Rodri makes debut in Barcelona La Liga win

Barcelona new signing Rodri made a second half debut for the club in their 2-0 Spanish La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.

The Catalans scored once in each half to secure a hard-fought victory thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona were bereft of clear chances in a pulsating first half but eventually took the lead through Raphinha on 37 minutes. The Brazilian latched on to Pedri’s defence-splitting pass to round goalkeeper Unai Simon and slot into an empty net for a 1-0 lead Barca took into the break.

Both sides created more chances in the second half with Bilbao hitting the post, and Rodri came on in the 63rd minute to make his debut. The former Manchester City midfield controller laid down the marker to give Barcelona more possession and control, and the patient La Liga champions doubled their lead with eight minutes left on the clock thorugh Lopez. The youngster pounced on a short pass meant for stranded goalkeeper Simon, allowing the 23 years old forward to seal all three points.

Rodri finished the match with 29 passes, 88% passing accuracy, and provided one key pass in his 27-minute cameo, as Hansi Flick’s side secured their 7th consecutive win over Bilbao in all competition.

The defending champions have won their opening two matches of the season and are joint-first on the log, but lead Real Madrid with superior goals difference.

Prosecution closes case in Rakai school fire trial

Prosecution has concluded and closed its submissions in the trial of two people accused of burning the dormitory of St Bernard Secondary School, Manya, in Rakai in 2018.

Appearing before Masaka High Court Judge Lady Justice Victoria Nakintu, Goffin Butere, the investigating officer, told court that they never received the report from the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL), where they submitted some of the exhibits seized from one of the accused, Niyo Edison, on his arrest.

Butere had presented to court several exhibits, including suspected shirts and trousers of the accused persons which were obtained from Edison’s house, and broken padlocks which were reportedly locked on the dormitory on the fateful night.

However, he could not present a bottle said to have contained traces of paraffin suspected to have been used in the burning of the dormitory as he had promised in the last court sitting, saying that the bottle, laptop, among other items, were never returned by DGAL where they were submitted for further examination.

“The plastic bottle was never returned, and we never received a report from DGAL showing the findings they got after examining the items police had sent them,” he said.

Butere, the last state witness, also found it hard to convince court why the accused person was in court since he did not have evidence connecting the accused to the crime scene, as the statements of the accused persons and those of the people who recorded statements following the incident did not directly connect them to the crime scene.

The defense lawyer Sam Ssekyewa told court that statements recorded by teachers and neighbours of the school had information that could have led police to the actual people behind the burning of the school dormitory, but they were ignored by police for unknown reasons, and they ended up concentrating only on the suspended students.

“Almost all the statements that were recorded by teachers, including the neighbour of the school, pointed to the unrest in the school following the issuance of a directive that required all staff teachers and support staff to reapply for their jobs which did not go down well with the staff. This is witnessed by the writings unknown people wrote on the typed notice on the notice board (NO NO application). In fact out of the 52 staff only 2 had reapplied by the time of the inferno but all this was not considered by police who decided to go for the ‘nobody’ suspended students,” he said.

The prosecution, led by Michael Wakosese, in concluding its case had tendered in court the list of exhibits reportedly seized from Niyo’s house, save the laptop bag, which was not tendered in court, and Mugarura’s suspension letter, which had also been reportedly obtained from Niyo’s home.

“As prosecution, we have closed our case, and we pray the accused persons are put on their defense,” Wakosese told court.

The presiding judge, however, adjourned the matter to August 31, when she will deliver her ruling on whether the accused persons have a case to answer or not, further remanding the accused persons to Masaka Main Prison.

Prosecution alleges that the accused persons, Alex Mugarura, Edison Niyo, and others still at large, on November 11, 2018, at St Bernard’s SS Manya in Rakai District, killed Remigious Tamale and nine other students in a school dormitory fire.

According to the amended charge sheet, the duo is facing 50 counts, including murder, attempted murder, arson, and attempted arson, among other charges.

