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Nigeria and Austria have committed to strengthening their bilateral economic relations.

This follows high-level meetings between a delegation led by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and senior Austrian government officials.

‘President Bola Tinubu’s bold reforms opening up the Nigerian economy for foreign and domestic investments, we are committed to long-term, strategic partnerships that create jobs, generate income, and promote prosperity,’ Bagudu told Austria’s Vice Minister of Finance, Mag. Andreas Reichhardt, during one of the meetings in Vienna, Austria.

The delegation engaged with senior Austrian officials, including the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria, Mag. Norbert Totschnig; the State Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ms Elisabeth Zehetner; and the Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Mr Peter Hanke.

Others were Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Dr Michael Spindelegger, who was formerly minister for Foreign Affairs and Finance as well as Vice-Chancellor, and the CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange, Mr Christoph Boschan.

The engagements with Austrian officials and business leaders in Vienna on Friday, as stated by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Julie Okogie-Jacobs, on Wednesday, centred on establishing new partnerships in capital market development, investment, innovation and mobility, migration governance, agriculture and water management, and economic reform support.

She stated that some Austrian companies delivered presentations, proposing a technology transfer and local manufacturing partnership that would enable Nigeria to produce water filtration materials domestically, as well as expand the textile industry value chain to create skilled jobs, and improve water and food security through local capacity-building and training.

Along with signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will act as a strategic framework for their cooperation in Agriculture, Water Management, Rural Development, and Climate Resilience, the statement said both sides also agreed to accelerate negotiations on another MoU to strengthen their bilateral economic relations and formalise cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and tourism.

The memorandum on Agriculture, signed on Friday by Bagudu and Austria’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, Mag. Norbert Totschnig, is anticipated to support Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing food security, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening rural livelihoods.

‘This MoU is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s partnership with Austria that will promote sustainable agriculture, improve food security, and strengthen rural resilience against climate change,’ Bagudu said during the signing ceremony, which was attended by former Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance, and former Vice-President of EIB Mr Wilhelm Molterer, who reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

Totschnig described the MoU as ‘a promising start to a long-term collaboration that can serve as a model for Africa-Europe agricultural partnerships.’

The MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, promote sustainable food systems, improve water resource management, and increase resilience to climate change effects, in accordance with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It also aims to utilise Austrian expertise, technologies, and private capital to support Nigeria’s priorities in sustainable agriculture, irrigation, environmental protection, and rural infrastructure.

Areas of cooperation include promoting agro-processing and value chain development, supporting soil and watershed management, developing efficient irrigation systems, enhancing rural economies, and expanding forestry and afforestation initiatives.

It also facilitates capacity building, research collaboration, and technical knowledge transfer between both parties to strengthen institutional and human resource capabilities.

The implementation of the MoU will build on existing Austria-supported initiatives in Nigeria, such as the European Business Park (EBP) and the Centre of Practical Skills (COPS) in Enugu, which provide platforms for rural innovation and skills development.

To ensure transparency and effective management of investment projects, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – ESME Nigeria Limited, under MOFI, will coordinate and safeguard investments arising from this partnership.

During a meeting with the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ms Elisabeth Zehetner, both countries also agreed to expedite another MoU to strengthen existing economic cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

Zehetner stated, ‘Nigeria remains one of our most important trading partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we are keen to explore new dimensions of cooperation – especially in green technology, renewable energy, circular economy, and vocational training.’

Bagudu highlighted that Nigeria’s reform agenda is opening up new opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism, and that Austria’s strong interest in collaborating with Nigeria through technology transfer, skills development, and sustainable investment is welcomed.

‘Our focus is to create mutually beneficial partnerships that translate into real value – for Austrian investors and for the Nigerian people,’ he said.

The delegation also met with the Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Dr Michael Spindelegger, emphasising the importance of strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and ICMPD in migration governance, skills development, and legal pathways for labour mobility, building on the organisation’s longstanding engagement in Nigeria.

‘We see migration not as a challenge but as an opportunity-one that can be harnessed for shared growth,’ the Minister said, explaining that President Bola Tinubu had emphasised the need for strategic partnerships that link migration to skills, innovation, and investment.

Expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to collaborate with ICMPD on developing a model that links training, certification, and employment within a legal migration framework, the minister acknowledged ICMPD’s consistent support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to establishing safe, legal, and productive migration systems that benefit both sending and receiving countries.

