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A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman and four others, be remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10 Abuja till November 10 after their arraignment for allegedly cyber-bullying a serving Senator, Shehu Baba Umar.

Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia issued the order yesterday shortly after the five were arraigned on an eleven-count, bordering on cyber bullying, advance fee fraud and extortion, brought against them by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The other defendants are Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa and Nasiru Usman Abubakar.

The five were accused of blackmailing Senator Umar, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye requested the court for a date the commencement of trial and asked that the defendants be remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja.

Lawyer to Abulrahman, Afeez Matanmi subsequently moved the bail application he filed for his client, who he described as a lawyer, who will not interfere with police’s investigation and prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail.

He reminded the court that police, on their own, granted the first defendant administrative bail which he did not jump because, as a lawyer, he knows the consequences of jumping bail.

Okoye, however, objected to the bail request, staying that shortly after the lawyer was admitted to bail, he engaged in two other cyber-bullying activities and featured prominently in five out of the eleven counts contained in the charge sheet.

Okoye argued that, although, the first defendant is confirmed to be a lawyer, he does not deserve any preferential or special treatment because there is no provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Constitution that confers any special treatment on any legal practitioner involved in criminality.

After taking arguments for and against the bail application, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that, the defendants be remanded at the Force CID till November 10 for the lawyer to the first defendant to file further affidavit and reply on point of law to the weighty allegations contained in the counter affidavit of the prosecution.

The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter till November 10.

The suspect was alleged to have stated that Senator Umar is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation.

David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from Senator Umar under false pretense that the money will be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

Experts in the care system have called for a national framework to recognise and professionalise care work, describing it as the foundation of society and the economy.

They spoke at the Global Health Strategy (GHS) programme on Centering Care: Unlocking Women’s Economic Power in Nigeria.

Experts and practitioners emphasised that care work, which includes paid and unpaid work, remains one of the most undervalued sectors in the country.

Global Health Strategies is a communication and advocacy agency that leverages partnerships to drive enduring change. With regional offices globally, GHS possesses an understanding of local contexts and extensive networks to facilitate impactful initiatives.

The strategic approach fosters collaboration with key stakeholders for effective health interventions.

The Media Roundtable was held in respect to the International Day of Care and Support to raise awareness and spark conversation on need to recognise care as critical economic infrastructure, poor working conditions of care givers in Nigeria and how investing in care systems can empower women and drive economic growth. Key discussions include women’s dominance in the caregiving sector and how the lack of formal structure disproportionately affects their economic opportunities and well-being.

Experts noted that Nigeria must centre care in its economic agenda by formalising the care economy through national policies, protection for workers, and investments in social infrastructure, which could unlock productivity and gender equality gains.

Founder of That Good Media, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, described care as the unseen backbone of families and the economy. ‘Care is the foundation of our society; we have taken care of grandparents, kids, and in Nigeria, many bring others from the village. ‘This work is underlaid, undervalued, and underappreciated. Caregivers are a strong support system. There is dignity in labour, and our caregivers are not second-class citizens,’ she said. ‘Care has been taken for granted. If we want national prosperity, we must start by valuing the people who hold our society together.’

Etim-Effiong stressed that recognising care work as legitimate labour would uplift women and strengthen the social fabric that sustains growth.

According to the World Bank Gender Data Portal, Nigerian women spend up to five times more hours on unpaid care work than men do daily. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) further estimates that 708 million women globally are excluded from the labor market due to unpaid care responsibilities.

Yet, as the Fraym ROI Study highlights, Nigeria lacks a national framework for public childcare, leaving caregiving largely as an informal, family-based burden.

Adeola Alli, founder of OneHealth, noted how the care economy enables productivity by supporting working women.’Caregivers are invisible but sustain our families and our economy,’ Alli said. ‘Care is that invisible system that allows women to work. When a woman is supported at home, she works.’

She added that the global care economy could add $11 trillion annually to global GDP if properly valued.

‘Efficiency without empathy isn’t transformation. If Nigeria truly wants to grow, we must build an economy where care is capital; where mothers are not left behind.’