In 2024, the court acquitted Moses Taremwa, who was jointly charged with the duo, and their other co-accused was acquitted in June this year after the court established that Dickson Kisule was in police custody at the time of the inferno.

End game for Gusau: Forces that kicked out the 40th NFF President

The writing had been on the wall for months, scrawled in the bitter ink of recurring sporting tragedy and compounding administrative embarrassment. For anyone paying attention to the fragile, tectonic plates of Nigerian sports governance, the eventual, catastrophic collapse of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau’s presidency at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was never a question of if but only a question of when.

That fateful hour struck on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Inside the press briefing room of the NFF Secretariat at Sunday Dankaro House, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the curtain officially crashed down on an era defined by grand promises, fleeting heights, and, ultimately, unprecedented structural failure. Faced with an unbearable crescendo of national indignation, a crippling investigation into financial records and an inescapable sporting legacy of historical misses, Gusau formally threw in the towel.

Accompanying him in a dramatic, collective capitulation were his Executive Committee members and the long-serving NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. The mass exit, coming just 34 days shy of the official expiration of Gusau’s four-year mandate, effectively decapitated the leadership of the Sunday Dankaro House.

For an administrator who climbed to power on a wave of political calculation in late 2022, Gusau’s dramatic fall from grace to grass serves as a sobering epitaph on how fragile authority becomes when disconnected from pitch-side reality. In Nigerian football, administrative longevity is dictated by the scoreboard. And when the scoreboard repeatedly reads zero, not even the most entrenched political machinery can shield an executive from the wrath of a heartbroken nation.

How the journey began in Benin

To truly understand the depth of Gusau’s downfall, one must journey back to September 30, 2022, in Benin City, Edo State. The 78th NFF Elective Congress had gathered to choose a successor to Amaju Melvin Pinnick, whose turbulent eight-year reign had ended amid fierce controversy following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Gusau, then the influential Chairman of the Zamfara State Football Association and Chairman of Chairmen on the NFF board, entered the contest as a consummate political insider. An accountant by training, born on March 1, 1964, the 62-year-old administrator was viewed by many state FA chairmen as a unifying figure who understood the intricate corridors of domestic sports politics.

The election itself was a master class in coalition building. The initial ballot yielded no absolute winner: Gusau led the field with 21 votes, followed by former NFF 1st Vice President Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi with 12, and Shehu Dikko with six. However, as the contest moved into a decisive run-off, political realignments forced withdrawals from Akinwunmi and Dikko. Facing former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah in the final tally, Gusau flexed his political muscles, sweeping 39 out of 40 votes to emerge as the 40th President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Taking office, Gusau spoke passionately about ushering in an era of transparency, structural reform, league calendar stability, and technical rejuvenation across all national teams. He inherited a football ecosystem desperate for direction, promising that under his stewardship, the painful missteps of the past would be systematically corrected.

Highs before the storms

It would be a historic disservice to render Gusau’s tenure as entirely destitute of achievement. For nearly half of his four-year tenure, the Zamfara-born administrator navigated the federation through moments of genuine celebration and crucial administrative progress.

The crowning sporting achievement of the Gusau administration arrived in early 2024 at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Defying pre-tournament scepticism, the Super Eagles marched all the way to the final in Abidjan, ultimately claiming the silver medal after a hard-fought 2-1 defeat to the host nation. It was Nigeria’s finest AFCON performance since winning the trophy in South Africa in 2013, briefly convincing a cynical public that the national team was charting a path back to continental dominance.