Responding, Spindelegger noted that ICMPD’s partnership with Nigeria has developed from technical cooperation to strategic collaboration, with active projects in border management, anti-trafficking, and labour migration.

‘We are proud of Nigeria’s progress. The Enugu Centre of Practical Skills and our collaborations with national institutions demonstrate the importance of long-term cooperation. We are now ready to develop this into a structured migration partnership that promotes skills development, legal migration pathways, and economic opportunities for youth,’ he said.

Dr. Spindelegger mentioned that a workshop with the City of Vienna is already scheduled to develop a broader concept that will enable Nigerians to receive vocational training in Nigeria and subsequently work in Austria.

The minister called for strengthening fiscal cooperation and encouraging innovative investment partnerships between the two countries during the delegation’s meeting with Austria’s Vice Minister of Finance, Mag. Andreas Reichhardt.

‘We are committed to long-term, strategic partnerships that create jobs, generate income, and promote prosperity. The ideas and technologies shared today align seamlessly with Nigeria’s development priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Bagudu told Reichhardt.

He explained that the Tinubu administration had implemented bold fiscal and monetary reforms to unify exchange rates, rationalise subsidies, and rebuild investor confidence, noting that the economy had been opened up to private investment because government alone could not fund the nation’s development.

Reichhardt expressed delight at hosting the Nigerian delegation, reaffirming Austria’s commitment to establishing a strong partnership with Nigeria.

According to him, ‘We believe there is great potential for cooperation between our countries – in finance, technology, agriculture, and industrial development.

‘Austria is eager to exchange expertise, develop joint strategies, and support innovation-driven projects that promote sustainable growth in Nigeria.’

Bagudu, who returned to Nigeria over the weekend, also visited the Vienna Stock Exchange, where the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Christoph Boschan, welcomed him.

He highlighted the importance of strong governance and transparency in maintaining economic growth.

‘A modern financial system depends on the right balance between state interests and private sector transparency,’ he said, adding, ‘When the state plays a role in large-scale infrastructure or strategic industries, it must be matched with clear accountability and public governance. That is what ensures investor confidence and long-term value creation.’

Responding, Bagudu stated, ‘We are impressed by Austria’s financial market model-its stability, governance standards, and efficiency.

‘Nigeria is eager to learn from these experiences as we design frameworks that link public assets, infrastructure projects, and sustainable financing to the capital market.

‘Our goal is to create a transparent ecosystem that allows both state-owned entities and private firms to access financing while ensuring full public accountability.

‘Partnerships with institutions such as the Vienna Stock Exchange can help us attain this balance between growth, governance, and inclusivity.’

During the meeting with Federal Minister Hanke, who heads one of Austria’s largest ministries – responsible for Infrastructure, Mobility and Innovation – both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between Austria and Nigeria in the fields of transport infrastructure, mobility, and technological innovation.

The discussion focused on the transfer of Austrian expertise and best practices, particularly in railway and road infrastructure (ÖBB – Austrian Federal Railways, and ASFINAG – the state-owned motorway and expressway company), as well as in innovative mobility solutions.

A visit by Minister Hanke to Nigeria was agreed in principle to further advance these initiatives and explore concrete cooperation opportunities on the ground.

The minister finished his visit with a Business Reception hosted by Prosper Africa, attended by more than 130 high-ranking Austrian government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.

During the evening event, Minister Bagudu also met with Mr Bernhard Sagmeister, Director General of Austria Wirtschaftsservice (AWS), Austria’s state-owned development bank. AWS issues more than EUR 1 billion in guarantees each year to Austrian companies, including for investments abroad, and serves as a partner of the Austrian European Business Park (EBP) in Enugu. The discussion centred on deepening and expanding the cooperation.

In his keynote remarks, Bagudu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to attract investment and collaborate.

‘Nigeria is open for business. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are implementing bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and ensure private capital drives national development,’ he stated, concluding, ‘Our engagements in Vienna reaffirm that development is best achieved through collaboration.

‘By working with partners like Austria, we can unlock innovation, attract sustainable investment, and deliver inclusive growth in line with our National Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Immediate past Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), has argued that the solution to the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not for members to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, in a democracy, there must be opposition-the type the PDP is capable of leading in the current dispensation.

Dickson, who was reacting on Wednesday to the gale of defections hitting the once ‘largest party in Africa’, said party leaders must remain in the PDP to solve its problems because they were created by the leaders in the first place.

He noted, ‘We all know the PDP has issues, but those issues should be solved by its leaders. They are the ones who created them.

