Jude Chiemeka lauded FCMB’s transparency and engagement with investors, describing the financial sector as ‘the engine of Nigeria’s market activity,’ contributing over 75% of daily trading volume and ?2.2 trillion in taxes in the past four years.

He noted that the NGX facilitated ?4.6 trillion in capital raising across asset classes in the first half of 2025 alone and urged FCMB to deepen collaboration on investor education and corporate governance through the NGX X-Academy.

Highlighting FCMB’s strong half-year performance, Balogun reported a 23% rise in profit before tax and a 20.6% return on equity, crediting strategic restructuring efforts.

He explained that high cash reserve requirements have driven up the cost of funds, making equity infusion vital for reducing expensive deposits and improving margins.

Following FCMB’s 2024 capital raise, the bank’s net interest margin climbed to 9.1%, with returns on equity reaching the 20% range – a trend he expects to continue when the new funds are deployed in early 2026.

Balogun also underscored a major economic turning point=Nigeria’s GDP growth finally outpacing population growth, a prerequisite for poverty reduction.

‘For sustainable poverty alleviation, Nigeria needs at least 7% annual GDP growth, and the current CBN-led reforms are helping achieve that trajectory,’ he said.

He praised the Central Bank’s decisive actions, including exchange rate unification and clearing a $7 billion forex backlog, both of which have bolstered reserves and investor trust.

Urging shareholders to participate fully in the offer, Balogun advised them to ‘maintain or increase their holdings to avoid dilution,’ expressing confidence in the long-term profitability of Nigeria’s banking sector.

With FCMB’s stock appreciating by 395% since 2020, representing a 70% compound annual growth rate, and its price-to-book ratio still relatively low, the Group’s ?160 billion capital raise stands as both a signal of institutional strength and a bold endorsement of Nigeria’s economic resurgence.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protection of democracy.

Musa who added that that President Bola Tinubu had continued to provide the armed forces with all necessary support, also pledged that the military will continue to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

He also urged Nigerians to unite in safeguarding their country’s peace and stability.

‘Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such person,’ Musa declared on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, while addressing the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC).

Speaking further at the held under the theme: ‘Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,’ the CDS commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their continuous role in promoting peace, unity and stability in the region.

‘We underscore the vital role of our traditional rulers as custodians of values and morality.

‘They remain indispensable to our collective efforts in ensuring stability in the North and the entire country,’ he said.

Musa described traditional rulers as the bedrock of governance and the first line of engagement between government and the people.

He emphasised that peace and security could not be enforced, but built through trust, dialogue, and cooperation among communities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society groups.

‘Our desire is for every community in Nigeria to be peaceful. The collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities has never been more crucial,’ he said.

The CDS urged members of the armed forces to act decisively against criminals threatening lives and property.

‘No member of the armed forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property. You are authorized to act,’ he said.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the assembly’s theme was chosen to address the pressing challenges of insecurity in the North.

He said the assembly would come up with a communiqué to be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming meeting in Kaduna State.

The Sultan urged Nigerians to stop criticising the military, but instead, continue to pray and support them in their operations.

‘Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here, to find solutions,’ he said.

The CDS also called for regulation of social media to curb the spread of false and harmful information capable of inciting unrest.

‘People sit in the comfort of their rooms, create fake stories and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing,’ the Sultan warned.

He dismissed several fake reports circulated on social media, including claims of attack on a mosque in Sokoto and alleged divisive statements credited to him.

The royal father reaffirmed the council’s commitment to democratic governance and pledged continued support for elected leaders at all levels to move the country forward.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and urged citizens to appreciate and support them to discharge their duties diligently.

Bagudu noted that the President had prioritised funding for all tiers of governments to enhance national development and security.

‘The economy is taking the right direction, and we are putting in more work.

‘Nigeria will soon become the pride of Africa, given the laudable works President Tinubu is doing in human capital and infrastructural development,’ he assured.

On his part, Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi commended the traditional rulers for their foresight and contribution to strengthen the security, peace and unity in the country.

The event, held at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders from across the North to deliberate on strategies for lasting peace and security in the region.

The Amalgamated Arewa Youths Group (AAYG), has commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Victor Duniya on Monday in Kaduna, the group described the president’s nomination as ‘a masterstroke’ that reflected his ‘visionary and patriotic commitment to democratic consolidation.

‘The nomination of Prof. Amupitan demonstrates the president’s resolve to appoint individuals of proven integrity and competence to lead critical national institutions.’

The group also lauded the National Council of State for approving the nomination, saying that the endorsement further validated the credibility of the selection process.

AAYG described Amupitan as ‘a man of towering intellect, impeccable virtue, and a beacon of integrity,’ expressing confidence in his ability to lead INEC with transparency and uphold the sanctity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The group also praised the Senate of the Federal Republic, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for confirming the nomination ‘without resistance or partisan bottlenecks.

