The Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Agricultural Extension Officers across the state as a demonstration of its determination to boost agricultural extension services in the state. The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers on Tuesday, noted that they serve as links between researchers and farmers. According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
The trial of Willie Obiano, former governor of Anambra State, continued on Monday, February 24, 2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC presenting its 9th witness. Obiano is facing prosecution by the EFCC on nine-count charges of embezzlement and money laundering to the tune of N4 billion. At Monday`s proceedings, the EFCC called Prosecution Witness 9, PW9, Andrew Ali, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Head of the License office who revealed that three companies out of the 23 company accounts connected with the alleged N4 billion fraud were not duly licensed…
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with development partners and financial institutions, have empowered over 500 community women with essential financial literacy, entrepreneurship training, and access to vital financial services for them to be self-independent.The women were empowered during advocacy programmes held on different days in five communities in Lagos State with over 100 women from each community.The beneficiaries were drawn from Odomola Community, Epe; Amukoko Community, Ajeromi Ifelodun; Ojojo Community, Kosofe; Oke Ira Community, Ojodu and Ojora Badia Community, Apapa Iganmu.The advocacy programme tagged “Promoting Human Capital Development through Advocacy for Women’s Financial Inclusion in the hard-to-reach communities” is…
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), a leading financial services institution renowned for its innovative approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement, on Sunday, 23 February, 2025, announced the launch of its “Waste for Gas” project to improve quality of life for households and empower women in underserved communities. This transformative initiative aims to distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State. The Waste for Gas project underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for people and communities. By providing households with gas-powered cooking, the initiative simplifies daily…
Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB), a subsidiary of Airtel Nigeria, has been recognised as the Outstanding Payment Service Bank of the Year 2024 (Fintech) at the New Telegraph Awards, reaffirming its continued growth and reach of the PSB within the last year. The award ceremony, which took place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Friday, 21 February, 2025, celebrated Smartcash PSB’s commitment to providing seamless, secure, and inclusive financial solutions aimed at driving financial inclusion across Nigeria. During his welcome address, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu, emphasized the need to recognize individuals and organizations…
Students of the premier University in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan have commended the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, for his intervention that led to the restoration of electricity supply to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. In a letter of appreciation to the Minister by the student union, signed by its President, Aweda Bolaji; and General Secretary, Ogundijo Dolapo Japheth; the students said his prompt response has demonstrated the Minister’s commitment to keeping his word, which they were grateful for. “On behalf of the students of the University of Ibadan, we write to…
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside a delegation of key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector, recently concluded a three-day strategic visit to Japan to strengthen bilateral energy partnership, facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The visit served as a critical platform to engage with Japanese energy leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, with a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s power infrastructure, improving grid reliability, and exploring innovative energy solutions. Key Engagements & Strategic Learnings During the visit, the Honorable Minister and the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level discussions and technical sessions, gaining insights into Japan’s energy market structure, policy…
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu was honoured with a prestigious Certificate of Recognition in recognition of his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainable development initiatives. His innovative contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing the progress of Lagos State, enhancing its infrastructure, and promoting economic growth. In a related commendation, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, received an award from the California Legislature recently. This recognition highlighted her outstanding efforts in promoting the rich cultural heritage and vast tourism opportunities of Lagos State. Her support for local artists and musicians has…
Legendary pop/R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, who was launched to stardom in the early ’70s by the Grammy-winning hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died, according to a statement from her rep. No cause of death was cited; she was 88. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement reads. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” The classically trained singer-pianist only belatedly found fame when Clint Eastwood employed her…
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has extended its Help the Girl Child programme to Oguta in Imo State and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of its efforts to promote the education of girls in the Niger Delta region. This initiative aims to educate and inspire young girls on the importance of education, self-worth, and the need to pursue their aspirations confidently. Speaking at the Oguta Civic Centre in Imo State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, highlighted the Commission’s dedication to human capital development. Ogbuku, represented by the Director of Education, Health, and Social Services, EHSS, Dr George…