‘I remain standing in the PDP, the party that gave my people and the Niger Delta the opportunity to produce a Vice-President, an Acting President, and a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This other party cannot do that.

‘If, however, we do not succeed in saving the PDP, then we will be part of a collective decision; but that should not be to join the ruling party.

‘I believe there must always be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be democracy; it becomes dictatorship and totalitarianism.’

His comments come as the national headquarters of the party maintains silence over the latest defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Findings by Nigerian Tribune showed that although the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party convened a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the body made no official reaction to the development.

Attempts by the newspaper to get the comments of the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, did not yield results, although the NWC has consistently said it would not stop any governor from leaving since the PDP is ‘about the people and not individuals.’

Governor Diri defected barely 24 hours after the Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah, also dumped the party on Tuesday.

Incidentally, both governors played key roles in events leading to the 15 November Ibadan National Convention of the party.

While Diri chaired the committee which recommended the zoning of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, Mbah was the Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).

Speaking specifically on the defection of his successor on Wednesday, Senator Dickson admitted that although the governor consulted him on the matter several times, he was not convinced that the defection was necessary for a second-term governor.

Dickson also spoke on how he chose to lie low after leaving office by not trying to be a godfather or interfere with the decisions of the governor.

‘Since I left office, unlike others, I have not played godfather. I made no requests, no demands, no pressure. I have only been available for consultation and advice.

‘In this case, the governor consulted me several times, to his credit. I was not convinced because I saw no compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect,’ he added.

Dickson discountenanced the impression that being in the opposition meant fighting the government in power all the time, even when it took the right decision.

On that score, the former governor declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Professor Joash Omupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, told Senate correspondents that having done his personal investigations, he was impressed by the academic credentials and rank of Omupitan in the legal profession and his ability to deliver credible polls.

‘I believe that a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, conscious of his standing in the academic and legal community, will have something to work for.

‘With everyone’s support, he should be able to introduce the reforms we need in our electoral system and within INEC itself. He should understand that elections are not just about cooking up figures and telling people to go to court.

‘A person of his calibre should understand that beyond the judgment of men and of the courts, there is also the judgment of God and of posterity. I believe he will do things differently. That is why I will be supporting his nomination,’ he added.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast, projecting a 3.9 per cent expansion in 2025 and 4.2 per cent in 2026, reflecting renewed optimism about the country’s reform-driven economic rebound.

The revised figures were announced on Tuesday during the launch of the World Economic Outlook (WEO) 2025 at the ongoing World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

In its July 2025 update, the IMF had forecast Nigeria’s economy to grow by 3.4 percent in 2025. The new projection marks a 0.5 percentage point upward revision, signaling increased confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic policies and reform momentum under the Tinubu administration.

The IMF also upgraded Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.2 per cent, compared to 3.2 per cent previously predicted in July. The improved outlook places Nigeria ahead of South Africa, whose growth is expected to edge slightly from 1.0 to 1.1 per cent in 2025, but fall to 1.2 percent in 2026 while the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average was lifted to 4.1 percent in 2025 and 4.4 percent in 2026.

The IMF attributed Nigeria’s stronger growth prospects to ‘supportive domestic factors,’ notably higher oil production, improved investor confidence, and a more favorable fiscal stance projected for 2026.

‘Whereas growth in Nigeria is revised upward on account of supportive domestic factors-including higher oil production, improved investor confidence, a supportive fiscal stance in 2026, and given its limited exposure to higher U.S. tariffs-many other economies see significant downward revisions because of the changing international trade and official aid landscape,’ the IMF stated.

The upward revision follows a period of key policy adjustments in Nigeria, including exchange rate unification, subsidy reforms, and a tightened monetary stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to curb inflation and stabilize the naira.

Globally, the IMF projects 3.2 percent growth in 2025, slowing slightly to 3.1 percent in 2026. Although this represents a modest improvement from the July 2025 update, it remains 0.2 percentage points below forecasts made before the October 2024 global policy shifts.

‘This is an improvement relative to the July WEO Update-but cumulatively 0.2 percentage point below earlier forecasts, with the slowdown reflecting headwinds from uncertainty and protectionism, even though the tariff shock is smaller than originally announced,’ the Fund noted.

Advanced economies are expected to grow by around 1.5 percent during 2025-2026, with the United States slowing to 2.0 percent, while emerging markets and developing economies are projected to expand just above 4.0 percent.

