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Utica Capital Limited yesterday launched a N20 billion fund to support film makers in all stages of film production, a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s creative economy.

The N20 billion Utica Film Fund is Nigeria’s first licensed venture capital fund for the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood.

Utica Film Fund is a specialised film-investment vehicle that supports filmmakers at various stages-preproduction, production, and distribution-by providing financing, strategic counsel, and mentorship.

Speaking at the launch of the fund in Lagos, Chairman, Utica Capital Limited, Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, said the Utica Film Fund came to fill the gap of underfunding, which has undermined the development of the film industry.

According to him, the twofold vision of the fund is to deliver superior value to investors and to elevate Nollywood from a local standard by providing the financing needed for world-class production, wider distribution, and sustainable growth.

He said the launch was the beginning of a new chapter where Nollywood would no longer be underfunded, but globally empowered.

He called on pension fund managers, insurance fund managers, and private investors to seize the opportunity to invest in the Utica Film Fund, which has opened for subscription.

He pointed out that by investing in the Utica Film Fund, investors are not only seeking attractive financial returns, but also investing in Nigeria’s cultural legacy, job creation, and global reputation.

He said: ‘Today, we are not just launching an investment product – we are making history. For the first time in Nigeria, and in Africa, the Securities and Exchange Commission, under its regulatory authority, has approved a specialised capital fund dedicated to the film industry. The Utica Film Fund is therefore a pioneer, where creativity is finally brought into the center stage.

‘Why does this matter? Because Nollywood is more than entertainment. It is a cultural powerhouse, a billion-dollar industry, and one of Nigeria’s greatest exports to the world. Every day, over 35 million people consume Nollywood content. Our films travel across borders and reach diverse sections of Africa and beyond.

‘Yet, for too long, this industry has been underfunded – relying on personal savings, informal loans, and small-scale investments. The Utica Film Fund changes that. Through a restructured, SEC-approved, professionally managed vehicle, we are creating channels for institutional investors to participate in the growth of Nollywood, while also earning returns.

‘This is not charity. This is smart investing, strong governance, and portfolio diversification’.

Managing Director, Utica Capital Limited, Mr. Ola Belgore said the fund aims at supporting films and film-adjacent projects that have strong commercial potential and can generate predictable cash flows.

According to him, by introducing venture capital discipline into the sector, the fund aims to position Nollywood as a globally competitive industry capable of generating sustainable returns while amplifying Nigerian culture and creativity on the world stage

He said the fund would support both emerging and established filmmakers with projects that demonstrate strong storytelling, financial viability, and international market potential.

He said the fund has already announced plans to issue its first call for film proposals before the end of 2025, inviting Nigerian filmmakers to pitch their projects for potential financing.

He noted that the fund would spark a new golden era for Nollywood, one where creativity is matched with capital, and storytelling meets sustainability.

He explained that N20 billion Utica Film Fund would be offered in tranches with the first tranche of N5 billion now open for subscription.

He noted that the fund was rated A-, making it suitable for institutional investors.

‘This fund is designed for the Nigerian market and economy. Talking about its impact, it has the potential to significantly contribute to economic growth. However, it is designed only for qualified investors – people who understand the need for long-term investing and the value it brings. It is not for investors who bring in N10 million today and expect to withdraw it next week. We will need time for the fund to fully come to life. That is why it is reserved for qualified investors, with a minimum investment threshold of N10 million.

‘The benefits are clear. It provides diversification, especially for institutional investors, asset managers, insurance funds, and pension funds. This is an opportunity for them to diversify beyond their traditional portfolios. There is also equity within the fund, even though it is structured to mature from second year, over the next 10 years, ultimately closing on the N20 billion target,’ Belgore said.

He pointed out that the Utica Film Fund would contribute meaningfully to the Nigerian economy, creating significant job opportunities.

He said: ‘On average, 200 movies are produced annually, and this presents a powerful opportunity for growth. Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of production, after Bollywood – and there are case studies and proof to support this. Utica Capital has been in existence for 4 years, and the people involved in this journey have the experience and expertise to make it succeed’.

