Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank of Nigeria, Olayinka Ijabiyi, has explained the bank’s motivation for sponsoring the E1 Lagos Grand Prix.

He described the event as a perfect blend of First Bank’s innovation, sustainability, and excitement, values that align with the bank’s 131-year legacy.

Speaking in an interview at the conclusion of the E1 Lagos GP held on Victoria Island, Lagos, Ijabiyi said the bank’s decision to sponsor Africa’s first-ever all-electric powerboat race stemmed from its heritage of constant reinvention and leadership in promoting progress across sectors.

‘Innovation, sustainability, excitement, speed, we are a heritage bank that has been around for 131 years, and for every one of those years, we have constantly renewed ourselves,’ he said.

‘When this (E1) opportunity presented itself, who else could bring the first GP to Nigeria but First Bank? We presented Lagos and Nigeria to the world, and it has been such an exciting experience,’ he added.

Ijabiyi added that the event showcased Lagos’ potential for hosting world-class sports, tourism, and lifestyle experiences.

‘It’s been amazing to see this kind of magic happen here in Lagos-the crowd, the energy, the fun. This sport is a great sport, and First Bank is super glad and delighted to have been the sponsor of this event.’

On the bank’s broader involvement in sports, Ijabiyi noted that First Bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting athletics across generations.

‘We’ve been in the sporting space for decades, over 60 years supporting basketball, football, and other traditional sports. We have a female basketball team and a male football team in the Nigerian leagues,’ hhe explained.

‘But we’re also evolving, going electric, going sustainable. That’s why E1 made perfect sense. It’s not just sport, it’s clean, green innovation,’ he added.

He emphasised that First Bank’s commitment to sustainability guided its involvement in the E1 race, noting that the event produced zero emissions.

‘This race is a net-zero emitter. We’re very strong on sustaining the environment and supporting a cleaner, greener future,’ he said.

Looking ahead, Ijabiyi said First Bank plans to continue its support for lifestyle and entertainment events as the festive season approaches.

‘December is the vibe. We’re in the Ember months, and this is just a taste of what’s to come-fun, fashion, food, and lots of lifestyle events. It’s going to be amazing,’ he stated.

The Lagos State Safety Commission has sealed several chemical factories and shops in the Ojota area for breaching safety and environmental regulations.

The enforcement exercise, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, was carried out in line with the Lagos State Safety Commission Law of 2011.

Officials of the Commission, led by the Director-General, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said the facilities were shut after operators repeatedly ignored safety directives and failed to implement agreed measures despite warnings and a grace period.

He explained that prior to the closure, the Commission had inspected the factories and held several meetings with the executives of the chemical dealers.

During these engagements, Mojola said a letter of undertaking was signed on 9 May 2025, in which the operators agreed to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the market, organise workshops on hazard identification and risk evaluation, provide serviced and accessible fire extinguishers, maintain an updated chemical inventory with expiry dates, ensure the consistent use of personal protective equipment, install proper safety signage and chemical labels, and develop a disaster management and business continuity plan.

According to Mojola, the chemical dealers failed to act on the agreement even after the ultimatum expired, leaving the Commission with no alternative but to seal the facilities to protect lives and property.

He stated that the affected premises would remain closed until full compliance is achieved, adding that the Commission would not compromise its enforcement duties.

Mojola urged manufacturers and business operators across Lagos to adopt proactive safety measures and ensure their workplaces meet the required safety standards.

In recent years, the Lagos State Safety Commission has intensified its surveillance and enforcement drive across factories, markets, and other high-risk facilities.

The initiative, Mojola noted, is part of the state government’s broader commitment to promoting public safety and preventing industrial disasters.

Puerto Rican rapper and producer, Bad Bunny, has reacted to the backlash he received over him being announced as the headliner for 2026 Super Bowl.

The rapper, while performing on SNL, joked about the reactions and backlash he got, stating that he is happy about the announcement.

Bad Bunny also added that the achievements of Latinos is something that cannot be erased or taken away. he also jokingly advised people to familiarise themselves with the language.

‘I think everybody’s happy about it – even Fox News. More than just my achievement, it’s everyone’s achievement, proving that no one can ever erase or take away (Latinos’) mark and our contribution to this country,’ he said.

Ike Turner Jr., the son of legendary musicians Tina Turner and Ike Turner, has died at the age of 67.

According to reports by TMZ, Ike Jr. passed away on Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital from kidney failure. Family sources revealed that he had battled severe heart problems for years and had recently suffered a stroke in early September.

Born in 1958 to Ike Turner Sr. and Lorraine Taylor, Ike Jr. was adopted by Tina Turner during her marriage to Ike Sr. and grew up surrounded by the couple’s whirlwind music career.

Following his parents’ split, Ike Jr. briefly worked as Tina’s sound engineer before moving away from the spotlight.

He was one of four children tied to Tina and Ike’s storied union – a family that defined an era of rhythm and blues music.

Ike Turner Sr. died in 2007, while the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ Tina Turner, passed away in 2023.

Ike Turner Jr. was 67.

Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade, also known as Mr Eazi, has opened up on his political aspirations.

Mr Eazi, on his social media page, revealed that he would like to run for president for an African country. The artist who has a close affinity with Ghana despite being Nigerian, stated that he plans to be a president who is not hungry for money and power.

