President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Lagos on Monday, January 6, for Accra, the capital of the Republic of Ghana, to attend the inauguration of President-elect John Dramani Mahama on January 7.
Mahama, who served as the 12th president of Ghana between 2011 and 2017, was reelected in December 2024. He will succeed President Nana Akuffo-Addo( 2017-2025).
Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) In a statement said President Tinubu’s trip to Accra is at the invitation of the president-elect, who had visited the Nigerian leader earlier in December.
Onanuga said Mahama and President Tinubu have a longstanding personal relationship, just like Nigeria and Ghana maintain a longstanding bilateral relationship.
He said President Tinubu, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, will join other African leaders at the ceremony.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term.
In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
In a notice to journalists, the organisation said its members agreed to give Okonjo-Iweala a second term after a general council meeting today.
“Her second four-year term, which was approved at a special General Council meeting, will begin on 1 September 2025,” WTO added.
“DG Okonjo-Iweala took office as Director-General in March 2021 and is the first African and the first woman to serve as head of the organization.”
Okonjo-Iweala had announced her intention to seek another four-year term as the head of the organisation on September 16.
The announcement came more than a month after 58 member countries supported a proposal from the African Group of WTO for her to head the organisation for another term.
In a bid to enhance ease of doing business, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on Wednesday, launched an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) Code *829# specifically targetted at improving taxpayers’ satisfaction.
FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, launched the code at the Revenue House in Abuja as part of activities making this year’s Customer Service Week which has the theme Above and Beyond.
The initiative makes Nigeria the sixth African country to deploy USSD code for simplifying tax payment processes.
A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said taxpayers on any mobile telecommunication network in the country can now get across to FIRS real-time on issues relating to retrieval of Taxpayers Identification Number (TIN), verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and as well as get answers to general tax-related inquiries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Adedeji said the instant messaging protocol demonstrated further commitment of the agency to simplifying tax administration and ensuring that “every taxpayer—whether in bustling cities or remote areas—can engage with FIRS seamlessly.”
He called on taxpayers to enjoy the benefits that the USSD code offers and utilise the code for all their enquiries.
“With the *829# USSD code, taxpayers now have the power to: retrieve their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), verify their Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC), access information on tax types and rates, locate the nearest FIRS office, and get answers to general tax-related inquiries.
“Without the need for internet access, all of these services are now available with a simple mobile phone. This technological leap reflects our dedication to creating a tax system that is efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of taxpayers”, he said.
The agency also launched Customer Centricity Guide, a booklet containing policies, processes and procedures to ensure that FIRS keeps the taxpayers in their rightful position as ‘kings.’
“Equally important is the unveiling of the Customer Centricity Guide. This guide embodies our commitment to putting taxpayers at the centre of our service delivery.
“It outlines the principles and values that will drive our interactions with taxpayers by ensuring that every engagement is defined by respect, professionalism, and efficiency.
“The guide serves as a reminder to us all that the taxpayer is not just a client, but a valued partner in nation-building. Through the combination of the *829# USSD code and the Customer Centricity Guide, we are reinforcing a culture of service excellence and making tax compliance not just a duty but an experience that fosters trust and voluntary participation.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I encourage everyone to make full use of the *829# service and embrace the Customer Centricity Guide. Your feedback will be crucial as we continue to enhance these services and meet the evolving needs of our taxpayers,” he said.
The national coordinator of Servicom, Nnenna Akajemeli, praised the effort of the FIRS towards taxpayers’ satisfaction, noting that the efforts are evident.
“There are many things to congratulate the FIRS on. One is the launch of the USSD code *829# and the customer centricity guide. These initiatives which are simplifying tax and ensuring that citizens and taxpayers are delighted at the quality of service you render,” she said.
FIRS Director, Taxpayers’ Service Department, Loveth Onanuga noted the agency recognized that customer-centricity means more than just satisfying customers’ basic wants, but also going “above and beyond what customers anticipate and astonishing them with great service” in line with the theme of the week.
GTCO, a global leading financial institution, has refuted the allegations report on the business activities, results and its Executive management.