Months later, women’s football delivered another landmark moment. The Super Falcons qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, ending an agonizing 16-year absence from the Olympic women’s football tournament dating back to Beijing 2008. The team followed that up by reaffirming their continental supremacy with a triumphant campaign at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Beyond the international turnstiles, Gusau oversaw crucial structural updates within the domestic game. The Nigeria Premier Football League experienced unprecedented calendar stability, aligning its start and end dates with European and continental standards, thereby eliminating the chaotic schedule shifts that previously crippled club operations. In collaboration with CAF, the NFF reactivated long-dormant coaching development structures, laying the groundwork for the return of the prestigious CAF A-License course after years of bureaucratic delay. Through FIFA-supported forward projects, his administration pushed forward construction on a 68-room Players’ Hostel and upgraded training pitches at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium complex in Abuja, alongside developmental pathways for younger referees.

Addressing journalists in his emotional farewell conference, Gusau leaned heavily into these milestones, stating that he left office with his head held high, knowing his administration put in their best effort under difficult circumstances, and insisting that history alone would judge their achievements.

Yet, in football administration, past credit is quickly erased by present failure. And the failures that lay in wait were catastrophic enough to tear down every brick of progress Gusau had painstakingly laid.

The unforgivable sins amid World Cup misses

If the AFCON silver medal in Abidjan was the peak of Gusau’s presidency, the qualification campaigns that followed represented an unchecked free-fall into an abyss of sporting failure.

The first major blow was the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Coming at a time when Africa had been allocated a record nine guaranteed slots plus a play-off spot, Nigeria’s inability to navigate a qualifying route-culminating in a tragic play-off elimination on penalties against DR Congo-sent shockwaves through the nation.

Missing out on back-to-back World Cups was a bitter pill for Nigerians to swallow, particularly as nine African nations, including South Africa, Cape Verde, and Angola, booked their passage to North America. The frustration among former players and fans turned into sheer fury as the rest of the continent celebrated global participation while Nigeria watched from the sidelines.

If the Super Eagles’ failure fractured Gusau’s presidency, the Super Falcons’ subsequent collapse shattered it beyond repair. In an African play-off fixture in Morocco, the nine-time African champions suffered a devastating 2-1 loss to South Africa, failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. It marked the first time in 35 years-since the inception of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China in 1991-that the Super Falcons would be absent from the global showpiece.

To compound the crisis, the youth pipeline dried up entirely. The Golden Eaglets and the Flying Eagles both faltered in their continental qualification series, ensuring an unprecedented sweep of World Cup absences across every category of Nigerian football. For a football-obsessed nation of over 200 million people, this was not merely a string of bad results; it was a systemic national tragedy.

The voices of resentment from former internationals

As the magnitude of the sporting disaster sank in, the calls for Gusau’s immediate removal reached a fever pitch. Former national team icons stepped forward to decry what they viewed as administrative embarrassment.

Segun Odegbami, legendary former Green Eagles captain and 1980 AFCON champion, spared no words in calling for fundamental governmental intervention to clean out the Glass House, noting that Nigeria’s absence was a sad commentary on the state of football and that the government must step in. Former Brentford defender Sam Sodje was equally scathing regarding the lack of accountability among board members, calling it shameful that those who masterminded the disappointment remained in office while the rest of the continent moved forward. Ex-BCC Lions star Bolaji Douglas forcefully dismantled administrative arguments attempting to mask the World Cup failures behind domestic or continental progress, stressing that missing consecutive World Cups in an era of expanded slots is a national tragedy. While US-based former youth international Paul Okoku advocated for broader structural evaluation over emotional bloodletting, the overwhelming consensus across the country was clear: the Gusau-led board had exhausted its moral authority to govern.

Financial scrutiny and the political pressure cooker

As the on-field crises multiplied, the administrative floor began to give way underneath Gusau. Beyond match results, severe questions began to surface surrounding the financial management of public funds injected into the federation.

At the center of the storm was the utilization of the massive ?12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released in 2024 to clear outstanding operational debts, match bonuses, and allowances for various national teams. Reports of ongoing inquiries by anti-corruption bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, created an intolerable atmosphere of scrutiny around Dankaro House. Further pressure mounted following recommendations from the Ambassador Fanny Amun-led fact-finding panel, which was set up to audit national team preparations and structural inefficiencies.

