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In a decisive move to strengthen consumer protection and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s financial system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions within 48 hours.

The directive is contained in a draft guideline titled ‘Exposure of the Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria,’ released yesterday by the apex bank.

The document, signed by Musa I. Jimoh, Director of the Payments System Policy Department, was circulated to banks, payment service providers, card schemes and independent ATM deployers, seeking stakeholder feedback by October 31, 2025.

According to the CBN, failed ‘on-us’ transactions-those conducted on a customer’s own bank ATM-must be reversed instantly. However, where technical challenges make instant reversal impossible, banks are required to process refunds manually within 24 hours.

For ‘not-on-us’ transactions-those involving ATMs operated by other banks-refunds must be processed within 48 hours.

‘Customers must not be made to suffer for failed transactions caused by system errors or network failures,’ the circular stated.

The CBN directed all banks and ATM operators to deploy technology capable of automatically reversing failed or partial transactions, removing the need for customers to file complaints.

Financial institutions holding customer funds from failed ATM withdrawals are to reconcile and refund such balances immediately.

The apex bank explained that the move follows increasing complaints from customers over delayed refunds and poor service delivery across the banking industry.

It said the reforms were part of broader efforts to modernise the nation’s payment infrastructure and align Nigeria’s financial system with global standards.

Beyond refund timelines, the new draft guidelines propose sweeping reforms to ATM operations across the country.

Under the new framework, banks and card issuers are required to deploy at least one ATM for every 5,000 active cards.

Institutions are to achieve 30 percent compliance by 2026, 60 percent by 2027, and full compliance by 2028.

Any future ATM deployment, relocation, or decommissioning must first receive CBN approval.

For customer safety and improved accessibility, ATMs must be installed in enclosed or well-lit areas, equipped with anti-skimming devices, CCTV cameras, and compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Machines are also required to display functional helpdesk contacts, maintain audit logs and ensure that at least two per cent of all deployed ATMs feature tactile symbols for visually impaired users.

Additionally, ATMs must: Dispense cash before returning cards; Allow free Personal Identification Number (PIN) changes; Issue receipts for all transactions except balance inquiries; Clearly display all transaction fees; Dispense only clean banknotes; and Maintain backup power to minimize downtime.

The CBN also set strict standards for ATM uptime, stipulating that downtime must not exceed 72 consecutive hours. Operators are required to publicly disclose the causes of service disruption and the estimated restoration period if the downtime extends beyond this limit.

To ensure compliance, the apex bank said it will conduct regular audits, on-site inspections, and require monthly reports from all ATM operators detailing the number and location of deployed machines.

Institutions found to be non-compliant will face appropriate sanctions.

The central bank said the reforms were necessary, given the rising cases of failed transactions, cyber fraud, and deteriorating service quality in the financial system.

‘The goal is to build a payments system that works seamlessly for everyone-urban and rural users alike,’ the CBN stated.

Nigeria’s electronic payments landscape has expanded rapidly, with over 200 million cardholders and an increasing shift toward digital banking.

However, persistent network failures, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed refunds have continued to erode public trust.

The latest draft guidelines-coming just eight months after the review of ATM fees-are expected to streamline operations, enhance consumer experience, improve security, and ensure greater accountability from banks and payment service providers.

Stakeholders have until October 31, 2025, to submit their feedback before the final guidelines take effect, likely before the end of the year.

Worthy ambassadors and products of University of Lagos, who are high flyers occupying various positions in government, academia and those calling the shots in the corporate world would converged on the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday October 17th, 2025, where they would be conferred with the Distinguished Alumni Awards during the 55th anniversary awards and recognition dinner being organised by the University of Lagos Alumni Association.

The Special Guest of Honour at the occasion is the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCFR; the renowned medical doctor and Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu-Land, The Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Kuku is the chairman while the Chief Host is the President Worldwide, University of Lagos Alumni Association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Ayodele

Among the dignitaries that would be honoured is the business magnate, an alumnus of the institution and Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Chief Dr (Mrs) Folashade Okoya, MON.

Mrs. Shade Okoya’s journey in the corporate world is remarkable. After exiting the citadel of learning many years ago, Mrs. Okoya has become a quintenssential role model, a business magnate and successful entrepreneur, as education received from the institution has equipped her with the skills, knowledge, and character to make a difference, therefore becoming independent, resilient and enterprising.