Amara Agbim, founder of The Nanny Academy, said care work is central to national productivity. ‘Work-life integration is at the heart of caregiving. Care work is an essential social infrastructure. Without systems like day care centres and care workshops for nannies and drivers, we cannot have a functional society.’

Agbim outlined that care work includes activities meeting the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of others, which range from childcare and elder care to domestic and healthcare services.

‘If unpaid care were monetised, it would represent nine to 13 percent of global GDP,’ she said, calling for policies that ensure fair compensation, safe working conditions, and freedom from exploitation.She cautioned that many informal care workers are subjected to long hours without contracts, rest, or social protection conditions that lead to burnout and reduced quality of care.

Crystal Ikanih-Musa, an international lawyer and global affairs expert, emphasised the need for strong legal and policy frameworks to formalise and protect care work. ‘There should be a push for a comprehensive care policy at the national level, as we have some at the state level. ‘When you don’t recognise care work, you don’t recognise women and the work they do,’ she said, noting that while Africa boasts some of the highest numbers of female entrepreneurs in the world, many especially in Nigeria lack policy support when balancing care responsibilities.’Policy should support aged people and domestic workers, but coverage is limited and inconsistent from state to state. We need a legal framework to ensure caregivers are tracked, protected, and professionalised,’ she said.Ikanih-Musa added that the National Health Insurance Scheme provides minimal coverage for elderly citizens, leaving care gaps that widen during crises or conflicts. ‘When we face critical times such as conflict, health crises, the need for care increases,’ she warned.

The poor and often unregulated working conditions faced by care workers, including low pay, job insecurity, and limited legal protections. The importance of government-led policies to formally recognize, regulate, and strengthen the care economy as a vital economic sector.

How investing in care services and infrastructure can boost employment, improve productivity, and contribute significantly to national economic growth and the actionable steps for government, private sector, and civil society to collaborate on building a care-centered economy that supports women and promotes inclusive growth.

The Federal Government and the European Union (EU) have signed three landmark agreements to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing, attract investments, and strengthen reproductive health across West Africa.

The deals, under the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, aim to build a resilient health ecosystem by empowering local producers and innovators.

The projects – Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa – were announced at the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja yesterday.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Dr. Uju Rochas, said the agreements reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a sustainable, innovation-driven health economy.

He cited the Executive Order on local production of pharmaceuticals as a turning point, explaining that the government was strengthening governance, attracting investment, and promoting local manufacturing.

‘Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has made it clear that our health transformation will rely on government-led ownership and innovation, made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians,’ Shettima said.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the forum as a demonstration of Team Europe’s commitment to strengthening health systems through strategic investment. He reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighting ongoing health projects worth pound 45 million in Nigeria and pound 25 million across West Africa, supported by partners including the Agence Française de Développement and the Gates Foundation.

Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, hailed the agreements as timely.

He said they aligned with Nigeria’s reform efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Olubunmi Aribeana, said the Renewed Hope Health Agenda focuses on strengthening local production, expanding access to essential medicines and vaccines, and advancing reproductive health.

‘Local production is not just an economic choice but a strategic health security priority,’ he stated.

The House of Representatives yesterday inaugurated an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the deduction of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants, as well as multiple bank charges imposed on customers’ accounts across the country.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, said the committee was established in response to mounting concerns from civil servants and ordinary Nigerians over the growing complexities and inconsistencies in tax deductions and banking fees.

Nwogu described the inauguration as a pivotal step in the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and accountability, noting that the House could no longer ignore the frustrations of citizens who suffer unexplained deductions from their salaries and bank accounts.

He said: ‘It is with great honour and a profound sense of duty that I stand before you today as the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Deduction of Taxes and Sundry Charges from the Earnings of Civil and Public Servants, as well as the multiple bank charges on customers’ accounts in Nigeria,’.

According to him, the committee was set up to respond to citizens’ concerns and ensure that financial practices across both government and banking institutions align with principles of justice and equity.

‘These issues have contributed to confusion and a lack of trust among our populace,’ Nwogu stated. ‘As their representatives, it is our responsibility to address these concerns directly and ensure that financial practices promote justice and equity.’

He outlined the committee’s mandate to include investigating the nature and application of taxes, levies, and salary deductions affecting civil and public servants, as well as probing possible cases of non-remittance of deducted funds. The committee will also examine the range of bank charges, including Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to existing fees, with the aim of ensuring transparency and fairness.