Though Gusau vigorously maintained his innocence during his resignation address-stating that they had fully cooperated with all relevant agencies and provided all requested documentation to show transparency-the combined weight of financial probes and public outrage rendered his political position entirely untenable.

The ‘coronation’ that never was

Gusau’s resignation also put a dramatic, unceremonious end to what many critics had begun calling an orchestrated coronation ahead of the scheduled NFF Elective Congress.

Before the crisis reached its boiling point, an election had been slated for Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State. However, the pre-election process had drawn intense condemnation from stakeholders who claimed the electoral landscape was heavily rigged to ensure Gusau’s uncontested re-election. Despite widespread public anger over World Cup failures, state FA chairmen across the South-West, North-West, South-East, and North-Central geopolitical zones had issued a gale of endorsements adopting Gusau as their sole candidate. With Gusau’s sudden departure alongside his entire executive committee, the controversial Lafia congress has been rendered effectively dead in the water.

Normalization and the search for salvation

The immediate aftermath of Thursday’s mass resignation leaves Nigerian football at its most critical governance juncture in over a decade.

With the Dankaro House vacant, the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, would expectedly move swiftly in consultation with FIFA and CAF to establish an interim governance structure. Reports confirm that the NSC is finalizing the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to run daily operations, audit administrative structures, expand the long-criticized NFF Electoral Congress to accommodate broader stakeholder representation, and ultimately organize free, fair, and credible elections.

The task awaiting the incoming interim leadership-and whoever eventually succeeds Gusau permanently-is colossal: rebuilding national team frameworks, restoring public and corporate trust through transparent financial mechanisms, overhauling the NFF Statutes to dismantle restrictive electoral bottlenecks, and re-investing in developmental leagues and school sports structures.

Traditional institutions as pillars for regional devt

?In an era where socio-economic progress depends heavily on grassroots engagement, the synergy between youth-led political movements and traditional institutions remains vital. A clear demonstration of this dynamic was recently witnessed in Zaria, Kaduna State, as the Zonal Coordinator of Contact and Mobilization for the City Boy Movement (North West Zone), Mal. Yusuf Idris Gidado, led his delegation on a courtesy visit to the royal palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, CFR.

?The visit served as a reminder that sustainable community development and effective regional mobilisation cannot be achieved in isolation. Traditional rulers like the Emir of Zazzau embody cultural heritage, moral authority, and continuous stability across the region. By seeking royal blessings and counsel, the City Boy Movement team demonstrated a respectful, structure-oriented approach to leadership-one that values the historical wisdom of traditional authorities while driving modern civic engagement.

?During the visit, Mal. Yusuf Idris Gidado reaffirmed the movement’s dedication to fostering unity, expanding grassroots outreach, and strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships across the North West. Traditional leaders remain essential partners in bridging the gap between national initiatives and local needs, ensuring that community values are preserved even as progress is pursued.

?Engagements of this nature set a constructive standard for youth leadership in Nigeria. When political and civic platforms actively honor local institutions, they build trust and ensure long-term stability. The royal blessings from Zazzau Palace mark a meaningful step forward in cultivating structured, unity-focused mobilization throughout the North West.?

Museveni was to be killed after Kisumu training – witness

President Museveni was allegedly targeted for assassination two weeks after a group of about 50 people completed covert intelligence and paramilitary training in Kisumu, Kenya, the High Court in Kampala has heard.

Mr Wilson Andrew, alias Orolando, a prosecution witness, told the High Court in Kampala that the training was expected to last one week, after which the alleged attack on the President would take place two weeks later.

‘The training camp would take one week, and thereafter, the attack on the President would take place apparently two weeks after the training,’ Mr Wilson, who was being led by Mr Richard Birivumbuka from the DPP’s office, told court.

He said he was expected to travel to Uganda with the trainees, while Dr Kizza Besigye and members of an alleged ‘shadow government’ would travel to Dubai to meet senior members of a group he claimed to represent.