Studious, diligent and brilliant, the accomplished entrepreneur who first studied Banking and Finance before studying Sociology at the University of Lagos has continued to run successful companies. No doubt, this recognition by her Alma Mater is a testament to her remarkable exploits in the business world, and above all, as a great ambassador of University of Lagos which she has demonstrated through brilliance and remarkable leadership.

Chief (Dr) Mrs Shade Okoya (MON) (Nee Adeleye), a native of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, was born in Lagos on the 25th of April 1977 into the family of the late Alhaji Taju and Alhaja Nimota. Her early education started in Lagos where she grew up. The fire of her intellectual acumen was ignited at St. Bernadette Nursery and Primary School between 1986 and 1991. She would later proceed to Awori Anglican Comprehensive High School where she had her secondary education between 1991 and 1997. From 1997 to 1999, she attended Lagos State Polytechnic where she studied Banking and Finance. Her insatiable knowledge took her to the University of Lagos between 1999 to 2004, where she bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Surprisingly, she was combining motherhood with education and excelled.

While growing up, Mrs. Shade Okoya had two philosophies: number one is her overall vision which is ‘To be a worthy achiever through devotion to the fear of God; service to and respect for humanity; selfless commitment to work; and undiluted love to her family.’ And number two is career objectives which also is ‘To serve as the inextinguishable leading light in the selfless commitment to work for her career advancement and for the growth and development of her country and society at large.’ She has ticked all the boxes and still counting.

Presently, she is the Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd, and by virtue of this position she is responsible for the day to day Management of this Company. The Eleganza Industrial City is a factory which started operation in year 2012 situated on over 35 hectares expanse of land along the Lekki Epe Expressway. The company has re-positioned itself in the manufacturing business. It prides itself in the production of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) quality household products of various sizes, designs colors of such as plastic chairs, tables of different sizes, luggage, cooling boxes/food warmers, casseroles, baby diaper/sanitary pad, hair thread, stainless water tank, plastic water tank, shoes and slippers, plastic bottles among others. The Company has over 3,000 workers, thereby providing employment to the citizens of Lagos State and its environs; the Company has the vision of being the foremost indigenous producer of various household items in Nigeria within the next two years. It also intends to commence the exportation of household items to all African countries.

Running a conglomerate comes with challenges, but Mrs. Okoya is prepared to face the task with inner strength and expertise garnered over the years under the tutelage of her billionaire husband, industrialist Chief Rasaki Akanni Okoya, CON.

‘I have faced several challenges on my way here, but each one of them has only strengthened me to be the person I am today; a thorough professional who knows exactly what should be done; someone who sets her eyes on a goal and does not lose sight of it until it is achieved.’

‘I am grateful for being recognised and conferred with this award by my Alma Mater. This would not have been possible without the inspiration I have received from my husband Chief Alhaji (Dr.) Rasaq A. Okoya (CON) for whom I have the deepest respect, and from whom I have derived the strength to challenge myself and perform better at each stage.

‘My husband saw the passion in me when I could not see it myself. He encouraged and moulded me such that I am now standing here. Everyone needs such a mentor in life, and I am lucky to have found mine.’

Mrs. Okoya has interest in many areas of business; apart from being at the helms of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, she is also the Managing Director of Eleganza Fashion Products Limited, Eleganza Cruise and Travels Limited, as well as a member, Board of Eleganza Group and RAO Investment Property Company Limited.

She is happily married to the humble, amiable, enterprising, honest, intelligent and prudent businessman, Alhaji Chief (Dr) Rasaq Akanni Okoya (CON) and blessed with four amazing children.

Mrs. Shade Okoya is a fashionable woman, highly sociable and generous, also a renowned philanthropist and she is very supportive of her members of staff and the general public.

Over the last 15 years, Mrs. Okoya has received over 18 awards. Among them are Doctor of Science DSC (Honorary Causa) in Business Management and Corporate leadership by the Senate of European American University on 23rd August 2014; Most Valuable Business Executive of the Year 2014, conferred on her on 11th December 2014 by the Board of Trustees and Advisory Council of International Centre for Corporative Leadership for African and Blacks in Diaspora, Accolades International Magazine Limited. And earlier this year, Mrs. Shade Okoya who holds the chieftaincy title of ‘Bewaji of Lagos’ and ‘Otun Aare Iyalaje of Ajiranland’ was honoured alongside other 65 women who have contributed to the development of Nigeria’s business landscape during an award ceremony held by Arise Television.

