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UNION BANK MARKS WOMEN’S MONTH WITH INCLUSION CAMPAIGN

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UNION BANK MARKS WOMEN’S MONTH WITH INCLUSION CAMPAIGN
L-R: Chief Talent Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi; Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ali Kadiri; Head, Retail and SME Business, Union Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Imoh-Ita; Founder/Executive Director, Deaf International Foundation, Funmilola Ogunro; MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde Oni; SouthWest Coordinator, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Adenike Olorundare; Women Leader, Lagos Chapter, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Olubukola Salako; Executive Director, Corporate Bank & Business Banking Lagos & West, Union Bank of Nigeria, Taiwo Shote; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Olufunmilola Aluko; Regional Executive, Business Banking SouthWest and Lagos, Union Bank of Nigeria, Emmanuel Aihevba, and Lead Innovation, Events and Platform Management, Union Bank of Nigeria, Chiamaka Moses during the Bank’s commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026 at the Stable, Surulere, Lagos recently.

Union Bank of Nigeria has launched an inclusion-focused campaign to support women living with disabilities and mothers raising children with disabilities as part of activities marking International Women’s Month 2026.

The initiative, themed “Give to Gain: Creating Pathways for Inclusion and Endless Opportunities,” features mentorship, business training and outreach programmes aimed at expanding opportunities for the target group.

A flagship event held at The Stable venue in Surulere, Lagos, brought together women with disabilities, caregivers and advocacy groups for dialogue, mentorship and resource sharing.

The bank said it will also collaborate with educational institutions and disability support organisations to distribute learning materials to female students with disabilities and provide entrepreneurship training through its women’s banking platform, alpher.

Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to promoting inclusion and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.

According to the bank, the programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and reducing inequalities, while strengthening support systems for women with disabilities in Nigeria.

FIDELITY BANK LAUNCHES ‘GIVE HER POWER’ INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER WOMEN

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FIDELITY BANK LAUNCHES ‘GIVE HER POWER’ INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER WOMEN
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos, recently.

Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the “Give Her Power” initiative aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment through skills training, mentorship and financial support.

The programme, unveiled to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2026, includes the signing of partnership agreements with organisations such as Inter-Bau Foundation, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and the National Credit Guarantee Company.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said the initiative is part of the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, designed to provide vocational training, business support and financial knowledge to women.

She noted that the programme will include the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines and training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe production.

The initiative will also offer mentorship opportunities and skill acquisition sessions aimed at helping women build sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended the bank for supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, said empowering women economically remains a key strategy for reducing poverty and strengthening communities.

Fidelity Bank said the initiative will empower hundreds of Nigerian women through vocational training, mentorship and start-up support, while expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises.

LSSTF BOSS ATTENDS GLOBAL SECURITY, POLICING SUMMIT IN UK

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LSSTF BOSS ATTENDS GLOBAL SECURITY, POLICING SUMMIT IN UK

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Ayodele Ogunsan, is participating in the Security and Policing 2026 conference currently taking place at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in the United Kingdom.

The high-level security summit, organised by the Joint Security and Resilience Centre under the UK Home Office, runs from March 10 to March 12, 2026, and brings together senior government officials, law enforcement leaders and leading security technology providers from across the world.

The event is widely regarded as one of the most influential global forums on national security and resilience, providing a platform for strategic discussions on emerging security threats, modern policing techniques, intelligence collaboration and innovative technologies aimed at strengthening public safety.

More than 400 world-class security suppliers and exhibitors are participating in the conference, showcasing cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance security operations and crisis response capabilities.

Attendance at the summit is strictly by approval of the UK Home Office, with no admission for the general public, underscoring the conference’s status as a closed-door gathering for top-level security stakeholders.

Ogunsan’s participation highlights Lagos State’s growing engagement with international partners in advancing modern security strategies. Insights from the summit are expected to support ongoing efforts by the LSSTF to strengthen community safety, technological surveillance and policing innovation in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub.

The conference also offers opportunities for cross-border collaboration on intelligence sharing, resilience planning and law enforcement capacity building, with the aim of aligning security strategies in Lagos with global best practices in an increasingly complex security environment.

UNILAG MANAGEMENT INSISTS EXAMINATIONS WILL CONTINUE AMID ASUU DISPUTE

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UNILAG MANAGEMENT INSISTS EXAMINATIONS WILL CONTINUE AMID ASUU DISPUTE

The management of the University of Lagos, UNILAG has reaffirmed that ongoing semester examinations will continue as scheduled despite reports that the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU directed its members to suspend services over alleged unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances, CATA.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the university said it had taken note of media reports following a congress of the union’s UNILAG chapter where members were reportedly asked to withdraw their services.

The institution, however, maintained that due process was not followed in making the declaration, noting that the management remains committed to engaging the union’s leadership to resolve all outstanding issues.

According to the university, the current stage of the academic calendar makes it imperative to avoid disruptions, as students are presently writing their semester examinations.

