Category: PM News

Team Brazil on Sunday emerged as the winners of the E1 Lagos GP, clinching their first win of the series. Powerboat pilot Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin delivered the goods at the E1 Lagos GP, leading Team Brazil through the group races, race-off and to the final.

The E1 Lagos GP has First Bank as the major sponsor.

Team Brazil, which got 38 points for their win, taking their tally up to 89 points, beat Team Blue Rising to second place, while Team Drogba finished third.

Notably, Team Rafa and Team Brady, both consistent front-runners in the championship standings, missed out on the podium this time.

The E1 Lagos GP is an all-electric powerboat race designed to combine cutting-edge technology, environmental sustainability, and high-speed entertainment on water. It features teams competing in high-performance electric boats, with international participants and spectators attending the event.

Lagos State is the first African city to host the prestigious E1 Racing Championship. The revolutionary electric powerboat competition was held on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5, at the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu flanked by the Managing Director/CEO of First Bank, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu (left); President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Obiorah (right) and others during the grand finale of the E1 Lagos GP championship in Victoria Island, on Sunday, 5 October 2025.

Speaking to journalists during the final of the competition on Sunday, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the first-of-its-kind event in Africa as a demonstration of innovation and progress.

He said the event showcased Lagos’ creativity, resilience and commitment to clean energy and sustainable solutions.

‘Hosting the E1 Grand Prix is not just about sport. It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,’ Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned what it describes as ongoing attempts to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.

The group also called for the protection of the multi billion dollar facility as a strategic national asset.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tanko Baba, the ACF expressed concern over what it termed ‘thinly disguised attempts’ to sabotage the operations of Nigeria’s largest privately owned refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

The forum listed several challenges the facility had faced since inception, including crude oil supply issues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), regulatory concerns, pricing disputes, and industrial actions by trade unions.

‘From conception, implementation and inauguration, the Dangote Refinery has continued to face unrelenting onslaughts,’ Baba said.

The forum noted the involvement of key petroleum sector unions such as the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), citing picketing and unionisation pressures.

The ACF questioned what it described as PENGASSAN’s ‘forceful’ demand for refinery workers to join the union, stressing that union membership was a constitutional right, not an obligation.

While affirming workers’ rights to unionise, the group said the Dangote refinery must first be allowed to stabilise its operations before such rights are exercised, aligning itself with recent public comments by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole and Mohammed Ali-Ndume.

‘It is concerning that PENGASSAN continues to flout a subsisting court order barring disruptions to refinery operations,’ Baba added.

The ACF also expressed support for the refinery’s management and legal efforts to protect the facility, warning that the continued unrest could deter both local and foreign investors.

‘Putting down the Dangote complex is a potent disincentive to domestic and international investors because it sends the wrong signals,’ the group warned.

The ACF issued a series of recommendations, including

support for Federal Government-led negotiations to resolve the impasse;

It also suggested sanctions against PENGASSAN for defying Court orders and a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate recurrent strikes at strategic facilities;

Others include a declaration of the Dangote refinery and similar assets as strategic national infrastructure and measures to prevent unions from sabotaging national interests under the guise of labour rights.

The forum also called on labour unions to be cautious in their engagements, warning against actions that may inadvertently serve external interests aimed at stalling Nigeria’s industrial growth.

‘The Nigerian labour movement must guard against unwittingly playing into the hands of international conspiracies determined to frustrate indigenous industrial initiatives,’ the forum concluded.

The Dangote refinery, inaugurated in 2023, is Africa’s largest single train refinery and is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity across various parts of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to respond with honesty, urgency, and transparency.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the government for what it described as ‘insensitive claims of progress’ that contradict the daily experiences of Nigerians facing violence and unrest.

‘The country is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise,’ Abdullahi said. ‘National security must no longer be treated as a political talking point, but as a core responsibility of governance.’

The ADC urged the Federal Government to first acknowledge the full scope and complexity of the security crisis, and to work closely with affected states, local governments, and communities. According to the party, meaningful progress can only be made through direct engagement and by incorporating local insights into the development of practical security strategies.

In addition, the party called for a nationwide increase in security alertness, coordinated efforts between the military, police, and local security networks, regular public updates on security developments and a transparent system for tracking and auditing federal security expenditures.

‘The lives of Nigerians must matter more than sound bites and ceremonies,’ Abdullahi emphasized. ‘The time for symbolic gestures is over. What the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results.’

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the movement of some opposition governors to the ruling party soon.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele urged Tinubu to be careful of some of these governors because not all of them will support him, as some will act as his enemies even within his party.

The cleric mentioned governors of Taraba, Zamfara, Enugu and Kano, explaining that while some have good intentions for him, some of them, including those that have already decamped, don’t have his best interest at heart.