Global inflation is forecast to ease to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.7 percent in 2026, as world trade volume grows at an average rate of 2.9 percent-down from 3.5 percent in 2024, reflecting ongoing trade fragmentation and weaker global demand.

In July, the IMF concluded its 2025 Article IV consultation with Nigeria, reaffirming confidence in the government’s reform agenda and forecasting 3.4 percent growth for the year. The Fund also backed the CBN’s tight monetary policy stance, describing it as crucial for containing inflation and ensuring macroeconomic stability.

The latest WEO update suggests that Nigeria’s ongoing structural and fiscal reforms are beginning to yield measurable gains, setting the stage for stronger, more sustained growth over the medium term.

Everyone needs to have a consistent and positive approach to hair care.

Well, this is not about a particular hairstyle or look; it’s about the health of your hair.

Having a hair regimen gives you structure and a plan to manage your hair for a specific period.

The following are seven reasons you need a hair regimen.

1. Addresses specific concerns

A consistent hair regimen gives you room to deal with certain problems. For example, if you have a dry, flaky scalp, a routine can include products that add moisture and how to apply them.

Or if your hair is prone to breakage, your regimen can centre around using gentle tools and strengthening products or treatments.

By following a structure, you can tackle conditions that your hair reacts to without delay.

2. Prevents damage

Did you know that your daily routine can cause your hair to wear out? Constantly combing, applying heat, styling, and exposure to the sun can damage the health of your hair. A good hair regimen will guard against this. It’s easier to prevent a situation than to try to repair damage.

This is why your hair regimen factors in your everyday activities, so in this case, it might require using a heat protectant spray before applying heat to hair, or it could include the application of leave-in conditioner to detangle your hair.

3. Enhances a healthy scalp

Our scalp forms the foundation for the growth of healthy hair. A hair regimen that makes regular cleansing and moisturising a priority keeps the scalp clean and balanced.

A clean scalp has less build-up from products and sweat, keeping dandruff and itchiness in check.

4. Encourages better growth

A hair regimen is not a cheat code for growing your hair faster than it naturally should. However, it can help it grow longer by reducing breakage.

When you take care of your hair, you are preserving its length.

5. Promotes consistency

If you ever want to see results, consistency is key. A hair regimen gives you a clear plan to follow, helping you know what products to use and in what order.

Giving your hair regular care is what leads to noticeable changes and improvements in your hair health and quality.

6. Saves money

If you don’t have a plan and you buy products, you’re more likely to waste money compared to someone who does.

Trends might inspire you to buy something, use it once, and abandon it. A hair regimen helps you identify what your hair needs. This will streamline your purchases and reduce needless expensive treatments for avoidable problems.

7. Builds confidence

When your hair looks and feels good, it can affect how you feel. Taking a moment to care for your hair is an underrated form of self-care. It can make you feel organised and ready for the day.

This simple act can boost your confidence and appearance.

In summary, this is all about being proactive. A hair regimen is a simple plan for anyone who wants to take better care of their hair. It doesn’t need to be confusing; it just needs to be consistent and tailored to your needs.

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the recent defections of two governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ADC described the move as a gang-up against Nigerians by the governors.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, formally declared for the APC at an elaborate event in Enugu on Tuesday, while his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, took the same political step on Wednesday, along with members of his cabinet who announced their resignation from the erstwhile ruling party in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that the action of the governors in dumping the PDP was not informed by personal conviction but by cowardice.

Describing their actions as political apostasy, the ADC declared that the 2027 general elections ‘will be a contest between the people of Nigeria and the ruling party that has sent the majority into abject poverty and made life unbearable for most.’

The full statement read:

‘The recent defections by the governors of Enugu and Bayelsa States to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) validate the African Democratic Congress (ADC)’s long-standing warning that President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, no matter the cost to democracy or national stability.

‘While it may seem like the APC has added more governors to its column, in reality, what has happened is that these governors have actually abandoned their people to team up with the ruling party that has made life miserable for the majority.

‘Nigerians can see the current state of the nation. They live through the APC’s failures every single day. Even those who once campaigned for the APC or had its logo on their social media profiles now avoid association with the party. Why? Because the Tinubu administration has failed on insecurity, failed on economic management, failed on healthcare, failed on social welfare, failed on corruption, and failed to restore Nigeria’s standing in the international community.

‘Every day, Nigerians are paying the price for these failures. Food prices continue to increase, jobs are non-existent, and insecurity continues to choke every part of the country.