The witness said he gave Dr Besigye $5,000 to facilitate the transportation of the 50 people from Uganda to Kisumu and support activities within his political party.

According to Mr Wilson, the trainees were expected to travel under the guise of attending a journalistic training programme, but would instead receive training in covert intelligence and paramilitary tactics in preparation for the alleged attack.

In July 2024, about 36 members of the then opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction, now the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), were violently arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, and deported to Uganda, where they faced terrorism charges.

The group had reportedly travelled to attend leadership training at Ukweli Pastoral Centre in Kisumu. The training did not take place after Kenyan authorities arrested them and handed them over to Ugandan authorities.

The 36 were subsequently charged with terrorism. However, the International Crimes Division later discontinued the terrorism charges against the group, citing lack of prosecution.

Mr Wilson also told court that during a third meeting held on June 24, 2024, discussions centred on obtaining a passport for Dr Besigye’s associate, Mr Joel Wakayima.

He said there was a proposal to secure a Zambian passport for Mr Wakayima, but the plan faced difficulties. ‘The issue with getting the Zambian passport was securing the biometrics like his fingerprints, photos, among others,’ he said.

Mr Wakayima was later arrested by the security in Geneva.

Mr Wilson’s testimony was based largely on video recordings he said he secretly made during meetings involving Dr Besigye and Mr Wakayima in Geneva.

The court yesterday watched clips from an over two-hour video which the witness said he recorded using a covert camera embedded in a mobile phone power bank that he had hidden in one of his rooms in Geneva.

ANJET conference to focus on tourism, immigration reforms

THE Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) is set to hold its annual conference and awards in 2026, with the theme, ‘The Nigerian Tourism Industry and Tinubu Administration’s Immigration Reforms.’ This event is scheduled for the end of October this year at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos.

As part of the activities for this year’s conference and awards, the international hospitality giant, Radisson Group and Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, Chairman of the Avalon Group, will be honored for their contributions to the Nigerian hospitality sector, over the past 25 years.

ANJET president, Okorie Uguru, explained that the awards for both Chief Owoyemi and the Radisson Group recognise their positive impact on the hospitality industry in the country.

Regarding Chief Owoyemi, the ANJET president stated: ‘For nearly 25 years, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, has quietly yet steadily influenced and shaped the Nigerian hospitality landscape. His conceptualization and establishment of top hospitality establishments have redefined hotel services and infrastructure.

‘In 2005, when there was a shortage of privately-owned top hospitality venues outside Lagos and Ibadan, Chief Owoyemi transformed the landscape by opening the Avalon Hotel Offa, managed by Mr. Trevor Ward’s W Hospitality. Avalon Hotel became a benchmark for hospitality excellence in terms of facilities and outstanding services.’

He added that despite his substantial investment and contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality industry, Chief Owoyemi remains somewhat under the radar: ‘Chief Owoyemi works quietly. After Avalon, he undertook even larger projects, including the Radisson Hotel, Radisson Blu Ikeja, and Park Inn by Radisson in Victoria Island, Lagos. Currently, he has additional hospitality developments in the pipeline.

‘By investing in the nation’s hospitality sector, Chief Owoyemi has employed thousands of Nigerians and created job opportunities through ancillary services related to these hotels. His efforts have significantly raised Nigeria’s profile as a business and leisure destination.’

Uguru also highlighted the contributions of the Radisson Group in Nigeria, which have earned the company an award. He noted that the organisation has shown remarkable consistency and belief in the Nigerian economy, leading to an expansion of its property portfolio in the country. ‘The Radisson Group first made its mark in Nigeria in 2011 when it began managing the Radisson Blu Anchorage in Victoria Island, Lagos, at the hotel’s inception,’ he stated.

‘In the last 15 years, it has added the Radisson Hotel and Radisson Blu Ikeja, Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Island, and Park Inn by Radisson Abeokuta. Additionally, about five other properties are in development in Lagos, Abuja, Benin, and Aba.

