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An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has extended its Interim Injunction against the United Bank for Africa (UBA), sustaining the no-debit restriction placed on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were lodged by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Justice Ladiran Akintola, in his ruling on Friday, said the extension was necessary to ensure fair hearing for all parties in the suit No. 1/1149/2025: the Attorney-General of Osun State, the Osun State Local Government Service Commission, and United Bank for Africa Plc.

While counsel to UBA Plc was absent, lawyers representing the court-sacked APC council chairmen, led by Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, were present, having just filed an application for joinder.

Counsel to the plaintiffs, Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, however, told the court that he required time to review the two applications filed by the ex-chairmen’s counsel.

He explained that the application for joinder and another one challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction were filed on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Adetunmbi, while citing points of law, insisted that the ex-APC council chairmen lacked the locus standi to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.

According to him, the ex-LG chairmen remained strangers to the case since their application for joinder had not yet been decided upon by the court.

On the need for extension of the interim order, Adetunmbi said: ‘I received the two applications yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday). I will need time to study them as well as reply on points of law.’

But counsel to the former APC local government chairmen and councillors faulted the description of his clients as strangers, arguing that they were directly affected by the court’s Interim Injunction of 26 September 2025.

He contended that, under the law, his clients had the right to be joined in the suit.

Gbadamosi, in the application filed on 2 October 2025, also challenged the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

Citing relevant authorities, he argued: ‘The court has no power in respect of a case in which its jurisdiction is being challenged to extend the order of life span that had expired.’

At the court sitting in Ibadan on Friday, further arguments were presented in the form of a further affidavit deposed to by a senior personnel of one of the 30 local government councils.

In her deposition, Mrs. Aluko Rachael Abidemi, Head of Local Government Administration in Boluwaduro Local Government, revealed that certain individuals were making attempts to siphon council funds in defiance of a subsisting court order.

She cited an undated letter addressed to UBA by two individuals-Mr. Adebayo Oyekanmi and Mr. Lasisi Gbadebo Oyebode-who claimed to be Chairman and Treasurer of Boluwaduro Local Government. In the letter, they instructed the bank to deduct 15 percent of the statutory allocation and pay it into the account of a private law firm with UBA.

Mrs. Abidemi, however, informed the court that the said individuals had no legal authority to make such instructions. She stressed that Mr. Oyebode was neither a staff of Boluwaduro Local Government nor its Treasurer, as the position of ‘Treasurer’ does not exist in Osun’s local government structure.

According to her, by the 2025 Guidelines for Local Government Administration in the state, only the Director of Finance and the Director of Administration and General Services are recognised as signatories to local government accounts. She also identified the current officers holding those positions and tendered exhibits to confirm their status.

The claimants maintained that the matter of who the legitimate chairmen of the councils are remains sub judice before the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025, and warned that disbursing the funds under the present circumstances would undermine justice.

Speaking with reporters after the sitting, counsel to the Attorney-General of Osun State, Adetunmbi (SAN), disclosed that a related case on the funds is already before the Supreme Court and has been fixed for hearing on 7 October.

On Friday’s ruling, he explained: ‘The crux of the matter is to safeguard the money in issue pending the Supreme Court’s determination on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

‘Our contention is that even those who paid the money knew the matter was already before the court. They should have respected the Supreme Court by holding on to the money.

‘Let the Supreme Court speak, everybody will be happy, but for you to pay just like that is not acceptable.

‘As I earlier informed the court, there is a letter directing that 15% of the withheld funds from March to September – running into billions of naira – should be paid as legal fees to one individual.

‘In what manner? By what procedure? Without this preservation order, the rest of the money would have been gone by now.’

Commenting on the newly filed applications, he added, ‘They just served us with two applications. One was filed today, the other yesterday. I need time to react. The court has extended the Interim Injunction for the preservation of the disputed funds.’

On the joinder application, the Attorney-General maintained, ‘We are going to oppose the joinder because nothing concerns them with this case.’

Ahead of the International Teacher’s Day celebration on October 5, 2025, Wema Bank Plc has announced the launch of the ‘Wema at 80 Teachers’ Day Challenge’, an initiative designed to reward and celebrate teachers whose impact has shaped generations of students.

This year’s challenge invites students and graduates across Nigeria to post an 80-second video on any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok, telling the story of an unforgettable teacher whose influence has touched multiple students in their school over the years.

Participants are to mention the teacher’s name, their school, tag Wema Bank, and use the hashtags #WemaAt80TeachersDay and #TeachersWithALegacyOfImpact in their captions to be part of the celebration. Participants can be of any age and could have graduated many years ago from school.