‘About four opposition governors will decamp to the APC, including Taraba, Kano, Zamfara, and Enugu, but not all of them will work for the president. They have an agreement to seal Mr President’s second ambition and work fantastically for him, but not all of them will stick to the agreement.’

The cleric alleged that some of them are decamping to have the blessings of the president for their ambition.

‘Some will only move to receive the blessings of Mr President, so the issue of who becomes who will be a very serious matter.’

Primate Ayodele also warned President Tinubu to personally review some of the decampees properly to identify those who are enemies. He also stated that some in the APC are not praying for the victory of the president.

‘The matter remains that not all of them will help Mr President to succeed; some are enemies, he needs to review them properly to know those who are his enemies. Some within the party are not even praying for the victory of the president.’

The Lagos waterfront came alive on Saturday as First Bank of Nigeria transformed Victoria Island into a dazzling hub of energy, glamour and fun to mark the official kick-off of the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, Africa’s first-ever all-electric powerboat race.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as sleek, futuristic powerboats sliced through the Atlantic waves, blending high-speed sport with the unmistakable Lagos flair for celebration. Crowds gathered early, drawn by the buzz of a global event meeting Nigerian vibrance and, of course, First Bank’s signature touch of class.

E1’s debut on African waters marked a historic milestone. Lagos, known for its dynamism and cultural heartbeat, proved to be the perfect stage for the international offshore racing series. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, E1 CEO and co-founder Rodi Basso, and First Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Olusegun Alebiosu, were among the prominent figures who graced the event, alongside international sporting icons and investors.

Among the biggest crowd-pullers was Didier Drogba, the Ivorian football legend and former Chelsea striker, now co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa, who thrilled fans with his trademark charisma. The combination of sports, innovation and star power set the tone for an unforgettable Lagos weekend.

At the fan zone, it was a carnival of sights and sounds. Hundreds of Lagosians gathered to witness the water spectacle, with plenty to eat, drink and dance to. The First Bank experience booths bustled with activity as music filled the air, vendors sold local delicacies, and small-scale entrepreneurs made brisk sales.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s arrival at the fan zone sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd as he mingled with fans, shaking hands and sharing cheerful waves. At the First Bank pavilion, staff attended to enthusiastic visitors eager to open accounts and learn more about the bank’s lifestyle offerings.

For many, the E1 Lagos GP was more than a sporting event, it was a celebration of Lagos itself.

‘It honestly surpassed my expectations,’ said Latoya Johnson, one of the thrilled spectators.

‘I never imagined Nigeria could host something this world-class. I’m proud of Lagos, and proud of Nigeria,’ she added.

Some of the fans at the event

She applauded First Bank for sponsoring the event, saying, ‘My parents banked with First Bank, and I grew up knowing it as the reliable one. So, I wasn’t surprised they’re leading something this big; they’ve always been part of Nigeria’s proudest moments.’

For First Bank, the E1 Lagos GP is more than sponsorship, it’s an extension of the ‘FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe’ tradition that has become synonymous with premium entertainment and festive fun.

Since 2018, the bank’s Vybe series has redefined Lagos’ entertainment calendar, offering customers access to concerts, comedy shows, and cultural festivals, all with that signature First Bank flair. Last December’s Reckless Musicomedy Festival featuring Kenny Blaq, DJ Neptune, and MC Monica was still fresh in memory when the bank decided to bring the party forward to October.

With the E1 Lagos GP, First Bank has once again proven that it’s not just about banking, it’s about lifestyle, innovation, and creating shared experiences that unite people. The event also reinforces the bank’s commitment to sustainability, tourism, and economic empowerment, highlighting Lagos as a global destination for leisure and culture.

As the sun set over the Lagos skyline, the waterfront sparkled a symbol of energy, pride, and endless possibility. With the E1 Lagos GP finale set for Sunday, October 5, one thing is certain: Lagosians are riding the wave of excitement, and First Bank is steering the fun.

A new political movement, the New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO), has emerged with a bold promise to fight corruption and restore credibility to Nigeria’s political system

The group says it is committed to ending decades of bad leadership, injustice, and rigged elections that have hindered the nation’s progress.

The convener, Comrade Mark Adebayo, made this known during a press conference held in Abuja.

He explained that the movement was formed out of frustration with what he described as a ‘broken political system’ that no longer reflects the will of the people.

‘We are tired of leaders who manipulate elections and ignore the suffering of Nigerians,’ Adebayo declared.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be reformed. We can no longer tolerate an electoral body that betrays the trust of citizens and suffocates democracy.’