A major highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the Advisory Committee, which included respected figures from film, law, and culture. Members included Mr Ola Belgore, Dr Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, Chairman of the committee; Mr Abimbola Kazeem, Sani Mu’azu, a filmmaker; kachi Offiah, Femi Adebayo, a film producer; Richard Mofe Damijo, a respected cultural ambassador and Mrs Omoni Oboli.

Transaction parties to the Utica Film Fund included FSDH Capital and Emerging Africa, issuing houses; STL Trustee and CardinalStone, trustees and First Bank of Nigeria as Custodian to the fund and ALR and Co as Solicitor to the fund among others.

Prof Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a management consultatnt highlights the qualities of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in the art of creating wealth for the people.

When it comes to the upcoming presidential election in 2023, Nigerians will have two options: They will either deplete the massive transformation efforts of the current Buhari government, or will elect a resolute transformer who combines the core qualities of an actual master-wealth creator to lead the country to the promised land. We can only strategize against the defenestration of the country and its infrastructure to the state it was before Buhari took office. When it comes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformational capacity, comprehension, qualities of creating wealth, using diversity to boost productivity as an outcome, and application of governance tools for the benefit of the people, he stands head and shoulders above the other candidates in this election.

With Asiwaju as the President come from 2023, Nigerians will fulfil the greatest call of generations to have a president who indeed is a real master in wealth creation, both in private and public sectors. We know that to be great leaders, you need a great team. Identifying your Wealth Creators would unlock your national potentials. The individuals who take the Country to the next level are the wealth creators. Asiwaju is the real master of wealth creation across the board, of all the candidates vying to succeed Buhari.

The tenacity and resilience of wealth creators define Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He can, however, also be extremely task-oriented and challenging to work with him. You can argue that you don’t have to be a Wealth Creator to be a successful leader. Yes, many great leaders do not themselves create wealth. However, all leaders require the assistance of a Wealth Creators in order to drive public and private business expansion. Because of their unique combination of characteristics, Wealth Creators are able to make a leader’s vision a reality. With Asiwaju, Nigerians have a prosperous package of an actual master of wealth creation and transformational leader.

Countries and businesses are taking advantage of every opportunity to gain a slight edge over their rivals in today’s highly competitive world. Diversity is an advantage that is frequently overlooked. One of the most significant advantages of diversity is increased productivity, which is now becoming increasingly recognised by numerous nations and businesses. Companies with ethically diverse leadership teams outperform their rivals by up to 36%, according to several studies. When Asiwaju was in charge of Lagos State, he was the first governor to liberate the advantages of having a competitive advantage by having a cabinet full of people from different exemplary backgrounds. How, then, does this occur? To put it succinctly, Asiwaju successfully implemented the strategy of having leaders in his cabinet with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Effectively, this led to improved decision-making, increased innovation, increased staff engagement and retention, and increased strategic thinking.

Asiwaju had this in mind again in his address at Arewa House, Kaduna, ‘It’s time to fetch water from a dry well. We will find a way where there is none. We build the Nigeria of your dream in your lifetime; it’s a promise you can depend on because adding value is my domain. I’m not an island of knowledge, but I have the capacity to gather the best people, and together we will build this country. I’ll make our Diversity a source of Prosperity for this nation.’

Asiwaju accentuated that making diversity works in the national economic and democratic made him to build bridges across Nigeria, and with exceptional quality of strategizing as one of the youngest strategists with the late Yar’Adua, and I quote: ‘My political history is full of long-abiding relationships and support for the North. My greatest rival, Atiku Abubakar, met me with the late Yar’Adua. I was one of the youngest strategists with Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. I started here in the North. Atiku met me with Yar’Adua after he left Nigeria Customs freshly. He met me strategising for Yar’adua…ask him…’ I can only confirm that one of Asiwaju’s wealth-creation strategies is to implement a diversity agenda in a way that leads to equal opportunities and a happier, more engaged team. If this is not the case, then why was the youngest Southerner strategist at the time collaborating diligently with Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a northerner with broad political influence? By empowering a culture of resilience and tenacity, Asiwaju surely knows how to create a culture that values learning and implementing strategies from various perspectives.