They are also allowed to honour any teacher of choice from either primary, secondary, or tertiary institutions.

Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Moruf Oseni said teachers are the quiet architects of every nation’s future.

‘Their resilience, sacrifices, and dedication have produced generations of innovators, leaders, and changemakers. At Wema Bank, we believe it is important to honor these educators, not just with words, but with recognition that puts their names and their legacies in the spotlight. The #WemaAt80TeachersDay Challenge is our way of celebrating them and encouraging Nigerians to give their teachers the flowers they deserve,’ Oseni said.

The Teachers’ Day Challenge is an established tradition at Wema Bank. Over the last two years, the bank has recognised ten teachers across Nigeria, distributing a cumulative N13,000,000 in cash prizes and gifts to educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to shaping their students’ futures.

This year’s campaign will once again shortlist 10 remarkable teachers from all entries, with three receiving significant cash prizes and two others awarded complimentary gifts.

The ultimate goal of the challenge is to ensure that every teacher in Nigeria feel celebrated, regardless of if they emerge as prize recipients or otherwise.

This year’s edition according to the Head of Corporate Sustainability at Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule, is particularly symbolic as it coincides with Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the Bank’s enduring legacy of empowering people and communities.

At 80, Wema Bank is not just celebrating its legacy, the Bank is also honoring those whose impact created countless others.

According to her ‘Teachers are the backbone of every success story, and this challenge is our way of giving them their flowers.’

She said the #WemaAt80TeachersDay challenge is not merely about rewards; it is a movement to spark gratitude, storytelling, and public appreciation for the teachers who have shaped lives and left indelible marks on generations of students.

Through this initiative, Wema Bank invites every Nigerian to pause, reflect, and say ‘thank you’ to those who taught them, mentored them, and guided their journey. Teachers are nation builders, shaping the minds and character of the next generation.

As Wema Bank celebrates 80 years of impact, the #WemaAt80TeachersDay Challenge underscores the Bank’s commitment to recognising individuals and institutions that strengthen our collective future.

By celebrating teachers’ legacies, Wema Bank reinforces its own legacy built on empowering people, supporting education, and championing sustainability for decades to come.

Former US President Barack Obama is marking 33 years of marriage to his wife, Michelle Obama.

In a heartfelt message shared on X, Obama described marrying Michelle as the best decision of his life.

‘The best decision I ever made was marrying you, @MichelleObama. For 33 years, I’ve admired your strength, grace, and determination – and the fact that you look so good doing it all. Happy anniversary!’ he wrote.

Michelle also wrote, ‘We’ve been on quite the journey over the last 33 years-and yet, I love you even more today than the day we said ‘I do.’

‘Happy anniversary, @BarackObama! I’m so lucky to go through life with you’.

The couple tied the knot on October 3, 1992, in a private ceremony in Chicago.

Since then, they have built a life together, raising two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and navigating the ups and downs of public life.

Throughout his presidency and beyond, Obama said Michelle has been a constant source of support and inspiration for him.

Dr. Habeeb Olalekan Okunola MON, OFR is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, known for his extensive experience and remarkable achievements. As the President of CINI Holdings, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and business acumen, traits that have been evident since his formative years. Dr. Okunola embodies the principle that opportunity meets preparedness; he skillfully navigated the complexities of the business world, achieving significant milestones early in his career.

Affectionately referred to as the Akosin of Yoruba Land, he is not only recognized for his professional successes but also for his commitment to philanthropy. Dr. Okunola is a generous benefactor, known for his willingness to offer financial support to those in need, embodying the spirit of giving. He detests the sight of anyone suffering and consistently goes out of his way to bring joy to the less fortunate. This passion for uplifting others led him to establish the Habeeb Okunola Foundation, a non-profit NGO dedicated to fostering educational development, empowering women, enhancing health welfare, and providing various forms of assistance to those in distress.

Despite holding an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, Dr. Okunola has never confined himself to traditional academic pursuits. While many of his contemporaries pursued more superficial interests, he chose to deepen his knowledge base and expand his skill set. In 2020, he attended Harvard Business School, where he completed a course in Leading Global Business, equipping himself with strategic insights applicable to a global marketplace. More recently, earlier this year, he furthered his education at the Wharton Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania, reinforcing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

This combination of leadership, philanthropy, and ongoing education illustrates Dr. Okunola’s dedication not only to his own success but also to the betterment of society as a whole.

