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GTCO Announces Maiden Holiday Edition of Food & Drink Festival for December 20–21

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GTCO Announces Maiden Holiday Edition of Food & Drink Festival for December 20–21

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO has announced the maiden Holiday Edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, scheduled to hold on December 20 and 21, 2025, at the GT Centre, Oniru, Lagos.

The Holiday Edition marks a major expansion of the internationally recognised festival, bringing Africa’s largest food and beverage event into the festive season with a blend of culinary experiences, family-friendly attractions, and enterprise development opportunities for small businesses.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, GTCO said the December edition represents a deliberate shift toward a more immersive, holiday-focused experience. Unlike previous editions, the festival will not feature chef masterclasses. Instead, it will offer expanded marketplace experiences, festive attractions, and entertainment designed to appeal to families and visitors of all ages.

Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, described the Holiday Edition as an extension of the Group’s commitment to enterprise development and African creativity.

“The GTCO Food & Drink Festival is a powerful platform that aligns with our mission to fuel enterprise, promote African creativity, and connect communities through meaningful lifestyle experiences,” Agbaje said. “The Holiday Edition gives us an exciting opportunity to celebrate the festive season while supporting thousands of food entrepreneurs who form the backbone of our economy.”

In line with its tradition of supporting small businesses, GTCO is maintaining its free vendor participation model, enabling entrepreneurs to access the platform without cost during the peak festive season.

For the Holiday Edition, the Group received over 4,000 vendor applications, from which 213 Nigerian-owned food SMEs were selected, almost double the number from the previous edition. The selected vendors will offer a wide range of affordable and diverse culinary options, underscoring the festival’s role as a catalyst for SME growth and inclusive economic development.

The 2025 Holiday Edition will introduce several festive-themed features, including a Christmas Village showcasing handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and artisanal products; a large children’s play zone with immersive activities for young families; and a Street Food Hub highlighting signature Nigerian street foods from across the country.

The two-day event will also feature live entertainment, with high-energy DJ performances from two leading Nigerian entertainers, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere throughout the festival.

GTCO said the Holiday Edition aligns with its broader corporate social responsibility objectives, particularly in supporting communities, expanding SME participation, and promoting Nigeria’s creative and culinary industries.

By leveraging the festive season, the Group aims to deepen family engagement, boost local businesses, and strengthen its reputation for curating authentic African lifestyle experiences with global appeal.

The GTCO Food & Drink Festival: Holiday Edition is free and open to the public, reinforcing the Group’s belief that world-class cultural and lifestyle experiences should be accessible to all.

Jankalawi Declares Bid for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II in Lagos Assembly

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Jankalawi Declares Bid for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II in Lagos Assembly

Grassroots advocate and youth development champion, Comrade Moliki Abiodun Yusuf (Jankalawi), has formally announced his intention to contest for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II.

His declaration was made public through a statement released by his media office on Tuesday.

Jankalawi, widely known for his activism and long-standing community engagement, said his decision to run was motivated by the need for “transformative, people-centred leadership” in one of the fastest-growing regions in Africa.

“Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II is at a historic turning point. With major infrastructural and economic developments reshaping our landscape, our people deserve a representative who understands their needs, protects their interests, and ensures that development is felt in every community,” he said.
“I am stepping forward to offer sincere, transparent, and accountable leadership.”

According to him, effective representation, inclusive development, and strong legislative advocacy are crucial as the constituency experiences unprecedented economic and demographic expansion.

Key Areas of His Legislative Agenda Include: community-driven development and infrastructure improvement, youth empowerment, vocational and technical training, and job creation, strengthening local schools and expanding educational opportunities.

Others are improved access to healthcare and advocacy for fair compensation and inclusion for communities affected by rapid development.

Supporters across Ibeju-Lekki have welcomed his declaration, describing him as a credible grassroots voice and a consistent advocate for equitable growth across the region.

Jankalawi also appealed to political leaders, residents, traditional rulers, youth groups, and stakeholders to work with him in building a more prosperous constituency.

“This campaign is not about one person; it is about all of us. Together, we can create a constituency where opportunities are accessible, voices are heard, and leadership truly serves the people,” he added.

Lagos Police Clarifies Rumours on Ajebo Community Disturbance

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LLagos Police Confirm Arrests in Double Murder Case, Declare Key Suspects Wanted

The Lagos State Police Command has moved to correct reports by NewTelegraphNG claiming that Ajebo Community, near Agbowa in the Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, was attacked by armed gunmen, resulting in injuries and property destruction.