‘When the ruling party has misgoverned the country, the only hope for the people in a democracy is for the opposition to rise in defence, propose alternative ideas, and lead the people out of their misery. This is what Nigerians expected from these governors in opposition. Instead, they abdicated. And in an act of historic political apostasy, they chose to join the grand conspiracy against the Nigerian people. They abandoned their people, not out of conviction but out of cowardice and other selfish considerations.

‘While the ruling party continues to celebrate the defection of these governors, the ADC and the opposition coalition are equally delighted that the line has been made even clearer between those who are committed to saving the country and those who merely want to join the gravy train. The people can see, and they are waiting. 2027 will be a clear battle between the people of Nigeria and President Tinubu and his gang of governors in the APC.’

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Outer City Zone of Ibadanland in Oyo state have eulogised the Alhaji Olayide Abas-led State Executive Committee of the party over the successful organisation of a leadership summit in which virtually all the tendencies within the party participated.

The leadership summit, which was held in Ibadan last week, sought to look into some challenges facing the party in the state in recent years with a view to finding lasting solutions from within ahead of the next general election.

In a statement signed by the Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and Secretary, Chief Billy Ogundele, the stakeholders urged the leadership of the party in the state to leverage on the success of the summit to fine-tune the process of genuine reconciliation among individuals and groups within the party.

The statement said: ‘It is crystal clear that APC is the Party to beat in Nigeria today with positive development happening on the political turf across the country and in view of this, Oyo State cannot afford to lag behind.

‘APC has gone through some difficult moments but with what the leadership of the party achieved last week during the summit, it is obvious that the good old days are back.

‘While we laud the efforts of many critical stakeholders in stabilising the APC in our dear state, we urge the leadership at the state level to remain focused in their quest to provide an enabling environment for all genuine members to contribute their individual quota towards the realisation of the common goal which centres on reclaiming the Pacesetter State from the jackboot of the decimated PDP.’

Zenith Bank Plc’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, accompanied by the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, carried out the prestigious closing gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), marking a significant milestone in the bank’s continued partnership with the capital market and the official closing of the trading day. The ceremony highlights Zenith Bank’s strong relationship with the NGX and its commitment to transparency, accountability, and bolstering investor confidence.

While speaking at the Nigerian Exchange, Dr. Umeoji expressed her delight in participating in the closing gong ceremony, acknowledging the NGX’s visionary leadership and innovative initiatives. ‘We are delighted to be here today to perform the closing gong ceremony – a symbol of shared progress and enduring partnership,’ Dr. Umeoji said. ‘The NGX’s leadership has been very creative and innovative, and their electronic trading platform – X-stream played a pivotal role in the success of our recapitalization exercise, which achieved a 160% subscription. The bank’s stock price has doubled since the recapitalization exercise, from N36.50 per share to N68. Zenith Bank has also reported impressive financial results for the Half Year (H1) of 2025, becoming the most profitable bank in Nigeria and paying the highest dividend in the industry for the half year.’

‘We are committed to creating value for our stakeholders and will continue to partner with the NGX to boost the Nigerian economy,’ Dr. Umeoji added. ‘Our expansion strategy is focused on following our customers’ businesses and ensuring that we go to countries and economies where we can scale and provide more returns for our shareholders.’

She stressed that the bank plans to make good on its promise of being investors’ delight by paying quantum dividends to its shareholders by year’s end. According to her ‘For us in Zenith, we are looking forward to paying more based on the confidence the market reposed on us. We are working assiduously to ensure that we do not disappoint the Market. We are going to continue to be the investors’ delight, and we assure the market that we would continue to pay enhanced dividends come end of the year.’

Also commenting, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasised the role of the NGX in creating value in the Nigerian economic space.

He said, ‘I want to thank you all for making the market what it is. Without you, the market wouldn’t have seen the leap that it has achieved in the last one-and-half year. I spoke earlier that at my assumption of office, market capitalization stood at N55 trillion, today it is hovering around 89 trillion and 93 trillion. That was not done by a spirit, it was done by you. Your ability, tenacity, courage, vision and transparency have moved the market where it is. Our vision is that by next year, we will have the market at 200trn.’

The Doyen of the NGX, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf while giving his remarks, lauded the Founder andamp, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia for his vision and leadership. He ended by referring to him as the ‘Doyen of the Commercial banking sector’.