This was contained in a statement made available by the Corporation, the statement further said, based on the incessant release of false news reports on GTCO’s business activities, Results and its Management Team.
The statement reads” it has become necessary to set the records straight and dispel attempts by certain groups to create a false narrative about the GTCO Brand and its Management”
“The false news articles which are being sponsored using the media, center around baseless allegations against the Group’s business activities and its Executive Management”
The statement also stated that being a responsible corporate citizen and a first class institution, GTCO Plc has taken swift and decisive legal actions against the various sources of these false reports, and will continue to use the full extent of the rule of law available to safeguard its reputation.
“We urge all our Customers, Shareholders and Stakeholders to kindly disregard all the allegations being peddled through various media platforms and handles” “All, of our Executive Management team continue to operate in their full capacities as appointed and are not under any financial or regulatory scrutiny as alleged” GTCO said.
In a heartfelt and emotionally charged meeting, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Governor, brought together the staff of the office to offer comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. With the sudden passing of her mother, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, still weighing heavily on the hearts of many, Mrs. Obareki sought to restore hope and motivate the team to continue working towards the goals her mother held so dear.
Addressing the staff, Mrs. Obareki acknowledged the profound shock of losing the beloved First Lady, a woman whose passion and unwavering support for Governor Umo Eno endeared her to the people of Akwa Ibom. Her mother’s legacy, built upon compassion, service, and a vision for the well-being of the state, is one that Mrs. Obareki is determined to carry forward.
“It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today,” she began. “I take on this role not only as a duty but as a tribute to my mother and role model, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who devoted her life to serving this state and supporting her ‘Golden Boy,’ as she so fondly referred to my father. Her spirit of loyalty, love, and unyielding dedication will guide us as we continue the work she started.”
Mrs. Obareki’s appointment as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady comes at a pivotal moment, as Akwa Ibom moves forward under the transformative leadership of Governor Umo Eno. With the ARISE Agenda at the forefront of the Governor’s vision for a greater future, Mrs. Obareki emphasized that her role is to ensure that the programs initiated by her late mother remain a vital part of that vision. She reassured the team that the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), which focuses on the welfare of the vulnerable, along with the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, would not only continue but expand under her stewardship.
“My assignment is clear,” she declared. “I am here to support the Governor’s vision for a brighter, more prosperous Akwa Ibom. Our work is crucial to realizing his dreams for the people of this state, and I am counting on your dedication and creativity to help us achieve this. I urge you all to stay honest, diligent, and committed to your responsibilities. Together, we can make a lasting impact.”
In a display of compassion and solidarity, Mrs. Obareki invited the staff to share their thoughts and ideas on how the office could continue to thrive in the wake of such a great loss. She encouraged an atmosphere of open communication, asking each staff member to contribute their unique perspectives to enhance the office’s impact.
“The door is always open for new ideas,” she assured them. “Your contributions are not just welcome; they are necessary as we strive to uphold the values my mother embodied and the vision my father champions.”
The meeting also featured a moment of collective reflection, as prayers were offered for Mrs. Obareki, her family, and the entire staff, asking for strength and guidance in this new chapter of leadership.
Later in the day, Mrs. Obareki joined her father, Governor Umo Eno, and her siblings to welcome the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) delegation, led by Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, who came to offer their condolences at the Hilltop Mansion. The visit from the NGF, coming so soon after the swearing-in of the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Councils, was yet another reminder of the deep bonds of support that extend beyond politics and across Nigeria.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Obareki affirmed her commitment to ensuring that the initiatives, both local and national, including the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) championed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would continue to flourish, serving families and communities across Akwa Ibom.
With passion and purpose, Mrs. Helen Obareki steps into this role not only as a daughter honoring her mother’s memory but as a leader determined to continue her family’s legacy of service to the people of Akwa Ibom. Through her leadership, the values of compassion, resilience, and dedication to the greater good will remain the cornerstone of the office’s work, ensuring that the vision for a better Akwa Ibom lives on.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to swiftly arrest suspected political thugs allegedly behind the burning of some local government secretariats in the state.