According to Adebayo, NEDMO’s mission is to build a new Nigeria founded on integrity, justice, and transparency. The group plans to mobilize Nigerians from all walks of life youths, professionals, and grassroots communities to reclaim the political space from corrupt politicians.

NEDMO is demanding a total overhaul of INEC, stronger electoral laws, and the selection of leaders who are honest, competent, and patriotic.

Adebayo emphasized that real change will only come when Nigerians unite behind a shared vision of progress and accountability.

The movement has already established a presence in over 600 local government areas and is working to expand to every part of the country before the 2027 general elections.

NEDMO leaders believe that their growing network of volunteers and supporters could make it a major force in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Adebayo called on citizens to join the movement and take responsibility for building a nation that works for everyone.

‘Nigeria belongs to all of us,’ he said. ‘If we don’t act now, the same corrupt system will continue to rob future generations of hope.’

As the country looks ahead to another election cycle, many Nigerians are watching closely to see if NEDMO can deliver on its promise.

For now, the coalition’s emergence has reignited public debate about the need for credible leadership and genuine reform in Africa’s largest democracy.

Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria has said the reforms being carried out by the bank are aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring confidence and bringing inflation down to single digits in the medium term.

Cardoso said this while taking questions during a fireside chat at his inaugural lecture series at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

The lecture had the theme ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building’ and marked the launch of the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series.

The lecture had in attendance students from various tertiary institutions, members of academia, bankers and industry experts.

Cardoso explained the challenges of stabilising the nation’s economy and how hard work and credibility had helped CBN to redirect the nation’s economy on a positive growth path.

He explained ongoing reforms and achievements in the last two years geared toward stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

‘The idea is to ensure that in the medium term we achieve single-digit inflation,’ he said.

He said interest rates and the foreign exchange market were areas of concern for everyone, adding that, at one point in time, the foreign exchange market had multiple challenges.

He explained the crisis of access to foreign exchange when he assumed office two years ago and efforts through necessary and stringent reforms that restored sanity, transparency and credibility.

He said credibility is at the heart of any central bank to win people’s trust and investor confidence, while listing some benefits of the reforms, including the ability of citizens to use Naira debit cards abroad.

Cardoso said when he promised to clear verifiable FX backlog estimated at over seven billion dollars, the feat was a daunting task which credibility, transparency and resilience helped him to achieve.

He said promises must be kept for people to keep trusting the nation’s economy, adding that people invest where there is integrity, credibility and trust, and that transparency and credibility restored sanity and attracted foreign investors.

Cardoso said during his tenure the apex bank began publishing financial statements, a practice that had been suspended for several years.

‘For years, the financial statements of the Central Bank had not been published. We have gone ahead to publish it. It’s on our website,’ he said.

He also explained how CBN used technology to eliminate sharp practices, citing adoption of a new electronic matching system, which made market activities open and transparent.

According to him, beyond macroeconomic stability, vision building involves creating opportunities for young people, in particular areas like financial inclusion and support for small and medium-scale businesses.

Cardoso said he was not seeking to praise himself but urged Nigerians to read positive comments of various local and international rating agencies about the efforts of the bank under his leadership.

Earlier, while delivering his keynote, he insisted that the CBN is building an institution that can be trusted, while urging the youths to embrace credibility.

Cardoso said the inaugural lecture initiative was aimed at deepening public understanding and strengthening the transmission of monetary policy.

The governor said the country’s most important asset is its next generation, which forms the largest demographic comprising more youths who must be groomed to drive the nation’s future development and growth.

He said when he assumed office as governor in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced formidable headwinds with high inflation rates, depleted external reserves, low investor confidence, and nearly every macroeconomic indicator under pressure.

Cardoso said he tackled inflation with tightening policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

He explained other reforms including strengthening reserves, now standing above 42 billion dollars, and new channels for diaspora remittances and investments.

‘On financial inclusion, we expanded mobile and agency banking to underserved communities, raising access from 56 per cent in 2020 to over 64 per cent in 2025, and commenced the recapitalisation of banks to ensure a stronger, more resilient financial system,’ he said.

He said the nation’s inflation, which peaked at almost 35 per cent, moderated to about 20 per cent, adding that real GDP expanded by 4.2 per cent in the second quarter, signaling a re-emergence of growth momentum.

The apex bank boss also explained the future of digital payments, credit, savings, investment and others being redefined by fintech and digital platforms.

Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, delivering a welcome address, explained the role of the institution since inception in 1991.

She praised the partnership with the CBN governor to foster thought leadership, policy engagement, and in-depth discourse between town and gown.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday urged Nigerians to shun hate and embrace unity across religious lines, declaring that ‘hate is not an option for us.’

Speaking at the funeral service of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, in Plateau State, the President used his own family as an example of peaceful coexistence, stressing that love and understanding can bridge any divide.