‘We aim to identify any irregularities, recommend essential reforms, and advocate for the rights of all Nigerians,’ the lawmaker said. ‘We will evaluate the impact of these deductions and charges to ensure they are just and transparent. As we progress, we are prepared to make far-reaching and decisive recommendations, not minding whose ox is gored, and will not hesitate to utilize the full authority of the Legislature when necessary.’

Hon. Nwogu called for full cooperation and participation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, banks, regulatory bodies, and civil society organisations. He urged members of the committee and invited experts to work collaboratively and objectively to deliver a report that would result in real change.

‘I encourage each of you, Honourable Members, industry experts, and stakeholders, to engage in this investigation with open minds and a collaborative spirit. Your contributions are essential as we seek effective solutions,’ he said.

Nwogu stressed that the committee’s work would not end with identifying problems but would focus on proposing actionable reforms that strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s financial systems.

‘We encourage participation from a diverse range of stakeholders throughout this process,’ he said. ‘Together, we can facilitate the establishment of a more equitable financial environment for all Nigerians.’

He commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives and members of the 10th Assembly for their foresight in constituting the committee, describing the assignment as one of national importance.

‘In conclusion, I extend my gratitude to the Honourable Speaker and the House of Representatives for entrusting us with this significant assignment, as well as to all stakeholders in attendance today. Your commitment will play a crucial role in advancing our nation’s progress,’ Nwogu said.

He expressed optimism that the investigation would lead to meaningful policy and institutional changes that would improve financial fairness and accountability in the country.

‘Let us collaborate to ensure that this investigation culminates in meaningful changes that enhance the well-being of every Nigerian citizen,’ he concluded.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, reiterated the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to promoting fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s financial system, particularly as it concerns tax deductions and multiple bank charges burdening citizens.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, said the establishment of the committee reflected the legislature’s responsiveness to the cries of Nigerians who have continued to experience arbitrary deductions from their salaries and accounts, both by government agencies and financial institutions.

‘It is a privilege to stand before you today to inaugurate the House Ad-hoc Committee dedicated to investigating tax deductions and various charges affecting the earnings of our civil and public servants, as well as the excessive bank fees impacting everyday Nigerians,’ he said.

He stressed that the House owed it to the people to ensure financial justice, especially for civil and public servants whose incomes are already overstretched.

‘As representatives of the people, we are entrusted with the duty to uphold transparency, accountability, and fairness in our financial systems,’ Abbas said. ‘The deductions faced by our public servants raise serious concerns. These dedicated individuals, who work tirelessly for our nation, should not bear the burden of unjust financial practices that diminish their earnings.’

The Speaker also decried the growing problem of multiple and unclear bank charges, noting that such practices undermine public confidence and worsen the economic hardship faced by citizens.

‘Moreover, the issue of multiple bank charges erodes public trust and places an undue strain on citizens’ finances. The demands for transparency and fairness in banking cannot be ignored; they require our immediate attention,’ he stated.

Abbas urged the newly inaugurated committee to conduct its assignment with integrity, objectivity, and commitment to the people, engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive investigation that will lead to practical reforms.

‘This committee will work diligently and with integrity, engaging stakeholders across various sectors to uncover the truth and provide actionable recommendations for reform that protect the rights of our citizens,’ he said.

He also encouraged members of the committee to maintain an open mind and spirit of cooperation, saying the success of their work could help restore Nigerians’ confidence in the financial system.

‘I encourage each member to approach this task with collaboration and an open mind,’ he said. ‘Together, we have the opportunity to enact meaningful change and restore confidence in our financial institutions.’

Abbas emphasised that the assignment was part of a broader legislative effort to ensure that Nigerians are not unfairly treated by the institutions meant to serve them, warning that the House would not tolerate exploitative practices in either the public or private sectors.

‘Let us remember that our efforts aim to ensure that every Nigerian has a voice and that our actions will shape a just financial landscape for future generations,’ he said.

The Speaker concluded by calling for unity and dedication in the pursuit of fairness and equity, expressing confidence that the committee’s work would produce lasting reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s financial integrity.