The Speaker, Mr Victor Oko-Jumbo, made the call on Monday during the plenary session of the house, while condemning the wanton destruction of government facilities by yet-to-be-identified individuals.
He said there were pockets of violence at some council secretariats believed to be orchestrated by suspected political thugs.
He expressed his displeasure at the unfortunate development, saying Governor Siminalayi Fubara had put in so much effort to restore peace in the state.
“The governor, in the pursuit for peace, had demonstrated an exceptional resilience in the face of provocations and we expect cooperation from well-meaning statesmen in that regard.
“For us lawmakers, we have also contributed our quota in terms of quality legislations geared towards engendering peace and development for the state.
“I think, at this point, the police should step up its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property in the state,” Oko-Jumbo said.
From left: Winner, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State; and Executive Director, South Business, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; at the prize presentation ceremony of the Fidelity Reorganized Read2Lead Writing Competition held in Lagos recently.
A student of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi, has won N2 million cash, a publishing deal worth N2 million and another N2 million to upgrade her school’s library after emerging the star prize winner of the inaugural edition of the Fidelity Bank organized Read2Lead writing competition. This was disclosed at the competition’s prize presentation event held in Lagos over the weekend.
Welcoming guests to the event, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, the Executive Director of South Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, who represented Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative was created to unlock the creative potentials of students and help them become better positioned for successful careers.
“All over the world, young people are driving change through innovation and Nigeria is no exception. As a Bank, we believe in the transformative power of education in changing the fortunes of any nation. It is this belief that led us to organize the Read2Lead initiative. By fostering the fundamental yet crucial skill of reading and writing from a young age, we aim to empower children to face academic challenges confidently and solve life problems skillfully.
“The Read2Lead initiative, therefore, encapsulates our approach to instilling a culture of reading and writing among young people. As highlighted by the esteemed American journalist, critic, and social reformer, Margaret Fuller, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader”; we believe that igniting our youths’ imagination early can unlock their potential and set them on a path to success”, explained Onyeali-Ikpe.
The prize presentation ceremony had in attendance the representative of the Ogun State Commissioner of Education, management staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, the top 30 students from the competition, their parents, teachers, colleagues and media personalities.
“When I started, I didn’t know I would emerge a finalist in the competition. I just decided to participate because I love writing. This was the first competition that I saw that asked for a fictional essay. As that is what I like, I decided to write. I want to thank Fidelity Bank for coming up with this initiative as it is a really good and creative competition”, disclosed an elated Miss Ogunyemi.
In a surprising twist of events, Miss Mfeheke Okoko and Miss Daniella Orji, also of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, took home cash prizes for N1.5million and N1million for emerging the first and second-runners up respectively in the competition which saw students from across Nigeria compete in three phases of writing challenges.
In the first stage of the initiative, tagged, “The National Writing Showdown”, over 3,000 students were tasked with a creative writing task for a spot among the top 150 writers.
In the second stage known as “The Sweeta Writing Mastery”, the top 150 participants were given a novel to read and requested to write an alternate ending for the book for chance to join the top 30 finalists.
In the third and final stage themed, “The Author’s Workshop”, the top 30 students were enrolled in an immersive writing boot camp anchored by experienced writers and facilitators who selected the top three finalists.
Majority of the lawmakers at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday supported the Market Authority Bill currently being considered by the legislators.
The bill scaled second reading on the floor of the House with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, committing it to the House Committee on Local Government. The committee is expected to report back to the House in two weeks.
The bill, if passed, aims to provide for the registration, formation, organisation and operation of market operations in the State.
Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, chairman of the local government committee, said the bill tries to address some anomalies in the extant law and would make it mandatory for all markets to be duly registered.
His colleague, Rauf Age-Suleiman, noted that the composition of the board of the bill is all-encompassing.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, noted that the Iyaloja-General belongs in the Market Advisory Council as captured in the bill. As such, it would amount to dual roles if she is added to the Market Board.