‘Over these 15 years, Radisson Blu has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian economy by continuing to expand its operations, even amid difficult economic challenges.

‘As part of its commitment to knowledge sharing, the Radisson Group has established a hospitality academy to bridge the skills gap in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

‘Due to these and other positive contributions to Nigeria, ANJET is proud to honor the Radisson Group.’

Africans must resist ‘New Colonialism’ – US Pan-Africanist

American Pan-Africanist Mr Ayo Kimathi has said there is need for African countries to fight off ‘New Colonialism’ by cutting off foreign influence especially from their former western colonial leaders in the running of their countries’ affairs in the post-colonial era.

“We title it ‘The New Colonialism’. The New Colonialism is the first time in the history of the world where African people are facing a crisis that is on the way, but we know it’s coming, every other time it caught us off guard,” he said.

Mr Kimathi made the remarks while addressing journalists upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday ahead of the 9th Pan-African Pyramid (PAP) Global Awards in Kampala on Saturday.

“The Arab slave trade caught us off guard, the transatlantic slave trade, the Berlin Conference, we didn’t know. This time, we know what’s coming, and we’re going to defeat it,” he said.

The PAP speaker Mr Andrew Irumba said there is need for African countries to find solutions beneficial for the African continent rather than having foreigners devise solutions for the continent.

“Africa has an agenda, and that agenda must be championed by Africans, not any other person, Africa has problems, but Africa also has solutions to its problems. If you want to help us, you come and sit with us, we discuss, we see how we can help each other,” he said.

“We no longer want somebody to stand somewhere else and start describing our problems and also prescribing our solutions in Africa. We are a sovereign continent, we have brains, people, resources, we want Africa to speak for itself,” he added.

Internationally renowned Zimbabwean motivational speaker and Pan African, Bishop Joshua Maponga is also expected to attend the Pan-African Awards.

Maltina marks 50 years in Nigeria, highlights changing consumer lifestyles

Maltina has marked 50 years of operations in Nigeria, using the milestone to reflect on how the changing lifestyles of Nigerians have influenced the way people eat, socialise and take breaks amid increasingly busy schedules.

The non-alcoholic malt drink, which was introduced to the Nigerian market in 1976, has remained a familiar presence at family gatherings, celebrations and other everyday occasions.

The brand said its five-decade journey has mirrored significant changes in Nigerian society, particularly the increasing pace of work, business, education and family life.

Today, many Nigerians juggle multiple responsibilities, including full-time employment, side businesses, education and family commitments, leaving less time for rest and social interaction.

Despite the changes, simple moments such as sharing a meal, taking a break during work or gathering with family and friends remain important parts of everyday life.

Maltina said its presence in Nigeria over the past five decades has been built around these shared moments. When it was launched in 1976, the brand introduced the messages ‘Have a Maltina’ and ‘It’s a pleasure!’, positioning the drink around energy, vitality and enjoyment.

Its early advertising campaigns featured families and friends sharing moments together, while campaigns in the 1980s reinforced the brand’s association with everyday social occasions.

Over the years, Maltina became a regular feature at birthdays, family gatherings and other celebrations, creating familiarity across different generations of consumers.

The brand’s 50th anniversary also comes at a time when Nigerians are increasingly seeking convenient ways to maintain their nutritional needs while managing demanding lifestyles.

Maltina contains vitamins A, B and C, as well as calcium, and has continued to position its products around nourishment and refreshment.

The company said its long-term relevance in Nigeria has been driven by its ability to remain connected to the changing lifestyles and social habits of consumers.

As Nigerians continue to balance work, entrepreneurship, education and family responsibilities, everyday moments of nourishment and connection remain an important part of maintaining a healthy rhythm.

For Maltina, the 50-year milestone represents not only its longevity in the Nigerian market but also its association with generations of consumers and the everyday occasions that have shaped its journey.

