Author: Abimbola Ogunaike

By Segun Adewale in Gombe Ashaka Cement Company and Maiganga community in Gombe State have signed a five-year Community Development Agreement aimed at strengthening relations between the company and its host community while promoting sustainable development and improving residents’ welfare. The agreement was signed yesterday at the Gombe State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, with representatives of the company and the community committing to honouring their respective obligations. In his remarks during the ceremonial signing of the agreement, the Managing Director of Ashaka Cement Company, Ibrahim Aminu, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with its host communities…

Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden edition of its GirlChild Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” bringing together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.  Held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programme featured sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social relationships and interactions, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for their personal, educational and future career journeys. The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, reflects Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young girls and helping them make informed choices about their futures. In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Umeoji urged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and remain focused and disciplined. Drawing on examples of young girls who have achieved remarkable feats, she challenged them to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the women they aspire to become. “To all my amazing young ladies here today, each of you possesses gifts, talents, and ideas that are capable of revolutionising the world. You can revolutionise the world with your ideas,” she said. The GMD/CEO further encouraged the girls to explore their interests and resist societal limitations, stressing the importance of taking ownership of their futures. “Never allow gender or age to limit your goals. Whatever interests you today, explore it. Whatever you choose to pursue in life, give it your best shot,” she said. Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the participants that challenges need not define their futures and that their worth extends beyond academic results and external expectations. “Every time you affirm the truth about who you are, you are building confidence. Every time the tide of life goes out and you are still standing, you are building resilience. And every time you use your gifts for another person, you are discovering your purpose,” Olori Atuwatse III said. The programme featured interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals and personalities: Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, discussed confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette. Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries. Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving, responsible money management and investment, highlighting the importance of developing sound financial habits early. While Nigerian filmmaker, creative executive and educator, Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication. The sessions encouraged active participation, giving the girls opportunities to ask questions and engage with the speakers on issues relevant to their experiences and aspirations. The programme also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners. The participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the lively atmosphere. The event was hosted by Temi Badru, public speaker, communications coach and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host. Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the GMD/CEO’s vision for the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to sustaining its impact. “The programme is the vision of our GMD/CEO, who conceived and championed it, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the girl child. Through her leadership, she has shown the girls what is possible when a woman dares to lead. At Zenith Bank, our commitment to the girl child extends beyond today, and we will continue to nurture their aspirations through this annual initiative,” she said. Dr. Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their aspirations with determination. The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls through programmes including its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses through business support and access to credit at discounted rates. Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending this commitment to a younger generation, equipping girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.

The Super Falcons produced a clinical second-leg display on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026, defeating Comoros 5-0 in Ikenne to secure a 7-0 aggregate victory in the second round of the 2028 Olympics Women’s Football Tournaments qualifiers. Following a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture, interim coach Augustine Eguavoen’s side controlled proceedings early. Gift Monday came close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute after breaking through on goal, but her attempt to round the Comoros goalkeeper was botched. Nigeria suffered a setback in the 28th minute when skipper Rasheedat Ajibade was forced off following a heavy collision. Folashade Ijamilusi…

The 2026 edition of the annual Lagos Women Run event has been scheduled to take place on November 14. The 10km race, which is the 11th edition will attract women runners from all parts of the country and across the world. Registration has been ongoing for the event since August and till date, the organisers are still receiving entries from all parts. Coordinator of the big event, Tayo Popoola, told our correspondent on Monday that the countdown for the 2026 edition started on Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 which is exactly one month to the event. She stated this after a…

Ahead of 2027 general elections, the PBAT Door-to-door Movement on Tuesday, 13 October, 2026 hosted its massive Lagos State rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr. Kadri Hamzat and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena , formerly Onikan Stadium, reports thegazellenews.com. The high-profile event officially launched the grassroots 2027 mobilization drive, centered around the distribution and presentation of branded campaign vehicles and materials. Organized under the banner of the PBAT Door-to-door Movement, heavily backed by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)—the initiative is designed…

Video Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/rsuld2_oyB8?si=0pFRL1CUoKOhoVzJ Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran JANDOR, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement, has rebranded his campaign office to renew his support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the election of Dr. Kadri Hamzat as Governor of Lagos State in the 2027 general elections. The move underscores JANDOR’s commitment to party unity, strategic mobilisation and the shared responsibility of party stakeholders to consolidate the APC’s gains at the federal and state levels. It also reflects a deliberate alignment with the party’s political direction and its aim to strengthen its structures,…

By: Dr. James Bwala Today, October 12, 2026, marks a remarkable moment in the history of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The emergence of Professor Faruk Buba as the new Chief Medical Director is not merely an administrative transition; it is a significant development that inspires hope, confidence, and renewed commitment among the hospital’s staff, patients, stakeholders, and the wider community. This important appointment is a recognition of his professional excellence, leadership capacity, dedication to service, and years of meaningful contributions to the medical profession. Professor Faruk Buba has fought a good fight. Through perseverance, competence, discipline, and an…

New findings from the largest-ever study of Lassa fever disease burden are expected to shape vaccine research, outbreak preparedness and community engagement across West Africa, as health authorities and research partners move to address critical gaps in understanding the disease. The findings from the ENABLE Lassa Programme, recently published in The Lancet Global Health, are expected to inform the next phase of vaccine development and regional strategies for tackling the disease, which remains a persistent public health threat across the sub-region. The West African Health Organisation (WAHO), in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and other partners,…

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received 105 Nigerians rescued from cybercrime operations in Ghana, as authorities intensify cross-border efforts to dismantle criminal networks exploiting vulnerable people through deceptive recruitment and overseas employment schemes. The returnees were among 119 Nigerians rescued in a coordinated operation against cybercrime syndicates by Ghanaian authorities, with the remaining 14 still undergoing processing for repatriation, according to NAPTIP. The operation, according to a statement on Monday by the spokesman of NAPTIP, Vincent Adekoye was coordinated by Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) following contact from Ghana’s Cyber…

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Federal Government to increase funding for mental healthcare, expand health insurance coverage and enforce safeguards against the discrimination and abuse of persons living with mental health conditions, warning that existing laws and policies must translate into accessible services and tangible protection. The commission also raised concerns over the growing mental health needs of Nigerians affected by terrorism, abductions, displacement, gender-based violence and other humanitarian emergencies, stressing that psychological trauma must be addressed as part of the country’s broader human rights response. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made…