When Asiwaju was questioned about climate change at the same gathering, he articulated his response to emphasise his mastery of wealth creation. Sure enough! Deniers of climate change will assert that there is no evidence that natural climate voices cause differences. Nevertheless, Asiwaju directly applies his wealth creation mastery to this situation! Don’t expect compliance if the West doesn’t guarantee the financial benefits of this policy! It’s an excellent response; In light of their policies for increasing wealth, the UK recently reversed its position on this demand related to climate change. Britain’s fracking ban must be lifted due to the energy crisis, sparking a long-running debate. Asiwaju responded that Nigeria, as a developing nation, should primarily rely on what is available to create wealth to move from developing status to an expanded level if Britain could do that in the interest of resolving the current energy crisis.

Asiwaju demonstrated exceptional proficiency in utilising diversity to achieve national prosperity, asserting that diversity is vital beyond the executive level. Nigerian states should work together at every level to determine their competitive advantages. People have a responsibility to share the things they do every day with their intended audiences and potential customers: help them produce better goods, provide better services, and generate more revenue for the population as a whole. Lagos is a constant reminder of Asiwaju’s remarkable capacity for transformation, mastery of the framework for wealth creation, and governance skills. Others, including those who have held positions of authority for extended periods and even at higher levels, do not have any record of wealth creation encounter except using government resources to make themselves. In contrast, Asiwaju has tangible evidence of Lagos’s enormous growth during his time as governor. Asiwaju’s accomplishments in Lagos serve as an admirable wealth-creation model for the growth of Nigeria into the prosperous Federal Republic if elected the next president of Nigeria.

Notably, before entering politics, Asiwaju had acquired sufficient wealth as a senior member of Mobil Oil Producing. On the other hand, other politicians running for president in 2023 could not provide evidence of wealth creation outside of their official responsibilities. As an elected official, a presidential candidate, for instance, established a private university. One other candidate, according to the evidence, used state funds to support family businesses as the state’s chief executive. Asiwaju was busy creating wealth and establishing his teams in Nigeria. At the same time, other former top executives of States of the Federation were busy shipping the resources of their states abroad and developing foreign economies. In Nigeria today, those businesses employ a few thousand, if not millions, of breadwinners.

Asiwaju’s mastery of the phenomenon of wealth creation is demonstrated by numerous examples. At about N600 million per month, Asiwaju met Lagos IGR, leaving it at N12-14 billion per month. Asiwaju paid salaries and pensions regularly for three and a half years while the PDP government led by Obasanjo seized Lagos allocations despite Supreme Court’s ruling against the action. The payment for the allocation to Fasola’s government came from Yardua. Asiwaju created LASTMA through his mastery of wealth creation and core leadership qualities, which the then-Federal Government copied to create FERMA.

When we consider where Lagos was before Asiwaju assumed its governorship seat and where it is now, with his enormous influence looming in the governance of Lagos, we will appreciate Asiwaju’s ebullient capacity and why he remains the undisputed candidate with the proven competence and ability to transform Nigeria into the desired land of prosperity where everyone stands to benefit. The success that Asiwaju achieved in Lagos serves as a reminder that people with different experiences and backgrounds may also perceive the same problem differently and come up with other solutions, particularly when an actual master of wealth creation leads the team. Additionally, employing such a leadership style increases the likelihood that one of those solutions will be successful, highlighting the significance of being adaptable in a dynamic business and democratic environment.

Today’s case study in developmental economics is the enormous transformation that Lagos has undergone since Asiwaju took office, as well as the apparent economic potential of the state. Obviously, this is an example of how a leader’s intellect can have a significant impact on the fortunes of a state and a nation. Asiwaju made a substantial difference in Nigeria by skilfully deploying capacity, severely lacking in the country’s leadership ranks. As a result of his efforts, the fortunes of millions of Nigerians improved, which makes a significant difference in a nation that severely lacks cerebral and competent leadership. Lekki was born when Asiwaju saw a massive opportunity in a filthy, waterlogged landmass. Lekki is now a swath of a sprawling metropolis inhabited by upscale Nigerians and with a net land value that is higher than the average upscale environment in Nigeria. Asiwaju built Lekki with an excellent mind for wealth creation. Lekki has now encroached on nearby suburbs like Ajah, Badore, and others, and the value of its land continues to rise with each passing day. Lekki resulted from Asiwaju’s innovative thinking, determination to succeed, and an unquenchable thirst for success.