Other dignitaries that would be honoured at the occasions are The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON; the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D; former Attorney General of the Federation , Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN; Chairman Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh; Group Managing Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Kola Adesina; Life Director, Folawiyo Group, Chief Tunde Fanimokun; Industrial magnate and Chairman, Premier Lotto Ltd, Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, CON; Legal luminary, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON; former Governor of Gombe State and currently a serving, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, PhD; the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN; and Senate Majority Leader, Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has urged Nigerians who desire to be elevated beyond limits to recognise the sovereignty of God as the ‘King of Kings,’ whose power cannot be fathomed.

He gave the admonition yesterday, during the monthly thanksgiving service with the theme: ‘King of kings,’ which was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke and members of his cabinet at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

At the service, he prayed for government executives, legislators, politicians, electoral institutions, elder statesmen and the people of Nigeria, among others.

Adeboye, who gave thanks for Nigeria on the celebration of its 65th anniversary of Independence, described Nigerians as ‘wonderful’ for weathering the storm, but counselled that honouring God as an exceptional King will usher the nation into a new dispensation of every Nigerian’s dream.

‘When God elevates a person, no obstacle or opposition can stand in the way of that elevation.

‘If human beings are the ones lifting you up, sooner or later their hands will grow heavy, and they will bring you down. But when God is the one promoting you, there is no limit to your promotion because His hands are everlasting,’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu at the service appreciated the privilege of himself and his wife, including members of his cabinet being at the service, which he said he didn’t take for granted.

‘I want to assure you that this government is a committed one that would do a lot more than what it has done in the past. It is our desire to see positive changes in the lives of our people, and I want to assure you that as long as I have breath, I will continue to serve and serve well,’ he said.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has confirmed the abduction of a tipper driver, identified as Tobi Abdulmalik Oluwatuyi, at Ilu Abo, in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

Oluwatuyi was reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed men in the early hours of Friday.

Confirming the incident, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the victim was seized by the gunmen after his truck developed a fault along the Akure/Owo Highway, leading to the Ilu Abo community.

According to him, while the driver was making efforts to fix the faulty truck, the assailants suddenly emerged from the bush and dragged him away at gunpoint.

Adeleye added that the driver’s assistant, popularly known as a motor boy, managed to escape and quickly alerted the owner of the truck, Monday Ayesoro.

The Amotekun commander further disclosed that operatives of the corps, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, have launched an intensive bush-combing operation to rescue the victim.

‘We are already combing the forest and have blocked the routes leading to Ise- in Ekiti State to prevent the kidnappers from escaping. We are on top of the situation and determined to secure the victim’s release,’ Adeleye assured.

The latest abduction at Ilu Abo has heightened fears among locals that criminal gangs are operating with increasing boldness in Akure North LGA.

Amid the ugly development, community leaders and traders have increased calls for stepped-up patrols, better intelligence-sharing, and immediate action from both state security outfits and the police to prevent more attacks.

The moment was a good moment. At once the whole complex stood still. It stood still not only for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but for the whole nation, Nigeria. The National Theatre, now christened The Wole Soyinka Centre for Creative Art, came alive to its fullest bloom. It was a day to remember, a day to witness that the Theatre has resurrected from its slumber. The mainbowl was packed to full capacity. The house and stage lights glittered on endlessly. The airconditioners seemed to have gone crazy, tearing deep into the skins and bloods of all as people shivered and begged for mercy.

The hall came on in full swing. Artists were in their best moods, in glittering attires that suited the occasion. Visitors and stakeholders held on to the dictates of the night. It was time to dance, time to display cultures. It was time when artists, young, old, male, female, painters, dancers, singers, comedians, creators, writers, journalists, all, came together to jolly in the beautiful euphoria of a recreated centre for the creative art.