‘Our lawmakers have acted in line with the will of the people, and we commend their responsiveness to the voice of their constituents.$

AAYG further called on Nigerians, regardless of political or regional affiliations, to support the newly confirmed INEC Chairman in his efforts to reform and strengthen the electoral process.

‘We strongly believe Prof. Amiputan will be a non-partisan arbiter who can reduce post-election litigations and restore full public trust in our elections,’ the group added.

The group extended congratulations and pledged full cooperation, promising to mobilise Northern youths in support of his electoral reforms.

Duniya said, ‘We urge you to discharge your duties with the fear of God, fairness to all, and full allegiance to the Constitution.

‘The future of our democracy rests heavily on your leadership.’

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that AAYG is an umbrella body representing youths organisations across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.

An Ikorodu-based couple, Emmanuel Ugboor, 69, his wife Evelyn Ugboor, 54, and their son David Erherhemona Ugboor, 25, have been remanded by a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly reselling a landed property they had earlier sold for ?4 million to another buyer at a higher price.

The trio were arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following a petition by the complainant, Adeleke Israel Adeyemo, who claimed he bought a plot of land from the family at Oriimelu area of Ikorodu on 11 April 2024.

Trouble began when Adeyemo reportedly mobilised workers to the site on 6 July, 2024, only to discover that a structure had already been built on the land.

According to police investigators, the couple admitted to reselling the property to another buyer and promised to refund Adeyemo’s ?4 million but later fled their residence before making any repayment. Acting on the directive of AIG Adegoke Fayoade, officers tracked and arrested the family at a hideout in Lagos.

Following investigation by Sergeant Adegoke Adewale and his team, the defendants were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting in Surulere on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

Prosecuting counsel ASP Ibrahim Haruna told the court that the offences contravened Sections 411, 314, 287, and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate O.Y. Adefope granted them bail in the sum of ?1 million each with two sureties in like sum and ordered that they be remanded at Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions. The case was adjourned to 22 October 2025 for trial.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has become the first president in France’s history to go to jail, following his conviction for conspiring to fund his 2007 election campaign with cash from late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The 70-year-old ex-president began serving his five-year sentence at La Santé Prison in Paris on Monday morning, the first time a former head of state has been jailed since World War II leader Philippe Pétain, who was imprisoned for treason in 1945.

Sarkozy, who ruled France from 2007 to 2012, arrived at the 19th-century prison under tight security at about 9:40 a.m. local time, accompanied by police escorts and watched by dozens of cameras.

Despite the humiliation, Sarkozy maintained his innocence, saying in a statement posted on X:

‘I have no doubt. Truth will prevail. But how crushing the price will have been.’

‘With unwavering strength I tell [the French people] it is not a former president they are locking up this morning it is an innocent man.’

He added that he felt ‘deep sorrow for a France humiliated by a will for revenge,’ but urged his supporters not to pity him, saying his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and children were standing firmly by his side.

Outside his Paris home in the city’s exclusive 16th district, more than a hundred supporters gathered in solidarity, waving French flags and cheering as the former president waved and embraced his wife before departing.

Sarkozy will serve his sentence in a 9-square-metre isolation cell fitted with a bed, shower, toilet, desk, and television. Authorities said the isolation measure was for his own safety, as the prison also houses high-risk inmates, including drug traffickers and convicted terrorists.

He will be allowed one hour of daily outdoor exercise.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced plans to visit Sarkozy in prison ‘to ensure his safety and the proper functioning of the jail,’ saying he could not be ‘insensitive to a man’s distress.’

President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed that he met Sarkozy privately at the Élysée Palace before his incarceration, describing the gesture as ‘normal on a human level.’

In an interview before his imprisonment, Sarkozy told La Tribune:

‘I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll keep my head held high, including at the prison gates.’

Although cleared of personally receiving the Libyan money, Sarkozy was convicted of criminal association over the actions of two close aides, Brice Hortefeux and Claude Guéant, who allegedly held talks with Gaddafi’s intelligence chief in 2005 to secure secret campaign financing.

While Sarkozy has lodged an appeal and remains legally presumed innocent pending its outcome, the court ruled that he must begin serving his sentence due to the ‘exceptional seriousness of the facts.’

Before entering prison, Sarkozy revealed he was taking two books with him: a life of Jesus and The Count of Monte Cristo, a story about a man wrongfully imprisoned who escapes to seek justice.

Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has reacted to the backlash she received after weighing in on Regina Daniels marital drama and advising her to leave.

The actress on her Instagram page on Monday, had urged Regina to prioritise her safety and sanity and not remain in a toxic home.

‘Regina, you are still very young. If there’s violence in your marriage, please carry your bag. There is never sugarcoating for me as long as violence is involved (both for man and woman),’ she stated.

Her advice quickly sparkles reactions from other users with some calling her an attention seeker. They accused her of meddling in marital issues whilst being a single mother.

Yvonne, however, responded to the backlash, stating that she has no regrets about the things she said.

‘I can’t see all your negative comments because I’m too busy enjoying the good times with mine,’ she stated.