SunTrust Bank: Recapitalisation, Digital Investment Will Shape Next Phase of Expansion

SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited says it is marking a decade of commercial banking operations with a strengthened capital base and a renewed focus on technology, customer experience and service delivery, as the lender positions itself for its next phase of growth.

In a statement marking its 10th anniversary, the bank said its successful recapitalisation had strengthened its financial foundation and created greater capacity to invest in the capabilities needed to compete in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial services market.

‘Ten years after commencing commercial banking operations, SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited is entering its next chapter from a position of renewed strength, following its successful recapitalisation and continued investment in technology, service delivery and customer experience,’ the bank said.

The lender, which commenced operations in 2016, said it has evolved alongside changes in Nigeria’s banking industry, particularly as customers increasingly demand banking services that are ‘simpler, faster and more accessible.’

According to the statement, SunTrust now provides a broad range of retail and business banking solutions, while expanding its digital capabilities to give customers more convenient access to financial services.

The bank also highlighted its Non-Interest Banking (NIB) window, which it said provides customers with additional financial solutions structured around non-interest banking principles.

SunTrust described the recapitalisation as a significant milestone in its evolution, saying the strengthened capital base would support its ability to invest in technology and other capabilities required to serve customers more effectively.

‘The successful recapitalisation represents another important step in the Bank’s evolution, strengthening its foundation for the years ahead and positioning it to continue investing in the capabilities required to serve its customers effectively,’ the statement said.

The bank said technology would remain central to its strategy as customer expectations and patterns of financial services usage continue to change.

‘As customer expectations continue to change, SunTrust Bank is focused on making banking simpler and more convenient, improving service across its touchpoints and providing customers with greater choice in how they access financial services,’ it said.

The lender emphasised on digital banking, which reflects the broader shift in Nigeria’s financial services industry, where banks are investing heavily in technology and alternative channels to improve customer access, reduce friction in transactions and deepen engagement.

Beyond technology, SunTrust said its 10-year journey had been underpinned by the confidence of its customers and the contributions of employees, shareholders, regulators, partners and other stakeholders.

‘The Bank’s decade-long journey has been supported by the trust of its customers and the contributions of employees, shareholders, regulators, partners and other stakeholders,’ it said.

With its first decade completed and its capital position strengthened, the bank said it was entering the next phase with renewed momentum.

‘With its first decade behind it and a strengthened capital base, SunTrust Bank is looking ahead with renewed momentum, building on the progress of the past ten years while creating better banking experiences for the future,’ the statement said.

The bank said its priorities for the next chapter would centre on building stronger capabilities, deploying smarter technology and delivering services that keep pace with customers’ changing needs.

‘For SunTrust Bank, the next chapter is centred on stronger capabilities, smarter technology and service that keeps pace with the changing needs of its customers,’ it said.

’Irreplaceable loss’: Uganda reacts to sudden death of Tooro King Oyo at 34

Tooro King [Omukama] Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, a modern, widely admired and free-spirited monarch who ascended the Tooro throne at the age of three and spent his early years under a regency, has died aged 34.

In a striking twist of royal history, Oyo’s father, Omukama Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III, died on August 26, 1995.

His son and heir to the Tooro throne was confirmed dead by the Kingdom on August 27, 2026 – 31 years and a day after his father’s passing. Oyo was also just weeks away from marking 31 years of his reign on September 12.

His sudden and shocking passing has stunned Uganda, a young nation, with his age deepening the sense of grief and disbelief.

The Tooro Kingdom announced his passing on Thursday in the United States, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Uganda’s political, cultural, religious, sporting and academic communities.

Here are some of the reactions:

Kyabazinga Nadiope IV, Busoga King: His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV leaves behind a cherished chapter in the history, culture and aspirations of the Tooro people. His remarkable legacy and devotion to his Kingdom will endure for generations.