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu sat quietly in company of his wife, Senator Oluremi. His face glowed with joy. His countenance could not hide his amazement at the new looks of the National Theatre. Also in place was Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President. With them were Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives who also came in company of his deputy, Benjamin Kalu. In the house was Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State. And with the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the roll call was almost complete. Also present was Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

But then there was Professor Wole Soyinka, the epitome of the creative world, first African Nobel Laureate in Literature. The man whose name has come to dominate the National Theatre and occupied the night to the full. All the big artists were present to witness this new rebirth of a national monument that almost went into extinction if not for the prompt intervention of Buhari and Bola Tinubu who ensured that the Bankers Committee went into action with dispatch. So for close to four years, the Centre went under heavy renovation, with series of patch ups and innovations here and there. As the works were going on, the entire arts community, the creative nerves of Nigeria waited with unbridled patience. The National Troupe of Nigeria, indeed the apex dance hub of the nation expected the turn-around maintenance to come through in a jiffy. And that was why on the night of this epoch-making reopening the Troupe dazzled to precision. The National Troupe under the able leadership of Hajja Kaltume Bulama Gana thrilled as if dance would never end. It was good. It was glamourous, quite spectacular. The whole edifice stood still as soon as their entrance was announced.

The level of acclaim as soon as Dr. Nzekwu, one of the anchors of the programme mentioned the name of the Troupe showed that in the corridors of power, the Troupe rings a bell. Stage by stage, the Troupe presented different dances, cultural displays that stunned and impressed the people. The hall suddenly came alive. The stage lights came on fully to shine on the fleeting feet of the dancers, the sonorous voices of the singers and the heavy hands of the drummers who pelted away in joyous mood, with accurate precision and rendition.

Bulama sat up front, eyes happily glued onto the stage as she smiled and exchanged pleasantries with fellow directors and artists. In truth, the Troupe opened with dances from the south south parts of Nigeria. The rhythms of the songs flowed easily with the colours of Nigerian flag. Remember this show was on October 1, Nigeria’s 65th Independent anniversary and the whole nation was agog with happiness. So, the boldness of the dancers, the deliberate displays of colours, the masquerading nature of the masquerades, the glowing of the different colourful costumes, all made up to show a Troupe that was well prepared to dazzle to no end.

The dance of elegance from Edo State depicted the rich culture of the Benin kingdom. The grace was deliberate, the ease and measured dance steps with red beads on their necks and hand fans made of woods, brought to light, once more, the historic nature of the Benin cultural ensemble. Trust the Troupe. They danced with renewed hope and reinvigorated aplomb; after all they had waited for close to four years for that moment.

From Edo State, the Troupe moved to the more interiors of the Niger Delta, this time recapturing the elegant dance style of the Itshekiri people. The dance came with songs in the Itshekiri dialect, showing the magnificent nature of the palace dance where tradition is upheld. The Itshekiri are naturally rooted in idioms and wise sayings that the dances dwelt on all that. Then came dances from the core Efik and Ibibio domains. The Ekpe tradition which is sacrosanct quickly resurfaced. This thrilled the audience to no end. The Ekpe is synonymous with the Ibibio and the Efik of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States of Nigeria respectively.

It was not so much as the dances. It was more of the vigour, the heavy energy that dancers brought into the displays that kept people endlessly enwrapped. The songs brought hope to the people. It was a way to use culture to entertain, to reunite a nation. The songs hinged on hope; they emphasised the immediate need to celebrate peace and love as a people. The presence of the masquerades in their best costumes brought beauty and nature and near innocence closer to the people. The audience clapped, relaxed, laughed and showed acclaim, appreciation and respect.

The dances from the West and the North proved to be the climax. But not yet. The dances of love, courtship, harvest and abundance depicted the richness in all spheres in Nigeria. With the implements and props and costumes in place, the Troupe took the whole nation back in time. Culture is a bridge, it brings back memories; it also rebuilds the nature of broken hopes. Culture is not just dynamic, it gears up for a better tomorrow. The dances elaborated these features so much so that Eugenia Abu and Henry Nzekwu, the two anchors of the programme could not old back their admiration. As usual the sensational movements occasioned by the Yoruba dancers evoked love, romance and appeasement. The ones from the north hovered around crops and the dominance of the male over the female. But all pointed to the family as the core of the society.

In all, the Igbo dance came with an accelerated energy, an energy long bottled up. The whole arena became recharged as the flute (oja) went far into the air with the tone of vehemence. The dancers gyrated, the flutist mesmerized as the stage lights flickered into full bloom. Indeed the night was coming on with vigour reminding all that this is the centre of entertainment, the hub of the creative economy and the creative world, where drama, dance, all sorts of the art rule and predominate.