When discussing Asiwaju’s mastery of wealth creation and transformative power, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, now affectionately referred to as the Nigerian Dubai, is also phenomenal. The largest refinery in the world, Africa’s largest fertiliser company, and a deep-sea port are all located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone today, affecting the daily lives of millions of Nigerians. No one will ever be able to quantify the economic potential of the Lekki Free Trade Zone when it reaches its full potential because the zone is still in its infancy.

The gradual opening of Eko Atlantic City illustrates Asiwaju’s incomprehensible capacity for transformation with the prowess of wealth creation. The idea of chasing the raging Atlantic Ocean, which would then pose a threat to Victoria Island as a whole and deep within its borders, was developed by Asiwaju. He started the project, which later governments took over. Eko Atlantic City has emerged as a new preferred city as a significant portion of the ocean has been reclaimed. The city is known for its high value because it is one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the world today. The United States of America is currently building the largest embassy in the world in that city! Nigerians must give due to Asiwaju’s profound creativity and transformational capacity. By simply imagining the value that Eko Atlantic City stands to bring to Nigeria and the lives of millions of Nigerians, you will understand why no one in the current race for the presidency of Nigeria comes close to Asiwaju in his capacity to use the tools of government to create wealth, transform the fortunes and lives of millions of Nigerians.

We cannot conclude the story without looking at the significant transformation of the transportation sector in Lagos, which shows how Asiwaju used his transformative capacity to change lives. When he arrived in Lagos in 1999, the state’s growth and progress were hampered by a disorganised, turbulent, riotous, and messy transportation system. He showed up and got to work. He established LASTMA with the primary goal of enforcing road usage discipline and cleaning up the industry’s soiled image. After that, he recited the rules for how to use the road and established a schedule for gradually eliminating the rickety and shabby buses, which were Lagos’s primary mode of public transportation. He then started the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) program, used in many progressive cities and metropolises worldwide. He also promised that the transportation system in Lagos would change in a record amount of time.

In Lagos, the BRT program is currently very successful and working well. In order to meet the increasing requirements of Lagosians, additional innovations and routes are being added to the program. In addition, smaller yellow buses, despite still being present, are being phased out of Lagos’ roads in favour of the shabby giant molue buses, which are now entirely extinct. Today, Lagos’ streets are cleaner and more accessible, and drivers are more disciplined and responsible when using the roads.

As the first African city to construct and operate its own intra-city rail transportation, Lagos will soon begin intra-city rail transportation near the completion of the blue and red rail lines. In a similar vein, Lagos operates a cutting-edge ferry service that carries hundreds of thousands of commuters daily across the vast waterways of the city. At the moment, Lagos has available land, rail, and water transportation systems; the only state in Nigeria with this right.

All of these factors contribute to the transformation of the transportation system in Lagos, which has not only seen the transportation sector transition from its odious primordial past to a new system that is more friendly, continues to expand by the day and empowers millions of Lagosians. Another way Asiwaju impacted the lives of millions of Lagosians was by establishing additional local government councils.

Asiwaju, a true democrat and a master of wealth-creator, sees the need to use democratic principles to improve people’s lives. He was the first governor to initiate the establishment of other local councils to not only bring governance closer to the people but also to provide viable, life-altering employment opportunities and empower Lagosians. He thought of local councils as a way to reach more people and give them more power.

The PDP federal government did not have the privilege of sharing Asiwaju’s grand vision due to its narrow understanding of governance and abject pettiness. As a result, it repressed Lagos and deceitfully seized the state’s allocations to local government during Asiwaju’s eight years as governor. Asiwaju never let this stop him from filing numerous legal challenges to this offensive act. Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that the action was illegal, the PDP government continued to withhold the Lagos LG allocation, even though he won all of the cases. But this didn’t stop Asiwaju from running the new local councils as the Local Council Development Authority.

The LCDAs are now thriving administrative councils that employ hundreds of thousands of Lagosians and provide various administrative services to the city’s residents. That is Asiwaju’s crucial transformative capacity, mastery of wealth creation, backed by a tremendous drive to complete tasks and achieve results. Because of this, he refused to give in to the bullying tactics of the Obasanjo/PDP federal government, which was determined to sabotage his efforts to establish these additional centres of governance that now significantly boost Lagos’ economy and the fortunes of its residents.