‘I inherited Islam from my parents and haven’t changed, but my wife is a pastor. She prays for me, and there’s no conflict. I have never tried to convince her to convert,’ Tinubu said.

The President continued by emphasizing the need for mutual respect among people of different faiths, insisting that Nigerians are all accountable to one divine authority.

‘I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same Almighty God. We will account to Him,’ he added.

Tinubu said faith should never be a reason for division or hostility, adding that Nigeria’s diversity will only become a strength when tolerance and respect prevail.

‘Our differences are not meant to divide us but to strengthen us. Hate is not an option,’ he stressed.

He concluded by praying for the soul of the departed to rest in peace and for God to comfort the bereaved family.

Osun governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered investigation into alleged killing of three people by operatives of Amotekun Corps in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson for the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed who announced this in a statement on Saturday also revealed that Adeleke had sent a top level government delegation to the community.

According to the statement, Adeleke expressed deep shock at the deaths of some individuals from the town after receiving a preliminary report from his Special Adviser on Security Matters on the incident.

‘After receiving the preliminary report, further briefings were presented to the Deputy Governor by the security team with a State Security council meeting now scheduled for Monday to further deliberate on the issue and other emerging security threat in the state.

‘Adeleke has vowed to dig into the root of the fatal encounter between the people of the town and the Amotekun security service, directing that a high powered delegation of government and service chiefs will visit the affected town after the scheduled state security council meeting on Monday.

‘Those expected on the delegation includes the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the state governor, the Commissioner for Information, the Commissioner for political affairs, the Commissioner for Transportation, the Attorney General of the State, the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the governor and service chiefs of the various security agencies.

‘I am a rule of law Governor. This matter is being investigated and any infraction will be dealt with within the context of the law. I have ordered a security council meeting on this incident and others such as fears of spill over from Kwara banditry attacks.

‘I sent my condolences to the victims of this unfortunate incident. I urge the good people of Akinlalu to keep calm as our government acts on the matter. I feel their pains but investigations are ongoing’, the governor was quoted as saying.

The Governor also commiserated with all those who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed to God almighty to comfort them.

Amotekun Corps Shot three dead in Akinpelu – Group

Recall that a group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, had on Thursday accused operatives of Amotekun Corps of killing three members of the same family and injuring several others in Akinlalu community

The group also alleged that the Osun State Amotekun commander attempted to cover up the murder by presenting the victims as armed bandits, despite evidence that they were innocent civilians were attacked inside their compound.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group said the victims who were not caught with any weapons or incriminating items were shot at close range, and left to die in their compound.

‘Shockingly, the Amotekun operatives later returned, opened fire on those who came to rescue the injured, and carried away the corpses, while labeling them as bandits. This is not only barbaric but also a complete betrayal of public trust.’

‘We are a people of peace and law-abiding citizens. But we cannot continue to fold our arms and watch our people killed like animals by those empowered to defend them. Governor Adeleke must demonstrate leadership by bringing the killers to justice and suspending the commander who orchestrated a false narrative to shield his men from accountability,’ the union said.

It also accused Adeleke of indifference, saying that since the killings occurred, he had not ordered any investigation or arrest.

The group vowed vow to pursue legal actions both locally and internationally if justice is not served.

It gave the Governor seven-day ultimatum to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to justice.

‘We will not allow this case to be buried. We will mobilise our people in Yorubaland and in the diaspora to ensure that the truth prevails and that the victims do not die in vain. If Governor Adeleke refuses to act, history will remember him as a leader who failed to protect his people,’ the Yoruba Union added.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command says it apprehended more than 250 commercial vehicles in just two days for overloading, as it begins full enforcement of safety regulations in the territory.

The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Ntaji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enforcement, which started on Oct. 2, specifically targeted the practice of carrying two passengers in the front seat of taxis.

Theman said that the two-day figure demonstrated the scale of violations in the FCT, in spite months of sustained engagement and education to transport unions.

He explained that his top priority since assumption of office had been restoring passenger dignity and safety, noting that enforcement was the most civil way to ensure compliance.

According to him, overloading makes the use of seatbelts impossible, weakens vehicle suspension and tyres and limits driver control in emergencies.

Theman added that the command’s operation was being carried out in collaboration with mobile magistrate courts to ensure immediate prosecution of offenders.

He said that full activation of mobile courts across the FCT would begin on Oct. 6 to intensify the enforcement.

The commander also warned drivers operating vehicles below minimum safety standards to upgrade them or risk outright impoundment.

He hinted that transport unions had pledged full support for the initiative and urged passengers to cooperate to protect their rights to safe and dignified transportation.