‘In closing, I stress the importance of our unity and dedication as we embark on this vital mission,’ Abbas said. ‘May our work yield lasting benefits and strengthen the principles of justice and equity in our great nation.’

‘My main business is gaming,’ Chief Kessington Adebutu, who turned 90 on October 24, said in a newspaper interview to mark his landmark birthday. It is remarkable that he made a name for himself as a gaming giant and a philanthropic titan.

Popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’, a nickname that is synonymous with his company, Premier Lotto Limited, he is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of the modern lotto and pools betting business in Nigeria. The company is rated as ‘Nigeria’s most trusted bookmaker, online sport betting and lotto platform.’

Ranked as a billionaire, he attributes his enduring success to his business philosophy. According to him, ‘Above all, honesty is the key.’ He added: ‘When things get rough, my customers don’t panic or rush to collect their winnings because they trust that ‘Baba Ijebu’ will always pay. That’s what I value the most – a good name. That trust is one of the things that has sustained the business over the years.’

In a country where gaming, perceived as gambling, is generally associated with irresponsibility and unexemplary lifestyles, his concrete demonstration of the concept of giving back is notable and exemplary.

The focal points of his philanthropy are health and education. Significantly, in commemoration of Adebutu’s 90th birthday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the N5.2bn medical research centre the nonagenarian built and donated to the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. The centre is named after the donor. As part of the celebration, he also gave N1bn each to four local governments in Ogun State.

His donations include a media resource centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos, a library at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2009, and a N50 million e-library at his alma mater, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos State. He also donated a state-of-the-art radio station to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, a new building to Remo Methodist High School, and a new block of classrooms to Gaskiya College, Badiya, Lagos, in 2008.

A native of Iperu Remo in present-day Ogun State, he began his journey to prominence after completing his secondary education in 1955. He had stints at Cable and Wireless Limited (later called NITEL), and Classic Chemical Limited, a pharmaceutical company where he rose to the position of sales manager. In 1963, he left the company to start his own business, Premier Lotto. In 1971, he started the popular Face-to Face pools betting company with his friend and business partner, Chief Adebayo Ayoku.

With business interests spanning gaming, manufacturing, construction, media, energy, real estate, and banking, he has grown far beyond the gaming industry. His success and his contributions to development have brought him recognition and respect. Through his Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, he has established a reputation for high-profile philanthropy, and built significant infrastructure in education and healthcare.

The Federal Government conferred on him Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), during his 90th birthday celebration. In 2015, Olabisi Onabanjo University awarded him an honorary doctorate in Business Administration.

It is a testimony to his stature, and social and cultural acceptance, that he was installed as the 4th Odole of Ife in 2019. This is a traditional Yoruba chieftaincy title, officially known as Odole Oodua, conferred by the Ooni of Ife. The titleholder is expected to promote unity, peace, and progress among the descendants of Oduduwa, the legendary figure to whom the Yoruba trace their origin.

He notably demonstrated a grasp of his role by his successful intervention in what he described as ‘the misunderstanding’ between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, two pre-eminent Yoruba traditional rulers. His birthday celebration in Lagos was a fitting setting.

Adebutu said: ‘Because of my position, I called them both and asked them to stop. They were gracious enough to honour my invitation. Both of them attended my ceremony in Lagos, and I used the opportunity to meet them.’

Adebutu’s ‘guiding principle’ strikingly captures his sense of social responsibility. ‘A good name is better than riches,’ he says. This may well be his ultimate legacy.

We congratulate him as he enters his nonagenarian years.

The Enugu State Government has commended the MTN Foundation for its continued investment in education and youth empowerment across Nigeria, describing the company’s scholarship scheme as a vital contribution to human capital development.

Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, gave the commendation on Wednesday at the 2025 MTN Foundation Scholarship Award and Alumni Induction Ceremony held at The Dome Event Centre, Enugu.

Mbah said the state was delighted to host this year’s edition of the programme, which recognises outstanding students in science, technology, and other disciplines, as well as visually impaired scholars under the Foundation’s special scheme for the blind.

He noted that MTN’s intervention in education aligns with the state’s vision of transforming learning through innovation and technology, adding that the administration had made education a top priority with a 33 percent budgetary allocation.