Management noted that any interruption to the academic activities at this time could negatively affect students, particularly those expected to begin the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), internships, and others preparing to proceed to the Nigerian Law School.

The university therefore announced that examinations scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, would go on as planned.

However, it added that examinations in courses where students had been formally informed by their deans or heads of department that tests would not hold would be rescheduled, with new dates to be communicated later.

The management further directed that all examinations would continue fully from Thursday, March 12, while deans of faculties have been instructed to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations.

While discussions with the union’s leadership continue, the university appealed to members of the academic community to remain calm and continue with their lawful academic activities as efforts are made to reach an amicable resolution.

Police Begin Constable Recruitment Screening in Ogun

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Police Begin Constable Recruitment Screening in Ogun

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the physical and credentials screening exercise for applicants seeking recruitment into the Force in Ogun State.

The exercise, which began on March 9, 2026, is taking place at the POWA Hall of the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, starting from 7:00 a.m. daily.

According to the command, the screening is being conducted in collaboration with the Police Service Commission to ensure transparency and adherence to established recruitment guidelines.

Applicants who were marked “qualified” on their submission slips but are unable to locate their invitation letters have been advised to forward their submission slips to the commission through its official email for necessary action.

Candidates are also encouraged to visit the official recruitment portal to confirm their screening dates and obtain further information about the process.

The police said applicants are required to present several documents at the screening venue, including their invitation slip, credential and physical screening forms, National Identity Number slip or card, O’Level certificate, birth certificate or declaration of age, and local government or state of origin certificate. Specialist applicants are also expected to present their trade test certificates.

In addition, candidates must submit a duly completed guarantor’s form and provide both original and duplicate copies of their credentials arranged in two white flat files.

Applicants are also expected to appear for the exercise dressed in white T-shirts, white shorts, white canvas shoes and white stockings.

The command noted that the screening exercise is being conducted with the participation of other government agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Character Commission, to ensure a credible and representative recruitment process.

It further warned applicants to be wary of fraudsters and emphasised that the recruitment exercise is completely free of charge.

LASEPA Hosts 2026 Ramadan Lecture, Calls for Global Peace, Unity

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LASEPA Hosts 2026 Ramadan Lecture, Calls for Global Peace, Unity

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA has called for prayers for global peace and unity as part of activities marking its 2026 Ramadan lecture.

Speaking at the event held at the agency’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, the General Manager of LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, urged both Muslims and Christians observing their fasting periods to pray for peace around the world so that leaders can focus on governance that benefits citizens.

Ajayi, who was represented by the Director of the Alimosho Zonal Office, Kayode Bello, made the call during the annual Ramadan lecture themed “From Silence to Sincerity: The Journey Within.”

He stressed the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence in fostering development, noting that differences in religion, tribe, colour or language should not divide society.

“LASEPA is one indivisible family, providing quality service to all residents,” Ajayi said, while commending the organisers for promoting unity and harmony among staff.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to staff capacity building and improved service delivery.

In his keynote address, Muhammad Salisu, Chief Imam of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, spoke on the concept of Tawakkul; reliance on Allah, urging Muslims to combine hard work with trust in God.

Salisu emphasised the importance of faith in divine decree (Qadar), encouraging believers to strive for success while accepting outcomes as part of God’s will.

The event highlighted LASEPA’s commitment to promoting unity, harmony and effective service delivery within the organisation and the wider community.

Customs Seizes ₦6.38bn Worth of Expired Drugs, Codeine, Cannabis at Apapa Port

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Customs Seizes ₦6.38bn Worth of Expired Drugs, Codeine, Cannabis at Apapa Port

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 13 containers loaded with expired pharmaceuticals, codeine-based cough syrups, cannabis and other prohibited items valued at over ₦6.38 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

Speaking during a press briefing at the APM Terminals in Apapa on Tuesday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the seizures followed intelligence-driven operations and enhanced cargo inspection processes deployed by the Service.

According to him, the consignments were intercepted after detailed scanning analysis and physical examination uncovered irregular cargo profiles in several containers.

Among the seizures were large quantities of expired pharmaceutical products including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, chloroquine injections and diclofenac tablets. Officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers conveying Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate, which were described as unregistered pharmaceutical products.

Customs officials further discovered 800 cartons of codeine concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware in one container, while another container held 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup hidden among luxury food flasks.

Other seizures included expired food items such as muffin cookie biscuits, tomato paste and 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks.

In a separate interception, officers recovered 13 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 347.57 kilograms concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi said another container was found to contain restricted security equipment, including bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches, imported without the required End User Certificates.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health and national security.

“The importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses a direct threat to public health, while the concealment of codeine-based products represents a calculated attempt to fuel substance abuse and undermine our healthcare system,” he said.

The Customs boss noted that the intercepted consignments are liable to forfeiture under the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, while individuals linked to the shipments would face prosecution.

He stressed that enforcement operations are not targeted at legitimate businesses but at criminal networks attempting to exploit Nigeria’s trade corridors.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi said.

Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba also announced the commissioning of a new analytics centre within the command headquarters to strengthen intelligence-driven customs operations.

The facility, named the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena, is designed to house a state-of-the-art analytics centre, the Customs Intelligence Unit and a clinic to support the welfare of personnel.

According to Oshoba, the centre will enhance data-driven border security operations while improving the capacity of officers to detect smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade at Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway.

JMG, Jamara Launch J-Women Impact Network at IWD Event

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JMG, Jamara Launch J-Women Impact Network at IWD Event

JMG Limited and its sister company Jamara Home have launched the J-Women Impact Network, J-WIN, an initiative aimed at promoting mentorship, collaboration and professional development among female employees.

The initiative was unveiled during a special celebration organised to mark International Women’s Day 2026 in Lagos. The event, which held at Radisson Blu Hotel Lagos Ikeja, brought together women from both organisations in an atmosphere of inspiration, networking and shared experiences.

Speaking at the event, Chief Commercial Officer of JMG, Rabi Jammal, commended female employees across the organisations for their dedication and contributions to the companies’ growth.

According to him, empowering women in the workplace is essential to building resilient organisations and driving sustainable development.

“Empowering women within the workplace is essential for building resilient organisations and driving sustainable progress,” he said, noting that initiatives such as J-WIN will create opportunities for women to connect, support one another and advance both professionally and personally.

The J-Women Impact Network was officially launched by Jammal alongside the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Christian G. Kozma.

Also speaking, Chief Human Resources Officer of JMG, Gloria Ibeziako, encouraged employees to actively participate in the network, describing it as a platform that will foster mentorship, meaningful relationships and professional support among women within the organisations.

In her keynote address, leadership coach and Chief Executive Officer of The Source Coaching Ltd, Adeyanju Olomola, urged participants to embrace the spirit of giving and collaboration, noting that women thrive when they invest in personal development while uplifting others.

The event featured a series of interactive sessions, including a “Pass the Mic” segment where participants shared personal experiences, as well as a fireside chat on leadership, growth and navigating career journeys.

The discussion featured Olomola, Ibeziako and human resources professional Nneka Jethro-Iruobe, and was moderated by Oluwatomi Faniran. Panelists highlighted the importance of mentorship, resilience and supportive professional networks in advancing women’s careers.

JTI Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Equity

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JTI Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Gender Equity

Japan Tobacco International Nigeria, JTI Nigeria, part of the JTI Worldwide network, has marked International Women’s Day 2026 by reiterating its commitment to gender equity and inclusive leadership in the workplace.

Speaking on the occasion, General Manager Abdallah Simba highlighted the importance of empowering women as both a social responsibility and a strategic driver of business success.

“Empowering women in the workplace is not only the right thing to do, it also strengthens organisations,” Simba said. “When women have equal access to opportunities, leadership pathways, and professional development, businesses benefit from broader perspectives, stronger teams, and better decision-making.”

He added that JTI Nigeria prioritises an inclusive workplace culture built on merit, fairness, and equal opportunity. The company has consistently invested in initiatives that support employee growth and well-being, earning recognition as a Top Global Employer for ten consecutive years.

At JTI Nigeria, these efforts include structured talent development programmes, mentorship opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and a strong focus on nurturing leadership capabilities across the organisation.

“International Women’s Day is an important moment to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. At JTI Nigeria, we remain committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead,” Simba said.

The company also reaffirmed its dedication to responsible business practices, operational excellence, and contributing positively to Nigeria’s economic development, while upholding global standards in governance and sustainability.

FirstBank Unveils Single-Digit Mortgage Scheme to Boost Homeownership

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FirstBank Expands Homeownership Access with ₦100m MREIF Mortgage Facility

First Bank of Nigeria has introduced a new mortgage scheme aimed at making homeownership more accessible to Nigerians through a single-digit interest rate loan facility.

The initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), is backed by a ₦1 trillion mortgage intervention fund from the Federal Government to expand access to affordable housing finance.

According to the bank, the programme is designed to address the long-standing challenge of limited access to affordable mortgage credit in Nigeria, where rising property prices, inflation and high commercial lending rates have made homeownership difficult for many citizens.

Under the facility, eligible applicants can access mortgage loans of up to ₦100 million with a repayment tenure of up to 20 years at an interest rate of 9.75 per cent per annum, significantly lower than prevailing commercial lending rates in the country.

FirstBank noted that the reduced interest rate and extended repayment period are expected to make monthly repayments more manageable, allowing more Nigerians to transition from renting to owning homes.

The mortgage scheme has been structured to accommodate a broad range of applicants, including salary earners, entrepreneurs and Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in property in the country.

Industry observers say the initiative could help stimulate the housing sector while supporting the government’s broader efforts to improve access to affordable housing.

The bank encouraged interested applicants to explore the mortgage opportunity through its official channels as part of efforts to expand homeownership opportunities across Nigeria.

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