Zenith Bank remains committed to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while driving economic development in Nigeria. As the bank continues on its growth trajectory, it has its sights set on global expansion. The bank intends to strategically leverage the capital raised from the Market to enhance its scalability and deliver enhanced services to its valued customers.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and ‘Nigeria’s Best Bank’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years, from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged’ Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has emphasised that forging strategic partnerships remains vital to unlocking value, achieving sustainability and advancing commercialization within the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.

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The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the nation’s oil company, Bayo Ojulari, stated this while delivering an address during the 2025 Inaugural Annual Downstream Petroleum Week, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), on Tuesday.

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Ojulari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr Mumuni Dagazau, describedý Nigeria’s downstream landscape as one shaped by transition, opportunity, and strategic reform highlighting the importance of collaboration as a yardstick to sustainable energy future.

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According to him, Africa’s energy demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with Nigeria at the forefront as he called for coordinated efforts and collective responsibility to harness emerging opportunities and ensure inclusive, long-term sectoral growth.

A statement signed Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPCL, Andy Odeh, said NNPC boss reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring consistent fuel availability, competitive pricing and uncompromising quality assurance across all its retail network nationwide.

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He said, The opportunity to create sustainable economy for today and the future is hinged on supply partnership, infrastructure co-investments, security partnerships, host community cooperation and operational alliance. Everyone needs to get involved in the activities that will ultimately create a sustainably promising future for Nigeria.’

ýýOjulari commended the National Assembly and the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for convening the strategic forum, assuring that as a commercial and national energy entity, NNPC remains committed to fostering stakeholder engagement and advancing collaborative models for sector-wide growth.

One of the aspirants jostling for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State, Professor Raifu Durodoye, has pledged his support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate in the party’s primary election.

Durodoye, a Professor of Mathematics, said his ambition is not a question of life and death, rather it is a question of access to contribute to the development of the state.

He made this disclosure in a statement forwarded to journalists in Osogbo, the state capital.

According to him, ‘It’s not about ambition but experience. I’ve acquired enormous experience as an academia, which will be geared towards growth. Having taught in America for over decade as an academic.

‘We respect all our leaders’ decisions, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and President Bola Tinubu. Our job is to work with the chosen flag bearer to ensure that Osun State is transformed.

‘We’ve done our homework by identifying things to be done within the system. Our scope of impact extends beyond the educational sector, covering health, economies, and employment

‘We have boys and girls with no hope of gainful employment. Unlike America, where they pride on a century-long projection of their capacity to provide jobs for their young ones, many of our intelligent graduates roam about the street with no job,’ he stated.

While contending that he has the capacity to create transformational change capable of enhancing good governance, Durodoye said, ‘I am bringing to the table innovations and empowerments to care for our boys and girls.

‘We are here to flip the stage from its current status to a more progressive and positive environment. I am an academician who will use his resources and network of students to achieve this. There are about ten of them in China and five in Japan who are working with me for the transformation of Osun state for better economic development,’ he added.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the implementation of a Device Management System (DMS) designed to block fake, cloned, and stolen phones from accessing Nigeria’s mobile networks.

The system, which has been in development for nearly a decade, will track mobile devices through their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers across the country’s telecommunications networks.

The initiative follows Nigeria’s recent nationwide migration to the NINAuth digital ID verification platform, demonstrating the country’s commitment to modernising its telecommunications infrastructure.

Operating through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, the DMS marks a significant step in regulating Nigeria’s telecommunications device market.

The initiative addresses the prevalent issue of counterfeit and unregistered phones in the country, where estimates indicate that up to 40 per cent of mobile devices and tech gadgets are fake or substandard.

The challenge mirrors similar issues faced by other African nations, such as Uganda, which recently launched its own ‘Simu Klear’ system to address counterfeit devices.

According to the NCC, the implementation will proceed gradually to minimise disruption to legitimate users.

‘Substandard and fake devices can be prevented from connecting to the networks due to the harmful impact these devices have on the quality of services and online safety of the users,’ the Commission stated.

The IMEI-based tracking system builds on successful implementations in other regions, where similar technology has been used to recover lost and stolen devices.

The widespread presence of counterfeit devices in Nigeria has been attributed to various economic factors, including inflation, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power, which have led consumers to seek cheaper alternatives despite associated safety and security risks.

The risks include potential exposure to malware and security vulnerabilities, similar to recent incidents where banking trojans have targeted Android users through counterfeit applications.

Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, has made the DMS initiative a key part of his broader regulatory agenda, which emphasises protecting telecom assets and improving network quality.

The system supports the Commission’s focus on transparency, accountability, and infrastructure protection in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, which serves over 200 million people.