‘We have launched the Enugu State Education Transformation Plan (EETP) to move from rote learning to experiential learning, innovation and productivity,’ he said. ‘Through our Smart Green Schools, which commenced in September, we are equipping our children with the skills to compete globally.’

The governor, while commending MTN Foundation for identifying education as a key driver of national growth, urged the telecom giant to extend its corporate social responsibility initiatives to other critical sectors that impact the lives of the people.

‘We share the same philosophy with the MTN Foundation in seeing education as a catalyst for development,’ he added. ‘The state government is open to partnership with MTN in delivering more impactful projects to our people.’

The General Manager of the MTN Foundation, Calima Inino, said the scholarship and alumni induction ceremony was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the boundless potential of the Nigerian youth.

He disclosed that the foundation had awarded nearly 15,000 scholarships since inception, benefiting over 5,000 students nationwide.

‘You are not here by chance,’ Inino told the new scholars. ‘You have demonstrated not just academic excellence but character and resilience. With the MTN Skills Academy, we will continue to equip you with digital and leadership skills that prepare you for the future.’

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Enugu State, Dr. Lawrence Eze, commended MTN Foundation for constructing and equipping a modern science laboratory at Union Boys Secondary School, Awkunanaw, which he said exemplified how public-private collaboration can transform education outcomes.

One of the beneficiaries, Akas Favour Ngozi, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), thanked the Foundation for ‘believing in our ability and giving us the platform to pursue our dreams.’

The event attracted education stakeholders, government officials, parents, and members of the MTN Scholarship Alumni network, who hailed the initiative as a model for sustainable youth development in Nigeria.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has passed eight of the 14 associations seeking registration as political parties.

The commission said they have met the criteria to proceed to the next stage of the registration.

They are: All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

He said the eight associations successfully uploaded the required information on INEC’s dedicated portal at the close of the exercise on October 18.

The commission had prequalified 14 associations out of about 171 that submitted letters of intent for registration as political parties.

The statement reads: ‘Further to the commission’s earlier update on Thursday, September 11, 2025, on the ongoing process for the registration of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular meeting today, Thursday, October 30, 2025, and, among other issues, reviewed the progress made since that announcement.

‘Following the briefing held for 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, September 17, 2025, the commission opened its dedicated portal for the upload of required documents from Wednesday, September 18, to Friday, October 18, 2025 at midnight.

‘As of Saturday, October 19, 2025, eight out of the 14 pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation.

‘The associations are: All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

‘The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association. This stage will ensure conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

‘The commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.’

With over 1.4 million followers on Facebook, almost a million on Tiktok and Instagram and close to 100,000 subscribers on Youtube, popular actress and skit maker, Patience Yisa aka Pepe has opened up why she took a break from acting and concentrated her talent on skit making.

She said: ‘Nothing really has been happening apart from me trying to diversify. I started as an actress and fell in love with skit making. Who doesn’t want to shoot skit for less than 30 minutes and make money from it? As you know, skit making makes faster money than movies. Apart from the passion, you would also like to make money. Nobody wants to follow passion and be broke at the end of the day.

‘When I saw an opportunity in skit making, I decided to take it up. I am back into the industry. As a matter of fact, I have shot two movies back to back. One which is ‘Lost Blood’ is currently enjoying rave reviews on Youtube. From now on expect to see more from me. I only took a break to do skit making.

‘To be honest it is one of the most lucrative ventures to do as an entertainer. Skit making saved and changed my life. Almost everybody does skits now; Mercy Johnson, Destiny Etiko, Don Jazzy, etc. As you are making money from artist fees, you are also making money from your social media platforms.

‘The platform is big for everybody. Gone are the days when before you make it in Nollywood you have to go through executive producers, producers and all that. The industry has grown so big and with the invention of these new platforms, nobody wants to depend on anyone to promote them anymore. Youtube at the end of the day is our retirement plan.’

With the global battle against breast cancer, Kingdom Greater Glory in Jesus Christ has called on Nigerians, especially women, to break the silence surrounding the disease and embrace early detection as a lifesaving measure.