The stages of dances were brought to a close with the stylish appearance of a masquerade. An artiste sitting close to me in the hall just exclaimed – ‘this shows the fullness of Nigeria’. Truly that masquerade did not only come with an arousing ancestral presence, it showed how deeply the night had impacted on the people. As the stage gradually blossomed to see a new creative centre of the nation, Gerald Eze of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, tore into the stage with his brand of stage craft of folkloric songs and demonstration that also stole the night. In all, it was a night to remember and all guests – big, small, initiated and uninitiated got enough baptism of what artists can do with their creative mien and talents. The National Troupe will, like someone whispered to me on our way out, always show itself even in the most uncomfortable environment or situation. The Nigerian dance project runs in their blood.

But it is all kudos to Bulama and her team. Bulama loves what she does. She has put herself into it. Here is a visual artist who now loves masquerades more than masqueraders themselves. An artist who loves to reinvent dance in the mold of Ogunde. Bulama now has keen ears for all sorts of musical drums almost same way her brushes serenade strokes on the canvass. In her we can see the total justification of why the National Troupe of Nigeria and the National Theatre are two in one, established for the same purpose for the creative economy. Same edict, same act of faith for performances, the two establishments must always complement each other for the more profound need to prosper the creatives in Nigeria and beyond.

And in the process ensure that the different cultural properties and elements of the larger society are kept ever afloat, active and functional. Essentially National Troupe has made it clear and unambiguous that culture is a unifier and that the current leadership is in conformity with these positive tenets.

Tension gripped residents of the Bayan Gari area in Bauchi metropolis as police officers on patrol reportedly clashed with soldiers attached to Operation Safe Haven, Jos, leading to the fatal shooting of a police officer on Friday night.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Bauchi State Police Command, CSP Ahmed Wakil, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the command received a distress report around 10:35pm concerning a ‘serious incident involving a patrol team led by Inspector Hussaini Samaila during a routine patrol at Bayan Gari.’

According to him, ‘the patrol team encountered an assault on one of its members, Constable Ukasha Muhammed (F/No 533164), by two individuals in front of a hotel. The team responded swiftly, arresting one of the assailants while the other escaped.’

Wakil identified the arrested suspect as Private Usman Mubarak (23NA/84/5346), a soldier attached to the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven, Jos, Plateau State.

He added, ‘At about 11:05pm, two other soldiers-Private Yakubu Yahuza (23NA/85/10185) and Private Godspower Gabriel (23NA/84/5654)-both partially dressed in military uniforms and armed with rifles, confronted the police team and shot Constable Ukasha Muhammed in the left chest before fleeing the area.’

The injured officer was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.

‘The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while the two soldiers have been apprehended and are in police custody,’ Wakil said, adding that the command had launched an investigation to ensure justice is served.

It would be recalled that in August, a police officer attached to the Bauchi Command allegedly shot a soldier at a checkpoint in the Alkaleri area of the state while on escort duty with a mining company.

The Nigeria Football Federation has stated that a cracked windscreen of the chartered ValueJet Airline aircraft that was conveying the Super Eagles’ delegation from Polokwane in South Africa to Uyo, for Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Benin Republic, has delayed the arrival of the players and officials in the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The same aircraft had flown some members of the delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in the South African city on Friday morning.

However, after a routine refueling stop in Luanda, Angola (where the plane also stopped to refuel on Thursday night, and where the same plane had stopped to refuel to and from Bloemfontein in South Africa for the Matchday 8 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana last month), the aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air after take-off, and the pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda.

ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities including the Hon. Minister of Aviation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chief of Staff to Mr. President are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda and fly them to Uyo.

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing him as the right choice to deliver credible and transparent elections.

In a statement on Saturday by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 elections, the Forum also commended the National Council of State for approving Amupitan’s appointment.

‘The North-Central APC Forum welcomed with a sense of pride, the appointment of one of the region’s illustrious sons, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

‘This development is further attestation of the calibre of human resources in the North-Central, which are readily available to be deployed in various critical and sensitive roles for the development of the nation.

‘We commend President Bola Tinubu for appointing Professor Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and also thank the National Council of State for approving the appointment,’ the Forum stated.

Zazzaga noted that Amupitan’s track record as an accomplished legal scholar and practitioner, university administrator and illustrious academia shows that he has the capacity for the job, especially as he is coming on board at a time Nigerians are getting set for crucial elections.

‘Having followed Professor Amupitan’s career over the years and taking special note of his distinguished role at the University of Jos, where, as a Professor of Law, he has lectured and mentored generations of lawyers and academics for over three decades, we can assure President Tinubu and Nigerians that Professor Amupitan will deliver credible, free and fair elections all through his tenure as INEC chairman.