Popular media personality and influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, has taken to social media to celebrate his mother, Dr. (Mrs.) Bola Adeoluwa, who has officially bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), marking an extraordinary milestone in her academic journey.

In a post, Enioluwa shared the inspiring story of his mother’s resilience, revealing that while many people often praise his father for his academic achievements as a professor, his mother has been the silent force who instilled discipline, perseverance, and determination in their lives.

‘When it comes to academics, everyone always talks about my dad -and rightly so, he’s a Professor. But my mum? She’s not often remembered in that same light. Yet what most people don’t know is that she’s always been the quiet force behind the scenes,’ he wrote.

According to Enioluwa, his mother’s path to earning a doctorate was far from conventional.

She went back to rewrite WAEC in order to sit for Mathematics, and at the age of 45, she returned to school to pursue another first degree, proving that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams.

He went on to reveal her impressive academic accomplishments, which include:

Two First Degrees

Two Master’s Degrees

A Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)

And now, a PhD

Celebrating her passion, he added:

‘That’s resilience. That’s strength. even in the quiet moments when no one was watching, she showed up for herself. She’s my biggest inspiration.’

Nottingham Forest have announced Sean Dyche as their new head coach on a contract running until the summer of 2027.

The 54-year-old Englishman, who previously managed Burnley and Everton, takes over from Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked on Saturday after just 40 days in charge.

Postecoglou’s dismissal came shortly after Forest’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea, leaving the club without a win in eight matches this season.

Dyche, who began his football career as a trainee at Forest under the legendary Brian Clough, becomes the club’s third manager this season.

This is his first job since leaving Everton at the start of 2025.

In a statement, Nottingham Forest said:

‘Sean Dyche is a respected and experienced Premier League manager.

He brings the right mix of character, tactical knowledge, and proven results to lead the club into its next phase.’

Dyche’s first match in charge will be on Thursday, when Forest host Porto in the Europa League.

Forest currently sit in the Premier League relegation zone with only five points from eight games, despite spending more than £100 million on new players during the summer transfer window.

Postecoglou had been appointed after Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed in September following disagreements with club owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Dyche’s appointment marks another chapter in Forest’s turbulent season as the club seeks stability and improved results.

The Zamfara Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has recorded six per cent drop in road crashes across the state, compared to the same period last year.

The Sector Commander, Aliyu Ma’aji made the disclosure during a press conference to flag off the 2025 Ember Months Campaign in Gusau on Monday.

Ma’aji said the command in the year 2025 had witnessed 46 roads crashes as against 56 accidents recorded in the year 2024, showing a decrease of 6.27 per cent.

The commander recalled that in the year 2024, road crashes had killed 51 people and injured 259 others.

He attributed the casualties to mix loading among truck users, ‘who are of the habit of carrying goods, animals and passengers together.’

Delivering the message of Corps Marshall, Shehu Mohammed, Ma’aji said the theme of this year’s campaign: ‘Take Responsibility of Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’ was apt.

He said the corps marshall identified human factors as some of the major causes of road crashes.

The message, according to him, also drew attention to the fact that drivers are largely responsible for the crashes on the highways,

‘It shows that the major causes of accidents are; drivers’ fatigue, overloading of passengers, conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers,’ he noted.

The sector commander said the choice of the 2025 end of the year campaign theme was to address road traffic infringements by drivers which was largely responsible for the previous road crashes.

Ma’aji said the corps, in line with its commitment to achieve the desired outcomes from the 2025 end of year campaign had mapped out new strategies in addition to the routine enforcement.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo community in Lagos State has shown strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief Sunday Udeh, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, made this known during a peace meeting organized by Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (popularly called Jandor), leader of the Lagos4Lagos Movement.

The meeting focused on promoting unity between the Yoruba and Igbo communities after recent demolitions in the state.

Speaking to journalists, Udeh urged both groups to live peacefully and avoid actions that could create division. He described President Tinubu as a capable and experienced leader who deserves a second term in office.

‘We believe our party, the APC, will win again in 2027,’ he said.

Udeh also asked the Lagos State Government to keep working with the Igbo community and other ethnic groups to promote inclusion and peace.

He noted that relations between Igbos and the state government became tense after the 2023 elections but said renewed dialogue would rebuild trust.

Deacon Charles Obih, National President of the Market Leaders Association of Nigeria (TMLAN), also pledged support for Tinubu’s re-election.

‘We will mobilize our members to ensure President Tinubu’s victory in 2027,’ Obih said. He praised Tinubu’s leadership, saying he has handled the country’s challenges with courage and determination.

Dr. Okey Anorue, Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo/Bayeku and Babaloja of Tejuosho Market, called for peace and cooperation between Igbos and Yorubas.

‘We must live peacefully with our hosts and respect their culture. When in Rome, behave like the Romans,’ he advised.

He urged Igbos in Lagos not to allow politicians to cause conflict and emphasized that mutual respect is key to the state’s progress.