Popular beauty queen and model, Nwaoma Ukachukwu, has expressed deep concerns over the alarming rise of poverty in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, stressing that children remain the most vulnerable victims.

In a statement to the media on Friday, Nwaoma warned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could trigger an unprecedented uprising among children.

‘I see children crying across different states in the country. I see them carrying stones and knives in revolt. These children are hungry and angry. This is a word of caution to our government and those in leadership positions across Africa and Nigeria. Something must be done now,’ she said.

While acknowledging the looming danger, Nwaoma stressed that solutions are within reach if urgent steps are taken to ease the burden on vulnerable children.

According to her, poverty in Africa and Nigeria has become a ticking time bomb, especially because it directly threatens the future of young people.

‘The future of Africa and Nigeria lies in the hands of our children. If, for any reason-whether through neglect or the weaponization of poverty for political gain-these children are abandoned on the streets, then Africa should brace itself for a shocking revolt that could shake the continent to its core.

‘I therefore caution that urgent action must be taken. Every child deserves not just to live, but to have access to the best life possible.’

Speaking further, she noted that her foundation has toured different parts of Africa and witnessed firsthand the painful realities of children trapped in poverty.

‘This is why we have now mobilised and empowered vulnerable children in Owerri, Imo State. Their school fees for the year have been cleared,’ she added.

Nwaoma emphasised that beyond the efforts of her foundation, government must play a decisive role by providing affordable schools, quality healthcare, decent housing, and an enabling environment for children to thrive.

She concluded that only through such interventions can the growing divide between the children of the rich and the poor be bridged.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027. He is from the Southwest.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has zoned its presidential ticket to the South, although there is still controversy over the push for micro-zoning.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is yet to open talks on zoning. But discerning Nigerians know that the camp that came out of the PDP split is better described as ‘Atiku Democratic Congress,’ because the former vice president who is the lead visioner of the inexplicable coalition is likely to be the presidential candidate. The eminent politician is from the Northeast.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) of Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso appears to be in a fix. A section is rooting for mass defection to the APC from where the former Kano State governor defected some nine years ago. But notable figures are resisting his move to return to base. All presidential candidates covert the highly populous and electorally viable Kano.

If Kwankwaso stays on in NNPP, he would be firing arrows from a weak point.

Labour Party (LP) is still in disarray, the judgment that affirmed the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) headed by Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman notwithstanding. The party is the best bet for Peter Obi, who is from the Southeast.

The question is: what are the Northcentral groups, which are also agitating for the presidency, up to as the country warms up for 2027?

If each of the six geo-political zones could have its way, the target is the presidency, the towering base of power and influence. Thus, their leading lights are building up arguments and justifications for rotation and power shift.

The NorthCentral is not left out. Leading the agitation in the region is the Northcentral Renaissance Movement (NCRM), a coalition that has called on the major political parties in the country to cede the presidential ticket or at most, the vice presidential slot to the region during the next general election.

The movement has also declared that APC, PDP and ADC will lose votes from the zone if they fail to acede their demand.

Its chairman and convener, Professor K’tso Nghargbu, urged other geo-political zones to support the Northcentral quest for presidency.

The grouse of the zone, according to the campaigners, is that it has never produced an elected president and vice president since independence.

According to members of the movement, the last time the region produced a president was between 1967 and 2975 when Gen. Yakubu Gowon from Plateau was military Head of State and between 1985 and 1993 when Gen. Ibrahim Babangida was military president. Both were not elected.

Other former Nigerian leaders are President Nnamdi Azikiwe (Southeast), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Northeast), Muritala Mohammed (Northwest), Olusegun Obasanjo (Southwest), Sheu Shagari(Northwest), Muhammadu Buhari (Northwest), Ernest Shonekan (Southwest), Umaru Yar’Adua (Northwest), and Goodluck Jonathan (Southsouth).

The vice presidents are: Alex Ekwueme (Southeast), Atiku Abubakar (Northwest), Jonathan (Southsouth), Namadi Sambo (Northwest), Yemi Osinbajo (Southwest) and Kashim Shettima (Northeast).

The grouse of the Northcentral is thst in this Fourth Republic, it has neither produced either the president or vice president.

The understanding of zoning is that power should rotate between the North (Northwest, Northeast and Northcentral) and South (Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth). This means, according to observers, that Northcentral can only push for micro-zoning when the slot is zoned go the bloc North.

The Northcentral is made up of six states – Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kwara State. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is also part of the zone.