On his part, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh said the bill makes it mandatory for the appointment of the board members to be ratified by the House. He also noted that the bill would help to scrap situations where traders arbitrarily apportion titles to themselves.
“Clause 18 talks about an advisory board which the Iyaloja-General is going to be heading. That tells us that our Iyaloja is in a better position to give the necessary advice,” he said.
While Hon. Stephen Ogundipe said the proposed law would be appreciated by Lagosians, his colleague, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, urged that the bill should make it necessary for only honest people to gain positions.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Aro Moshood emphasised that the bill ensures the cleanliness of markets, their effective management and takes care of gridlocks caused by the activities of traders and buyers.
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has donated maternity kits to pregnant women in Aiyetoro, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State. This donation is part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts under the Fidelity Helping Hands Program (FHHP).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Crestcore Inductees Class, underscores the bank’s dedication to supporting local communities. Through FHHP, Fidelity Bank Plc’s staff identify impactful projects in their communities and raise funds to support them. The bank’s management matches these contributions, amplifying their reach and impact.
The handover ceremony was held at Aiyetoro Primary Health Centre, Wright Street, Adekunle, Yaba. Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head of Brand & Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, presented the maternity kits to the community.
Dr. Nwagboh highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “At Fidelity Bank, we recognize that ‘health is wealth,’ and without good health, it is difficult to pursue one’s dreams and aspirations. Unfortunately, financial barriers often prevent women from seeking crucial ante-natal care. This has been fingered as a leading cause of maternal mortality.
“That is why we are in the Aiyetoro Community today to provide essential maternity kits to economically disadvantaged expectant mothers. Our hope is that this donation encourages more women to attend ante-natal appointments.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Medical Officer of Health for Yaba LCDA, Dr. S.O. Oredein, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community.
“Fidelity Bank has once again proven to be a bank that cares deeply about the well-being of the people. By providing these maternity kits, the bank is encouraging more expectant mothers to visit health centers, thus helping to reduce maternal mortality”, explained Dr. Oredein.
The donation of maternity kits in Aiyetoro LCDA, Yaba, falls under Fidelity Bank’s Health/Social Welfare CSR pillar. Other pillars in the bank’s CSR strategy include Education, Youth Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability.
One of the beneficiaries, Sekinat Aderoju, expressed her joy, saying, “We are truly grateful for Fidelity Bank’s support. Receiving these maternity kits will ease the financial burden and help us prepare for safe deliveries.”
Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.
The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has pledged the support of the House for the Nigerian Army with the goal of sustaining the peace experienced in the State.
Dr. Obasa gave the assurance on Thursday when he received Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola, 48th Commander of the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, who visited the House of Assembly with his team.
According to the Speaker, the State’s legislature with 40 lawmakers is committed to ensuring peace and stability in all the local government areas of Lagos and welcomes every support from the right quarters in this regard.
“I want to assure you of our total support. Our arms are wide open. When you need us, all you have to do is just call on us. We are at the House of Assembly to protect the people’s interests, their rights and ensure they do what they are supposed to do.
“We love peace in Lagos, which you can call a mini-Nigeria. And with your coming, we hope to sustain the peace we have in the State.
“Our interest is to prosper Lagos economically, socio-politically and in infrastructure,” the Speaker said while commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his policies that have kept the State growing.
Obasa used the opportunity to hail men of the military who, he described as gallant, for their dedication and loyalty to Nigeria. He specially commended the military men tackling insecurities in some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast.
Speaking earlier, Brigadier General Oyekola said he was in the House to associate with the representatives of the people of Lagos who he and his men are mandated to protect.
Noting that he was returning to Lagos 20 years after he left the State, he said Lagos is peaceful and that this status needed to be sustained.
He solicited the support of Lagosians for the Army, which he called the third layer of protection with the Nigeria Police Force as the first layer.
“Wearing this uniform does not make us different from the people. We are first civilians before becoming men in uniforms,” he said.
General Oyekola resumed at the Brigade’s Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos on August 21, 2024 after previously serving as Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI.