US Embassy: We extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, and all Ugandans on the passing of His Majesty Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Omukama Atulize.

Peter Mayiga, Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister: The news of the passing of His Majesty, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Rukidi IV, has been received with shock and extreme sadness. I received the news from Omuhikirwa of Tooro, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, last evening, and I immediately informed His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who was saddened by the demise of the young monarch (34 years).

The Kabaka urges the people of Tooro to stand together during this period of grief. The Kingdom of Buganda stands with the people of Tooro, and all Ugandans, during this sad moment. May the Lord receive King Oyo’s soul.

Juliana Kanyomozi, musician: Enkuba etutiire [Lightning has struck us]It is a very dark day for Tooro Kingdom

Rest in peace Your Majesty Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

Gone too soon. What a loss!!!!

Milly Babalanda, Presidency Minister: His Majesty King Oyo will be remembered as a young, visionary and peace-loving King who ascended to the throne at a tender age and steered Tooro Kingdom with dignity, wisdom beyond his age, and a deep commitment to culture, education, youth empowerment, health and environmental conservation.

Rwenzururu Kingdom: The Royal Family and the entire Kingdom fraternity extend our deepest condolences to the people of Tooro and all those mourning this great loss. May the Almighty God comfort the Royal Family and grant His Majesty eternal rest.

Barnabas Nawangwe, Makerere University Vice Chancellor: On behalf of the Makerere University community, I send condolences to the people of Tooro and all Ugandans on the passing of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Our thoughts are with the family of the late King and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations [FUFA]: We have lost a true friend of football. A humble King who deeply loved the Uganda Cranes and supported the game with passion and pride.

Anglican Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba: On behalf of the Church of Uganda and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Tooro Kingdom, Ruwenzori Diocese and the entire Body of Christ during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

As we mourn, we take comfort in the words of St Paul: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ 2 Timothy 4:7

Lilly Ajarova, former UTB chief: And to Ugandans everywhere: we have lost a young man who made us prouder of our country by reminding us of something we sometimes forget, that our mountains, forests, rivers and wild places are not simply things we possess. They are a heritage we must cherish, protect and pass on.

Richard Todwong, Secretary General of the ruling NRM party: We know this is a trying moment. Nothing about his health condition was known, and nothing about his condition was reported anywhere. Indeed, this has been a shock to everybody.

The party is in grief with the people of Tooro, the Royal Family and every Ugandan. We pray that the Kingdom finds calm and solace in the comfort of the many well-wishers, supporters and members that they have.

It is not an easy time. We pray that there is calm in the Kingdom and that there is honour and respect as we mourn His Royal Highness during this tragic moment.

Robert Kyagulanyi [Bobi Wine], oppsition NUP party leader: Most devastating news! May His Majesty the King’s soul rest in eternal peace.

John Baptist Nambeshe, Acting NUP President: His passing is a profound loss to the people of Tooro, Uganda, and the wider African community. May his legacy of leadership, unity, and service endure.

Col Deo Akiiki, Defence Adviser for Uganda in the US: The passing of His Majesty is an irreplaceable loss for us who knew and respected him. May we find strength, comfort, and peace in the wonderful memories of his reign.

Frank Gashumba, social-political commentator: If truly we have serious scientists in Uganda, they should shift their energy towards finding out the causes of cancer. There’s no single month that passes without losing someone to cancer, including my father, who passed on in 2019.

Josephine Karungi, former head of news, NTV Uganda: Heartbreaking! That’s what this is. 34? Lord, please strengthen his mother, sister, family and the kingdom. May he, King Oyo, rest in your everlasting arms. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

John R. Musinguzi, URA Chief: Let our hope and solace be based on the fact that King Oyo knew and acknowledged Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. May the merciful father in heaven remember him and grant him rest in eternal peace.

Rebecca Kadaga, Minister for East African Community Affairs: The Sun has set on the life of our beloved King Oyo, the Rukirabasaija Omukama of Toro.