Nghargbu said the current ‘zoning understanding’ has led to the marginalisation of the Northcentral. He said the region is blessed with enormous political resources to solve the leadership challenges confronting the country, especially in the face of the growing bitterness between the far northern political elite and their counterparts from the South.

He said apart from experienced politicians and leaders like Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who has signified interest to contest for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the PDP, other top politicians from the zone will be joining the race.

The university don, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said: ‘Today, we found it dutiful, an act of responsibility towards our people to once more make an appeal to the fact that the North Central geo-political zone seeks, makes requests, makes demand that political parties should cede or rather consider giving a political human capital or human resource from North Central geopolitical zone their presidential ticket.

‘This is important, given the growing disaffection now I’m talking about the political class, growing resentment, growing suspicion, growing bitterness between the northern political elites and their counterparts from the southern part of Nigeria. Once again, the North Central zone surfaces or emerges as the best solution towards national unity.

‘We are appealing to the five other geopolitical zones, and especially the major political parties in Nigeria that they consider giving their presidential ticket to people from the North Central geopolitical zone. We say this with all sense of stewardship to the great country called Nigeria, without any prejudice towards national upliftment and development.’

He added: ‘We say this not as a threat, but emphatically that any political party that despises and continues to despise our position will also be despised by our votes. So Nigerians, Nigerian voting populace, Nigerian political elite, and of course, the major political parties, once again we reiterate that patronising us means having our votes.

‘Despising us means losing our votes. I want to believe that we have spoken adequately to the political conscience of Nigeria, which begs for more peace, tranquilly, and prosperity.’ Nghargbu supported for the move to entrench the independent candidacy in the Constitution, saying it will provide opportunity for aspirants who are denied tickets by political parties to pursue their ambitions independently.

He stressed: ‘The independent candidature is one of the answers. It is one of the solutions that Nigeria is looking towards, checking the excesses of political parties that are money-drunk and godfather-drunk. Let me put it that way. So, the North Central movement is very much in support of the inclusion of independent candidates in the Constitution.’

The group has not elaborated on what it would do that that would affect the chances of parties that ignores its call.

Nghargbu merely warned that ‘any political party that ignores the call will pay at the polls.’

He added: ‘Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes.’

The Church of England has named Dame Sarah Elisabeth Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to occupy the office in the more than 1,400 year history of the Anglican Communion.

Mullally, who has been serving as Bishop of London since 2018, emerged the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury following the approval of the Crown Nominations Commission and confirmation by the monarch.

Born in Woking, Surrey, in 1962, Mullally trained first as a nurse and rose to become Chief Nursing Officer for England before turning to the priesthood.

She was ordained in 2001, consecrated bishop in 2015, and appointed Bishop of London in December 2017. She has also served as Dean of the Chapel Royal since 2019.

Her appointment comes at a time the Church is still reeling from the leadership crises and abuse scandals that trailed the tenure of Archbishop Justin Welby, who has stepped aside amid mounting criticism of his handling of safeguarding failures.

Mullally has been outspoken on the need for reforms, pledging to strengthen safeguarding standards and restore trust in the Church.

She has also been noted for her careful handling of sensitive issues such as the place of women in ministry and the debate on sexuality, which continue to divide the global Anglican family.

Reactions to her emergence have been mixed. Advocates of gender equality in the Church see it as a historic breakthrough, while conservatives in parts of Africa and Asia are expected to view the development with caution.

Mullally will now face the dual challenge of healing internal divisions and navigating relations across the worldwide Anglican Communion, where theological and cultural differences remain pronounced.

Clerical observers say her background as both a public servant and a church leader gives her a unique mix of administrative competence and pastoral sensitivity that will be critical in her new role.

With her election, the Church of England has taken a bold step that many say could redefine its identity in the years to come.

Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe was a colossus who walked through the business landscape with his footprints boldly planted on the sand. He was primarily and professionally a pharmacist. But, by the time he bade the world bye on September 22, 2025, at age 97, he had made his mark in many sectors of the economy.

Starting as a pharmacist at Central Hospital, Lagos, in 1950, and establishing his own pharmacy store, Palm Chemists, in 1952, he never looked back in leading the pack of indigenous pharmacists.

He was the pioneer chairman of Spectrum Books, a publishing firm, a director of Barclays Bank, chairman of Procter and Gamble, an international pharmaceutical company and West African Portland Cement.