‘We are certain that Professor Amupitan is the right choice, a round peg in a round hole and we call on all Nigerians, particularly stakeholders in the electoral system, to give him all the necessary support to succeed in this crucial national assignment.’

It was legacy sustained, commitment affirmed. That’s First Bank, a bank winning with sports. That commitment was further affirmed over the weekend when it bankrolled the maiden E1 Lagos GP, the first of its kind in Africa, culminating in an evening of vibes, entertainment and more.

It was sports, culture and entertainment in one spot. How best can you describe such a show? Simply ‘Classy’, holding boat race fans spellbound, amidst cultural displays in a town that never sleeps.

The ambience, the aesthetics, the vibes tell the story. It is E1 Lagos GP powered by the leading bank in Nigeria; First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

Right from the countdown to the D-day, it was sure to be a grand event. At the closing, no one was disappointed. The atmosphere at the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix was electrifying, vibrant, as the event which made its historic African debut raced to a great start. The all-electric powerboat race blended high-speed, zero-emission competition with Nigeria’s energetic cultural atmosphere, attracting thousands of fans and international attention able by FirstBank

In the final race, Team Brazil emerged victorious, securing their first win of the season and keeping their championship hopes alive. Despite the challenging weather conditions on the Lagos Lagoon, Team Brazil’s pilots, Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin, put on a stellar performance, running through the still water with energy.

Though Team Brazil won, the event wasn’t about the visitors only, Chelsea legend and Cote D’ivoire football icon, Didier Drogba was on ground with Team Drogba. Team Drogba Global Africa’s pilots are Oban Duncan and Micah Wilkinson. Duncan is a young British powerboat champion, while Wilkinson won a sailing bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their partnership in the E1 Series reflects a focus on promoting green technologies, sustainable development, and African talent on the global stage.

In the Grand Prix, Team Drogba finished in third place, earning 24 points. Team Brady leads the overall championship standings.

The E1 Series involves other celebrity team owners, including Aoki Racing Team, Team Alula, championed by LeBron James, Team Blue Rising, Team Miami, powered by Magnus, and Team Rafa, owned by Rafael Nadal all took part in the racing championship. The championship aims to promote both sport and sustainability, with a focus on inspiring future generations and fostering cleaner marine mobility.

Beyond the racing, the event highlighted Lagos’s commitment to clean energy and the potential of its ‘blue economy’. E1 Founder and CEO Rodi Basso explained as much that the event was a crucial step in promoting cleaner marine mobility in Africa.

For FirstBank, it was much more, the show was part of a lined up of entertaining events which are due to kick in as Nigerians get in the groove of the ember months as part of the bank’s annual entertainment and lifestyle slate known as #DecemberIsAVibe.

According to Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, the bank is poised to dazzle Nigerians from this month until the end of 2025 with awesome entertainment and lifestyle events for the remaining part of the year.

Also on the card this year is the 64th edition of the famed Lagos Open Golf Championship and the over a century Georgian Cup in Kaduna, a polo tournament.

While FirstBank’s football team, the Elephant Boys continue to entertain on the football pitch, the Elephant Girls holds sway on the Basketball court, Dala Hard Court, tennis is historical and Ijabiyi says, it’s just the beginning.

Truly, E1 Lagos GP, presented by first Bank was a product of great thinking, First Bank powered and fantastic outcome. It’s E1 Lagos GP.

Eric Chelle insists Super Eagles are battle ready for Benin for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Uyo.

In his post-match comments, Chelle dismissed concerns over the absence of the reigning African Player of the Year, Adewmola Lookman stating that the Super Eagles remain focused and confident heading into the encounter.

The Malian tactician maintained that the team has enough depth to compete effectively despite the setback.

Chelle, who has consistently praised Lookman’s quality and influence, noted that while the forward’s suspension is unfortunate, the squad possesses the character and determination to secure victory.

He stressed that the focus now lies on making the most of the players available and ensuring a strong performance against Benin.

He emphasised that every player must be mentally prepared to contribute, whether as a starter or substitute.

Chelle underlined the importance of maintaining focus and converting chances in the decisive match, reiterating his belief that Nigeria must take full control of their qualification destiny.

Despite the win over Lesotho, Nigeria remain third in Group C behind leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa.