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SP Abimbola Adebisi Assumes Duty as New Lagos Police PRO

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SP Abimbola Adebisi Assumes Duty as New Lagos Police PRO

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the formal assumption of duty by Superintendent of Police, SP Abimbola Adebisi as the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), following her appointment by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

SP Adebisi succeeds in her role with a strong blend of academic, professional, and operational expertise. A graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education with a BA (Ed) in English Language and Literature, she also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, as well as a Master’s degree in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria.

Her professional training spans child protection, human rights, psychology, and conflict management. Notably, she is an alumna of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana, where she earned a Certificate in Child Protection. She also attended the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos.

Beyond her academic and professional qualifications, SP Adebisi is actively involved in global and local professional networks. She is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the International Association of Women Police (IAWP), and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Her career has seen her serve in key administrative and operational roles, including Staff Officer to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Police, Special Protection Unit (SPU). Most recently, she was the Police Public Relations Liaison Officer at the SPU, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Welcoming her into her new role, the Lagos State Command expressed confidence in her ability to consolidate the existing relationship between the Police and the public. The Command assured that she would strengthen communication with the press and build trust with Lagos residents in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police.

SP Adebisi has also made her official contact details public, reaffirming her commitment to transparency and accessibility. She can be reached via 09055390070 or email at abimbola.adebisi001@gmail.com for media inquiries and official correspondence.

Fidelity Bank Commences Disbursement of FGN MSME Intervention Funds

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blacktalker
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Fidelity Bank Grows Q1 Gross Earnings by 38% to N434.95bn

Fidelity Bank Plc has begun the disbursement of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) MSME Intervention Funds, administered by the Bank of Industry (BOI), with a strategic emphasis on supporting women-owned businesses across the country.

The scheme, designed to provide affordable financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in all 36 states, aligns with Fidelity Bank’s longstanding commitment to inclusive economic growth and SME empowerment.

By prioritizing women entrepreneurs in this phase, the bank is underscoring the vital role of women-led enterprises in driving sustainable development, innovation, and job creation.

“As a bank deeply committed to the growth of SMEs, we are proud to partner with the Federal Government and the Bank of Industry on this critical intervention,” said Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc. “For this phase, we are placing women at the forefront because we recognize their resilience, innovation, and pivotal contributions to wealth creation and employment generation in Nigeria.”

To ensure smooth implementation, Fidelity Bank has set up a robust framework leveraging its 255 business offices nationwide, digital banking platforms, and experienced relationship managers to reach entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas.

The bank’s role in the intervention complements its recent initiatives in the SME sector. In June, Fidelity launched the Fidelity SME Empowerment Programme (FSEP) at its Gbagada SME Hub in Lagos, providing 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems, business software, inventory support, branding training, and post-installation monitoring at no cost.

Earlier in May 2025, Fidelity also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to deliver SME-friendly financing, capacity-building support, and expanded market access.

“Our vision goes beyond financing. We are building an ecosystem of support for SMEs by offering capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and market access,” Ede added. “Women entrepreneurs, in particular, will benefit from a larger share of the fund as part of our broader strategy to promote gender inclusion.”

With the intervention fund, Fidelity Bank aims to expand access to affordable financing and deepen its impact on Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, fostering resilience, sustainable growth, and employment opportunities nationwide.

Ranked among Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, Fidelity Bank serves over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, branch network, and UK subsidiary. The bank has won multiple awards in recognition of its contributions to digital transformation and SME support, including “Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria” by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

Nigeria Beer Festival Partners Lagos for Bigger Detty December Celebration

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blacktalker
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Nigeria Beer Festival Partners Lagos for Bigger Detty December Celebration

Lagos is gearing up for a December to remember as the Nigeria Beer Festival returns in grand style, this time in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

Scheduled for December 2025, the event has officially been added to the state’s celebrated Detty December calendar, promising a bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating edition.

The festival, beyond celebrating beer, will spotlight Nigeria’s cultural heritage, brewing traditions, and community spirit. Thousands of enthusiasts from craft brewers and commercial beer makers to music lovers and foodies are expected to converge for an energetic blend of beer tastings, culinary showcases, live entertainment, and cultural expression.

Coordinator of the Nigeria Beer Festival, Akinola Oluwaleimu, described it as “a celebration of all things beer, a melting pot of culture, creativity, and community.” He noted that the festival will feature live music, interactive beer experiences, and opportunities for guests to connect with master brewers and innovators.

“It’s not just about drinking beer, it’s about discovering the stories, the craftsmanship, and the cultural value behind every brew,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to build a community of responsible beer lovers who appreciate the richness of our brewing traditions.”

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its support, with Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, noting that the event aligns with the state’s broader tourism and cultural agenda.

“The Nigeria Beer Festival is a strategic platform that aligns perfectly with our Detty December vision, one that promotes tourism, culture, and economic growth,” Aregbe said. “We are building on the massive success of last year’s edition, which attracted over 1.2 million fun-seekers, and we are poised to make 2025 even more impactful.”

The festival is expected to significantly boost local businesses, tourism, and the hospitality sector, further cementing Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s cultural heartbeat.

From the clink of glasses to the rhythm of Afrobeat, organizers say this year’s festival will deliver unforgettable moments for both beer lovers and casual revelers, a true celebration of Nigeria’s brewing legacy and Lagos’s growing global appeal.

Anambra Emerges Best Southern State in Fiscal Performance, Ranks Third in Nigeria

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blacktalker
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Governor Soludo Calls for Preservation of Igbo Culture at Iwaji Festival

Anambra State under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has emerged the best among the Southern States in fiscal performance according to the 2024 State of States Report in Fiscal Performance Ranking of Budget.

The feat was attained due to the sterling performance of Governor Soludo, who has attained numerous achievements in his short time in office, with avalanche of projects that clinched him accolades and popularity among the citizens, who sees the governor as “The Solution,” and “the “Jinx Breaker.”

In the states’ ranking, Cross River and Kwara broke into the top 5, joining Rivers, Lagos and Anambra, while Ebonyi and Kaduna, which featured in the Top 5 in 2023, dropped off the list. At the bottom, Jigawa replaced Zamfara.

This recognition stems from Governor Soludo’s incredible leadership and governance which has led to infrastructure and transformation in vital sectors of the state’s economy including security, by reducing crime through strategic interventions through the state’s security system called Agunechemba and technology-driven policing, as well as the Operation Udo Ga-Achi operatives; in infrastructure with massive road construction and urban renewal projects across the state; and education, by overhauling the public school system, implementing free education policy and recruiting 8,115 teachers.

Governor Soludo’s transformation drive is also evident in the health sector, by building five new general hospitals, upgrading others, hiring new doctors and nurses, and granting free antenatal services to women; and in the area of economic growth by attracting investments, industrialisation, agriculture, and empowering youths through digital training for human capital development, among others.

These achievements earned the governor the Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year Award for good governance, on Friday, 11th April 2025, The Sun Newspaper ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ for his laudable achievements, and the Independent Newspaper ‘Governor of the Year 2024’ Award for his urban renewal initiatives.

Governor Soludo has also emerged as the best-performing governor in primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria in 2024, the best in the Southeast region, and the best overall nationally. The award was presented to him by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF), among other laurels.

Olapeju Ibekwe Joins Board of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria Ahead UNGA 80

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blacktalker
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Olapeju Ibekwe Joins Board of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria Ahead UNGA 80

Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, has been appointed to the Board of the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, UNGCNN, in recognition of her leadership in advancing sustainable development across Africa.

The appointment, announced through the UNGCNN’s official channels, comes ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Ibekwe is expected to join global leaders in exploring new strategies for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Under her leadership, Sterling One Foundation has expanded its influence across Africa, forging global partnerships and implementing programs in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and youth development. Thousands of beneficiaries have been reached, while policy and private-sector collaborations driven by the foundation continue to strengthen sustainable solutions on the continent.

Experts highlight the timing of her appointment as critical. With just 15% of the SDGs on track globally and Africa facing an estimated $200 billion annual financing gap, Ibekwe’s role is expected to reinforce the need for political will, effective cross-sector collaboration, and bold private-sector participation.

Reacting to the announcement, Ibekwe described the opportunity as “a platform to strengthen the localisation of the SDGs,” a mission she has consistently pursued through Sterling One Foundation’s initiatives and advocacy.

Her appointment also deepens alignment with the UN Global Compact’s principles and the African Union’s Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) 2030 initiative, both of which prioritize inclusive growth and responsible private-sector engagement.

Observers note that the development further validates the role of high-level convenings like the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), which Ibekwe has championed as a platform to unite governments, businesses, and civil society in accelerating Africa’s progress.

With her grassroots experience and continental outlook, Ibekwe’s presence on the UNGCNN Board is expected to bring an African perspective to global conversations, reinforcing the narrative that the continent is not merely a recipient of aid but a driver of innovative solutions for sustainable development.

The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria is the local chapter of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, mobilizing businesses and organizations to adopt responsible practices and actively contribute to achieving the SDGs.

LASU Releases Approved Academic Calendar for 2025/2026 Academic Session

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blacktalker
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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has granted executive approval for the Academic Calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This approval follows the recommendation of the Committee of Provost, Deans, and Directors (COPDD), made during its meeting held on Thursday, 11th September 2025.

According to the approved schedule, the first semester will commence with a three-week registration period for new students, starting from Monday, 15th September to Friday, 3rd October 2025.

Returning students are expected to resume on Monday, 6th October 2025, which also marks the beginning of lectures for both new and returning students.

Lectures will run for eleven weeks until Friday, 19th December 2025, after which the university will observe a two-week end-of-year break from Monday, 22nd December 2025 to Friday, 2nd January 2026.

Academic activities will resume on Monday, 5th January 2026 with a week set aside for revision and late registration students registering during this period will be required to pay a penalty fee of ₦5,000. The first semester examinations are scheduled to take place from Monday, 12th January to Friday, 6th February 2026.

This will be followed by two weeks of grading and result uploads, from Monday, 9th to Friday, 20th February. Consideration and processing of results at the departmental and faculty levels, along with Senate approval, will take place between Monday, 23rd and Friday, 27th February 2026.

In total, new students will spend 24 weeks in the first semester, while returning students will spend 21 weeks.

The second semester is set to begin on Monday, 2nd March 2026, with lectures and registration for all students continuing for 12 weeks until Friday, 22nd May. Examinations will run for two weeks from Monday, 25th May to Friday, 5th June 2026.

This will be followed by grading and uploading of results from Monday, 8th to Friday, 19th June. Faculty-level processing and corrections will occur the following week, with final collation and Senate approval of results scheduled for Monday, 29th June to Friday, 3rd July 2026.

The second semester is expected to last for a total of 20 weeks, after which the end-of-session break will begin on Monday, 6th July 2026. The sessional break will last for three months, ending on Friday, 2nd October. The new academic session for 2026/2027 will officially commence on Monday, 6th October 2026.

Wema Bank Surpasses CBN Recapitalization Requirement with ₦150bn Rights Issue

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blacktalker
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Wema Bank Plc has successfully completed its ₦150 billion Rights Issue, securing approvals from both the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

With this milestone, the bank has surpassed the ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement set by the CBN for commercial banks with national authorization.

The Rights Issue, which opened on April 14 and closed on May 21, 2025, was undertaken as part of the bank’s compliance with the apex bank’s recapitalization directive.

In addition to the Rights Issue, Wema Bank also concluded a ₦50 billion Private Placement, currently awaiting regulatory review. This additional capital further raises the bank’s financial buffer, enhancing its shock-absorption capacity and positioning it for long-term growth.

Commenting on the achievement, Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, expressed confidence in the institution’s strengthened position.

“As a growth-driven Bank, the industry recapitalization requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the ₦200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders,” Oseni said.

He added that the bank does not take the confidence of shareholders for granted and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering optimum value to every stakeholder.

The conclusion of these capital-raising initiatives, according to the bank, strengthens its prudential position and provides a solid foundation for stability and resilience. It also signals strong investor confidence in Wema Bank’s governance, financial performance, and strategic outlook.

With its expanded capital base, Wema Bank has pledged to continue supporting customers, driving innovation in the Nigerian banking sector, and contributing to the stability of the nation’s financial system. The bank also reiterated its commitment to regulatory compliance and prudent risk management practices.

Police Arrest Self-Acclaimed “Obi of Lagos” Over Alleged ₦1.5bn Palace Fraud

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blacktalker
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Lagos Police Debunks Alleged Attempt to Release Foreign Suspect in Child Abuse Case

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Engr. Chibuike Azubike, a 65-year-old man who recently proclaimed himself the “Obi of Lagos” and announced plans to unveil a prototype of a ₦1.5 billion palace.

Police investigations revealed that the planned unveiling, scheduled for Saturday, 13th September 2025 at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin, was part of a scheme to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasayi B. Oluseyi, for the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, authorities said Azubike later confessed he is not a qualified engineer as he claimed but only a supplier of construction materials.

“Findings revealed that the planned unveiling of the ‘Obi of Lagos Palace’ was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle unsuspecting personalities and other Nigerians of their hard-earned money,” the statement read.

Police further clarified that the suspect acted alone without any backing or recognition from legitimate chieftaincy authorities in Lagos. Citizens have been advised to disregard his claims and misleading social media publications associated with him.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to similar fraudulent schemes. He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and public order while protecting citizens from criminal deception.

Three other suspects linked to the case were also arrested, and police say all will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.

LASG TARGETS YOUNG CREATIVES WITH LAUNCH OF EKO ARTS AND CRAFTS COMMPETITION

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blacktalker
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LASG TARGETS YOUNG CREATIVES WITH LAUNCH OF EKO ARTS AND CRAFTS COMMPETITION

Lagos State has announced the maiden edition of the Eko Arts and Crafts Competition for secondary schools and tertiary institutions, aimed at discovering and nurturing creative talent among young people.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Damilola Ayinde Marshal, disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference held at the Ministry’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Marshal, the initiative aligns with the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which prioritizes creativity, youth empowerment, and cultural promotion.

“This competition has been carefully designed to discover, nurture, and showcase the immense talent that exists in our secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Lagos,” he said.

He explained that the programme would not only encourage artistic expression but also promote cultural heritage, support entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for young people in the creative industry.

Marshal stressed that art goes beyond aesthetics, describing it as a medium for storytelling, heritage preservation, and social reflection. “By promoting arts and crafts, we are not only encouraging creativity but also safeguarding the cultural wealth of Lagos State,” she added.

The SSA also announced the official launch of the competition’s registration portal, https://ekoschoolsartsandcrafts.com, which will serve as the platform for students to register and submit entries. Participation is strictly open to students of secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state.

She urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to encourage their wards and students to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that winners would benefit from mentorship, exhibitions, and possible industry partnerships.

Marshal commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continued support of youth empowerment and tourism development, while also appealing to the media to give the initiative wide publicity.

The competition is expected to provide a platform for young artists to showcase their creativity through paintings, drawings, sculptures, and crafts, while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Lagos State’s cultural identity.

Blacktalker reports that the registration portal will be opened from 11th to 18th of September, 2025, while the competition will commence from the 18th of September to the 2nd of October, 2025 with winners walking away with one year scholarships in each categories.

LASG to Remove Illegal Structures in Makoko Over Safety Concerns, Bridge Encroachment

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blacktalker
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Lagos Government Probes Viral Video of Students Smoking, Drinking in Dormitory

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin the removal of illegal structures built beneath high-tension power lines in the Makoko community, Yaba.

This initiative follows the recent demolition of unsafe and unauthorized buildings near the Oworonshoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, carried out by the Office of Urban and Regional Planning.

Makoko, a densely populated waterfront settlement, has been the focus of several stakeholder engagements by the government in recent weeks.

State officials raised serious concerns about the growing number of shanties being erected directly under high-tension cables, posing significant safety hazards to residents. Authorities also condemned the illegal extension of these structures toward and even beneath the Third Mainland Bridge.

Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban and Regional Development, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, stressed the state’s commitment to public safety. He confirmed that the government would move forward with enforcement actions in Makoko to prevent potential disasters.

“We’ve held numerous meetings with Makoko residents, warning them of the dangers of building under high-tension cables,” Oki said. “Despite repeated notices, they have not only refused to relocate but have continued expanding towards the bridge’s structure.”

He explained that the government is working closely with community leaders to coordinate the removal of illegal structures. Oki emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing out that if a power line were to fall and cause fatalities, the state would be held responsible.

“The lives of residents come first. What’s happening in Makoko is not just unsafe, it’s also a form of encroachment on critical infrastructure,” he added.

Reaffirming the Sanwo-Olu administration’s resolve, Oki stated: “We are ready to act, even if some individuals resist. Wrongdoing cannot be excused. While a few benefit from these illegal setups, we must prioritize the well-being of the larger society.”

Addressing the earlier demolition exercise in Oworonshoki, which sparked protests and a brief blockage of the Third Mainland Bridge, Oki said the government had been engaging residents for over three years. Despite providing an amnesty window to regularize property documents, only two individuals complied.

He noted that the demolished buildings were structurally defective and unsafe, emphasizing that investigations also revealed that some criminals involved in traffic robberies on the bridge were residents of the affected shanties, often fleeing back into the area after their attacks.

“These demolitions were not random due process was followed. Many of the structures were already falling apart, merely disguised with fresh paint. We’ve also received reports linking criminal activity to the area,” Oki said.

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