He was equally involved in birthing the IBTC, Chartered Bank, R.T Briscoe and Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC), among many others. He did not stop at that, he was also involved in the Nigerian Union of Pharmacists where he was the general secretary in the 1950s, and later the fourth President of the Pharmacists Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Nigeria was lucky to have had a man like Chief Akinkugbe, acclaimed as a man of integrity who was committed to national development as President Bola Tinubu said in his eulogy at his death. Although he was a self-effacing man, he still got involved in public service as he served on the economic advisory board of his state, Ondo, and at the federal level, where he demonstrated his patriotism.

The greatest legacy that the boardroom guru gave to Nigeria was his uncompromising commitment to business ethics. This is one thing missing in the private and public sectors of the country.

Most people are out to fleece the country, contending that they are merely taking their share of the national cake. At a time that we are reviewing the contribution of the late Chief Akinkugbe to national development, young Nigerians have to look into his impeccable works as chairman of the University of Ife (later Obafemi Awolowo University) and the Morgan Wages Commission.

To shape Corporate Nigeria, he made his mark in the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, and as Vice President of the National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

He was also one of those who thought it wise to bequeath the Lagos Business School to the nation to ensure that the model of modern business is firmly planted in the country.

Chief Akinkugbe was lucky to have received the gift of long life, which he fully used to the good of Nigeria. He believed in the institution of the family, and showed good example by his marriage to Janet Akinkugbe that yielded children they were proud of.

The couple was united for seven decades and, when his wife died on September 11, just 11 days before him, Chief Akinkugbe said, ‘Janet has been my partner in everything; whatever I achieved, I achieved because she stood beside me’. This is one other example he showed to the younger generations.

Other pioneers in the corporate world now have a duty to guide those currently flying the flag. If Nigeria is to soar high, it will be because the private sector fully aligns with the public service. Time is running out as there are a few Akinkugbes to guide the young ones.

Chief Olu Akinkugbe, born in Ondo, Ondo State, on December 5, 1928, had played his part. Truly, it could be said that he came, he saw, and conquered. He was certainly a man of many parts.

The Chief Executive Officer of Luxe by Glamoholic and founder of the Lachlan Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Princess Akawor has been honoured with the UNIPGC and Jewel Howard Taylor Leadership Excellence and Distinguished Personality Award at the Global Leadership Investment Summit and Peace Awards (GLISPA).

It was held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.

The international recognition, organisers said, celebrates Akawor’s transformational leadership, advocacy for peaceful coexistence, and contributions to good governance.

A seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years in the fashion industry, Akawor leads Luxe by Glamoholic, a brand with outlets in three major Nigerian cities.

She is also renowned for using her platform to empower women and support vulnerable communities through the Lachlan Foundation.

Armed with a degree in Biomedical Technology from the University of Port Harcourt, she has successfully blended science and fashion to emerge as one of Africa’s outstanding female entrepreneurs.

With this award, the Nigerian fashion icon joins a growing list of local and international recognitions for her impact across business, leadership, and humanitarian service.

Family, friends and well-wishers have gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate the 80th birthday of former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

The event was attended by former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, ex-Nigerian ambassador to Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farombi, and others.

A friend of the celebrant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who said he had been with the celebrant for over 50 years, described Adeniran as an astute scholar, whose impact could not be quantified.

He said: ‘I’m happy to associate with him, I derive a lot of inspiration from him. He is one of the productive persons I’ve ever met in my life. We have both worked with Bola Ige, Wole Soyinka, Femi Johnson, Bola Akinyemi and others. He is worthy to emulate.’

One of the daughters of the celebrant, Banke Akinsola, said: ‘I thank God for the life of my dad, for sparing him till his 80th birthday. He is a philanthropist, who always opens his door to everyone who needs his help.

‘I’m glad to celebrate and honour him today. His character and loving heart are worthy to be emulated. He is a disciplinarian, who has no tolerance for laziness. He has been inspiring me over the years and he will continue to inspire me.’

The celebrant expressed gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, saying despite all odds, he was able to attain 80.

He said: ‘I am grateful to God, because it is by his grace, despite all odds that I made it. Not only that He has granted me the grace to witness my 80th birthday, but He also ensures I have lived a meaningful life. I wouldn’t have been here today if not for God. He has been very faithful to me.”

Adeniran, who urged Nigerians to move closer to God and follow His instructions, said: ‘Let’s appreciate what God has done for Nigeria. The nation is blessed with human and materials resources. It’s now left to us to show God that we appreciate what He has done for us through our commitment to him and the society.

‘We need to transform the lives of Nigerians, for a better society. The younger generations should wake up. It is their future that is being wasted if the nation is not doing well.”