The group spoke during a walk awareness organised by the church’s outreach arm, Our Journey of Hope Cancer Care Ministry, to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Public Relations Officer, Olumide Ashade, said the campaign was aimed at dispelling myths about cancer and encouraging early screening and treatment.

‘We are joining the world to create awareness on breast cancer. Cancer is not a death sentence; early detection saves lives. Not every lump is cancerous, but when you notice one, go to the hospital for a check-up.’ Ashade said.

She noted importance of self-examination, urging women to conduct breast checks monthly. He said awareness and early diagnosis are key to reducing preventable deaths from breast cancer.

‘This walk is also to break the wall of silence around breast cancer,’ she added.

‘In Nigeria, people often keep their health conditions to themselves due to fear or stigma. But if we speak out, we can win the war against breast cancer.’

Ashade explained that the awareness campaign also carried a message of faith and hope. ‘Cancer is a small ‘c’, but Christ is the big ‘C’. Hope is bigger than cancer, and awareness is the first step to prevention,’ she said.

The walk, which drew participants from the church community, cancer survivors, and volunteers, featured the distribution of flyers, educational materials, and on-the-spot health talks on how to perform breast self-examinations and identify warning signs.

The organisers expressed confidence that greater awareness would empower more Nigerians to take charge of their health and seek help early.

Public health experts have consistently warned that late presentation remains a major reason for high breast cancer mortality in Nigeria. Studies show that many women delay seeking medical help until the disease has reached an advanced stage, often due to fear, cultural beliefs, or lack of awareness.

By combining faith, advocacy, and community action, the Kingdom Greater Glory Cancer Care Ministry hopes to change that narrative and inspire more Nigerians to speak up, get screened, and spread hope.

FCMB Group Plc will use the net proceeds from its ongoing offer to enhance its profitability and ensure greater returns to shareholders.

As part of initiatives to adapt to the challenging interest rate environment, the bank plans to invest in advanced technology aimed at automating operations and improving productivity.

After successfully raising N144.60 billion, FCMB has embarked on a new public share sale aiming to generate an additional N160 billion.

This move is intended to fortify its banking subsidiary, First City Monument Bank, and comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new N500 billion minimum capital requirement for international banks.

Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group, Ladi Balogun, said the bank’s approach includes aggressive cost-cutting measures and a transformative strategy designed to yield sustainable returns beyond 2026.

He said the bank aims to navigate its cost-to-income ratio down to 50 per cent in the upcoming year and further reduce it to 47 per cent by 2027.

He said: ‘The more we use technology, the more productive we are. Technology will make us more efficient. The more efficient we are, the more our customers are satisfied’.

Overall, the Bank’s cost to income ratio (CIR) improved to 57 per cent in the first six months of June 2025, from 59.90 per cent as at December 2024.

The cost income ratio (or efficiency ratio) measures operating costs as a percentage of operating income. Staying mindful of operational efficiency, the goal is to keep the ratio as low as possible without compromising service quality. A notable aspect of FCMB’s strategy is the successful deployment of the newly raised capital, leading to two consecutive quarters of declining cost of funds. As of the second quarter of 2025, the cost of funds decreased to 8.20 percent from 8.60 percent in the previous quarter.

Moreover, the bank’s low-cost deposit mix improved significantly, rising to 69.30 percent by mid-2025, compared to 58.20 percent a year earlier. The bank has also faced challenges with rising operational costs, which climbed 46.81 percent to N153.20 billion in June 2025, affected by increased personnel and regulatory costs.

Due to inflationary pressures as well as cost of living crisis, Nigerian banks have increase workers’ salaries. Despite a slight decline in inflation, with the rate dropping to 20.12 percent in August from 21.88 percent in July, many Nigerians continue to grapple with poverty, according to a recent World Bank report.

In response to a more accommodative monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which reduced the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 27 percent in September, Nigeria banks are exploring innovative ways to boost profitability and deliver returns to their shareholders.

To deliver easier, faster and more convenient solutions to streamline and make financial transactions very exciting, FCMB has enhanced its new mobile banking app, which is rated as one of the most secure and user-friendly platforms for transactions, by upgraded it with additional cutting-edge capabilities to enhance customer experience. The bank also plans to invest in generative AI to further streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction in an evolving landscape.