When Asiwaju was elected governor of Lagos, he had a big plan to put an end to the terrible power crisis that hampered the activities of the state power section. He came up with the idea of distributing and producing power in different ways. He then included the American power company, Enron, in the process of privatizing power generation and distribution. The PDP federal government hampered and obstructed the Enron project, claiming that power is on the exclusive list (which only the federal government can operate). Consequently, Nigeria missed out on a significant opportunity for private participation in the power sector, maintaining the hegemony of the state power company. As a result of losing Asiwaju’s initiative, power quality has deteriorated frequently, and the state power company has no solution. If the Enron project had been allowed to flourish, Nigeria would have resolved its intractable power issue by now. Asiwaju knows exactly how the workplace will change in the future, without a doubt. Nigerians can rely on Asiwaju to address the problem of inadequate power supply if he is elected president, using this indicator and other indicators as a timeline for a long-term, one-of-a-kind model of wealth creation for the entire nation.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed grief and deep sorrow over the passing of the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju.

The respected tennis administrator reportedly passed away on Tuesday, 2nd October, in Abuja.

Olopade described Engr. Akindoju’s demise as a monumental loss to the Nigerian sports family, noting that the void created by his death will be felt for many years to come. He praised the late tennis president as a perfect gentleman whose selfless leadership brought steady growth and development to Nigerian tennis.

‘I am still pinching myself not to believe that Engr. Akindoju is no more because of how full of life he was the last time he came to my office. This is a big loss to the tennis family and the country in general.’

‘When you see Engr. Akindoju, you see his selfless passion for Nigerian tennis and how he constantly thinks of how Nigeria can produce the next generation of tennis top players.’

The DG further assured that the Commission will stand firmly with the bereaved family in their time of grief.

‘At this critical time of grief, our hearts are with his family, and as a Commission we will be in constant touch with them for every form of support.’

The head coach of Ghana’s Black Starlets, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has credited mental preparation, tactical discipline and psychological focus as the key factors behind their 2-0 semifinal victory over Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the WAFU-B U17 Championship in Abidjan.

Nigeria, five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, crashed out of the tournament following the defeat on Tuesday night, ending yet another qualification campaign for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations – the only route to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The loss marks the second consecutive time the Golden Eaglets will miss the global stage, a stark contrast to their once-dominant reputation.

Reflecting on the performance, Narteh explained that Ghana’s coaching staff had worked on correcting early mistakes that had plagued the team in previous matches.

‘We prepare them mentally, psychologically, that they need to be very focused throughout the 90 minutes,’ he said. ‘We try as much as possible to make sure that they don’t commit early mistakes like in our previous games, where we had a red card and conceded early goals. Once they are able to do that and travel into the game, they get their confidence and then play.’

The Black Starlets’ coach added that neutralizing Nigeria’s captain was a decisive tactical move.

‘Tactically, we just play their captain out and that was it,’ he stated.

The victory means Ghana will now face Cote d’Ivoire in the WAFU-B final as they push for continental glory after they have both secured tickets to the next Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Narteh further stressed that Ghana’s approach the final completely different from the group stage, where they were previously beaten by the Baby Elephants

He said: ‘It will be a different Ghana – our structure, our mentality, our character, everything will be different,’ he said. ‘We know what to do, go back and prepare ourselves in terms of our mentality, our character, how we need to stay focused on the ball. Tactically, we also have to re-strategize to make sure that we meet them boot for boot.’

Narteh, who manages Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko and serves as assistant coach of Ghana’s CHAN team and is widely respected as a sports psychologist and educationist-attributes that have shaped his coaching philosophy and success at youth level.

Sudan’s army has claimed that it killed several foreign fighters, including Ukrainian mercenaries, during clashes with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Darfur region.

In a statement, the army’s 6th Infantry Division announced it had carried out a ‘special operation’ in Al-Karama Square, El Fasher, which it said inflicted ‘heavy losses’ on RSF units.

Military sources told Russia’s Novosti news agency that among those killed were ‘foreign fighters, including Colombians and Ukrainians,’ who were allegedly supporting the RSF.