‘I have been thinking about it. I think it’s time to share it with you guys. Some of you might be from some country, specifically in Africa, and you are looking for a president; a president who is not looking for money and power but forward-thinking, young, active and can move your country better. So, I’m officially putting myself forward for the presidency,’ he declared.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, has confirmed the death of four persons in a fatal road crash that occurred along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday evening.

The Sector Commander, Corps Commander Iliyasu Tijjani, confirmed the incident and said it occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. at Kakau, near Gonin Gora, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

According to Tijjani, the crash involved a gas-laden tanker and a Toyota Hilux, both travelling in the same direction towards Kaduna. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Hilux, which was reportedly speeding, rammed into the moving tanker from behind while attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.

‘The crash was caused by excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking,’ he said.

There were five occupants in the Hilux – four males and one female. Sadly, all four male passengers were confirmed dead at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, while the only female passenger is currently receiving treatment at the FRSC Clinic at Tollgate, Kaduna.

Tijjani explained that the impact of the collision caused extensive damage to the Hilux and disrupted traffic flow on the busy highway for some time until emergency responders cleared the scene.

He urged motorists to avoid speeding and reckless driving, warning that most crashes on the Kaduna-Abuja highway stem from impatience and traffic violations.

‘Drivers must obey speed limits, maintain safe distances, and avoid dangerous manoeuvres,’ Tijjani emphasised. ‘The Corps will continue to enforce road safety regulations to protect lives.’

The Sector Commander also commiserated with the families of the deceased and reiterated the FRSC’s commitment – in collaboration with emergency agencies – to ensuring safer road use throughout Kaduna State.

Nigerian multi-instrumentalist ?m?´rìnmádé Aníkúlápó Kútì, popularly known as Made Kuti, has opened up on how growing up in the Afrika Shrine affected his childhood.

The Shrine, which was built in the year 2000, has stood as an embodiment of Fela’s music and legacy. Made revealed that he only has happy memories of his childhood days there. He further added that his time there as a child, helped shape his personality an music.

‘I was a troublemaker. Jumping on tables, riding bicycles and skateboards. All my childhood memories of the shrine are happy ones,’ he said.

Made also spoke on the Kuti name, revealing that it is both a blessing and a huge responsibility to bear the name.

‘I know that whatever I do creatively will always be attributed to the family, and I’m okay with that. But sometimes, I wish people could take my music as art in itself, beyond the lineage,’ he added.

The Nigerian Army has described as false and misleading a recent online publication alleging that bandits overran troops and carted away six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye,Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, dispelled the report in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Okoye said that contrary to the sensational claims, troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States, have continued to record significant operational successes.

According to him, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand new AK-47 rifles in a recent engagement.

‘At no time were Army positions overrun nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements as mischievously reported by the online platform.

‘The publication is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region,’ he said.

The division’s spokesman said that Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring all forms of criminality are decisively dealt with across the country.

He urged members of the public to disregard the false report and continue to support the military with timely and credible information that would aid ongoing operations.

Okoye reiterated the Nigerian Army’s readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved an immediate extension of the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and increased the years of service from 35 to 40.

The announcement was made on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

In recognition of their dedication, the governor also rewarded outstanding teachers across the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million.

Governor Oyebanji said the decision to extend retirement and service years aligns with his administration’s commitment to reposition the education sector and retain experienced educators. He added that a committee will be established to oversee the implementation, ensuring that only physically fit teachers benefit from the extension.

Additionally, the governor announced an upward review of allowances for Science Teachers and Heads of Departments, as well as the immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus arrears.

‘Teachers are the foundation upon which the future of our state is built. This is part of our shared prosperity agenda to enhance their welfare and motivate them,’ he stated.

He also reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving the teaching and learning environment and assured continued prioritisation of teachers’ welfare.

Manchester City extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions after a 1-0 victory over Brentford at the GTech Community Stadium on Sunday.

Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike made the difference, as Pep Guardiola’s men dug deep to secure all three points before the international break.

The Norwegian striker, fresh from a goal drought that stretched over two games, needed less than ten minutes to stamp his mark. A long ball from Josko Gvardiol split Brentford’s backline, and Haaland outmuscled Sepp van den Berg before drilling a low drive past Caoihim Kelleher to give City the lead.

That early breakthrough set the tone for a first half that was one-way traffic. Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, and Oscar Bobb kept Brentford pinned in their half with wave after wave of attacks. Foden saw a close-range effort blocked by Kelleher, while Reijnders tested the keeper again with a late volley that demanded quick reflexes.

However, City’s momentum took a hit midway through the first half when Rodri pulled up clutching his hamstring in the 21st minute. The Spaniard’s substitution raised concerns for Guardiola, who watched his side’s fluidity dip slightly afterward.

Brentford found a lifeline early in the second half when Josko Gvardiol misjudged a long ball, allowing Igor Thiago a clear run on goal. But goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, untested in the first half, reacted sharply to deny the striker and preserve City’s narrow lead.

From then on, it became a tactical chess match. Guardiola’s men controlled possession but struggled to find a killer second goal, while Brentford pressed high, hoping for a defensive lapse. Michael Kayode came close with a header in the 58th minute, but his effort flew over.

As the game drew to a nervy close, Kevin Schade nearly punished Donnarumma for a moment of hesitation in the 89th minute, the ball deflecting wide to City’s relief.

When the final whistle blew, relief was the overriding emotion in sky blue. City’s first-half dominance had faded into a defensive grind, but the job was done.