The statement said the mercenaries had infiltrated parts of the city and taken positions in tall buildings used by the armed forces.

According to the army, some of the fighters were drone engineers, while others acted as snipers.

The military further said that RSF units attempted to cover the withdrawal of the foreign fighters’ bodies with intensified artillery shelling but failed to retrieve them.

The future is not just something we step into but something to prepare for. True investment goes beyond money; it’s about building a foundation, a legacy that outlives the present and positions us for greater opportunities ahead.

1. Financial literacy and smart money habits: Wealth is sustained by knowledge. Learning about savings, investments, budgeting, and financial planning sets you up for stability and freedom tomorrow. Every coin wisely managed today multiplies in the days to come.

2. Continuous learning and skills development: Industries evolve, technology advances, and opportunities shift. Future-ready people commit to lifelong learning through formal education, online courses, or practical skills. Sharpening your mind is one of the best future-proof investments.

3. Relationships and networking: The connections you nurture today often become bridges to tomorrow’s opportunities. Building authentic, value-driven relationships ensures you’re not just walking into the future alone, but with allies who can support, guide, and inspire.

4. Health and well-being: No matter how much wealth or opportunity you gather, you can’t fully enjoy the future without good health. Investing in proper nutrition, exercise, mental wellness, and rest ensures your body and mind are fit to sustain your vision.

5. Technology and innovation: The future is digital. Whether it’s understanding AI, blockchain, renewable energy, or sustainable practices, positioning yourself within the wave of innovation allows you to ride the tide of progress instead of being swept aside by it.

6. Personal branding and legacy: The name you build today is the reputation people will remember tomorrow. Cultivate integrity, excellence, and consistency. Your personal brand is an investment that will continue to yield dividends in trust, influence, and opportunities.

7. Faith and values: A future without direction is like a ship without a compass. Investing in spiritual growth and strong values ensures you remain grounded no matter how uncertain the times become. Your convictions will guide your decisions and keep you aligned with purpose.

On the final note, the best way to predict the future is to create it. These seven investments are not quick fixes, they are seeds. With time, patience, and persistence, they’ll grow into a tomorrow you’ll be proud to step into.

Remember, the Future you don’t invest in, will be unproductive when it’s time to reap.

Chair of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Raul Yemaren, has urged students to shun cultism and bad groups, to be successful.

He spoke after a march past to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence at Gbaji-Apa Mini Stadium in Badagry.

‘Cultism and bad groups are spoilers of dreams. Desist from them and be good ambassadors of the LCDA”, he said.

He said they should be focused and disciplined.

‘Education is your strongest weapon in shaping future. I assure you this administration will continue to stand by you, investing in your growth and creating opportunities for your dreams to thrive,’ he said.

Yemaren said Independence Day celebration was not just a freedom earned as a nation, but also a renewed strength to build a greater future together.

‘We salute President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is rekindling trust, driving reforms and setting Nigeria on prosperity.

‘Our governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through THEMES+ Agenda, has continued to deliver impactful projects and programmes that touch every sphere of governance, namely transportation, education, health, technology, security and more.

‘Here in Badagry West LCDA, in just a few days in office as your council chairman, I must confess that although we have given you a little, there is indeed more in stock.

”Already, we have embarked on intensive environmental sanitation at Gbaji-Owode Bridge and Yard Crossover Bridge, carried out inspection of projects across our communities; distributed over 250 GCE forms to encourage our students in pursuit of academic excellence; and sustained engagements with heads of security agencies to strengthen partnerships in safeguarding our border communities.

”As part of our modest achievements, we are undertaking building of a primary health centre at Asheri.

”The old structure has been pulled down, additional three plots of land have been acquired, and fencing is ongoing to give our people a befitting health care facility.

”We have also begun the construction of perimeter fencing at Methodist Primary School, Sawa, to ensure safety and protection for our pupils while learning.

”In addition, ground preparations have begun for the building of a befitting CBT Centre at Ganyigbo-Topa.

”To actualise this, the council has bought four plots of land, and work will commence in earnest.

”This project will place our students on a competitive edge in examinations and digital opportunities,” he said.

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.