According to the Police, the incident stemmed from a land dispute between two families within the community, which caused chaos and confusion but did not involve any external armed attack.

Rapid deployment of joint intervention teams; including Tactical Squads, PMF Anti-Riot personnel, conventional police from Agbowa Division, Area N Command, and special units from Lagos Police Command Headquarters, restored normalcy immediately. Residents reportedly continued their daily activities without disruption.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings confirmed that the clashes were confined to the two contending families.

No lives were lost, no injuries were reported, and no firearms were discharged during the incident. The leadership of the disputing parties has been identified and served police invitations to report for investigation, with strong warnings to maintain peace.

The Lagos Police Command also cautioned the public against spreading misinformation and urged media outlets to ensure responsible reporting. CP Jimoh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace, security, and order throughout Lagos State.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, emphasized that the swift and professional intervention of police officers ensured peace was restored promptly, and residents of Ajebo Community remain safe.

Nigeria Customs Extends Deadline for Migration to AEO Programme

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Nigeria Customs Extends Deadline for Migration to AEO Programme

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has announced an extension for the migration of all beneficiaries under the Fast Track Scheme to the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO Programme, moving the original deadline from 31 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.

The extension provides operators with additional time to complete their applications and obtain AEO certification without disruption to their business operations.

Existing Fast Track beneficiaries who have yet to migrate are urged to initiate and conclude their applications via the official platform: aeo.nigeriatradehub.gov.ng. For enquiries or technical support, stakeholders can contact the dedicated helpdesk at aeo@customs.gov.ng.

The AEO Programme is a globally recognised compliance-based initiative designed to facilitate trade for trusted operators. Certified participants enjoy benefits such as expedited cargo release, reduced documentation, lower inspection rates, pre-arrival processing, and greater predictability in cross-border trade. Only companies duly certified under the AEO Programme will continue to access the facilitation privileges previously available under the Fast Track Scheme.

The NCS will also convene a Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The forum will offer practical guidance on the migration process, demonstrate application procedures, and provide an opportunity for participants to engage with AEO implementation teams on compliance requirements and operational modalities.

In announcing the extension, the NCS emphasised that the transition aligns with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and is supported by Sections 108 to 111 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing trade efficiency, protecting national revenue, and fostering a predictable, transparent, and secure cargo clearance environment that supports legitimate business activities.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, stressed that the extension ensures a seamless and inclusive transition for all stakeholders, strengthening compliance and contributing to a more sustainable and efficient supply chain.

Comptroller Aliyu Gambo Outlines Vision as He Takes Helm of NCS FOU Zone A, Lagos

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Comptroller Aliyu Gambo Outlines Vision as He Takes Helm of NCS FOU Zone A, Lagos

Comptroller Aliyu Gambo has officially assumed leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, Lagos.

In his maiden address, Gambo thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence placed in him and praised his predecessor, ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, for the remarkable impact he had on the unit.

The new comptroller pledged to consolidate on Shuaibu’s achievements and outlined a clear agenda for the unit. He emphasized strengthened enforcement through intelligence-driven operations, a steadfast commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability, and enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and community leaders.

Gambo also highlighted plans to improve officer welfare and capacity building while instituting robust reputation, change, and compliance management systems, assuring that FOU Zone A would continue to excel in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economic interests.

Shuaibu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General at the NCS Headquarters, reflected on his tenure as a period marked by significant anti-smuggling breakthroughs and intelligence-led operations.

Since taking office on April 23, under his leadership the unit intercepted hundreds of illicit goods, including 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 used exotic vehicles, over two tons of Cannabis Sativa, and nearly two thousand jerrycans of petrol.

Law enforcement efforts also led to the seizure of firearms and ammunition, industrial drones, crystal methamphetamine, industrial explosives, expired pharmaceuticals worth billions of naira, and the arrest of 38 suspects.

Additionally, demand notices on under-valued and falsely declared goods recovered N419 million, while funds amounting to $20,000 and 110 CFA (approximately ₦31 million) were handed over to the EFCC.

Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to serve and urged officers to extend full cooperation to his successor. The handover ceremony also featured special presentations from the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA, FOU Zone A Chapter, and gifts from officers in appreciation of Shuaibu’s exemplary leadership.

Comptroller Kaila Assumes Leadership of FOU Zone D as Comptroller Umar Retires

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New FOU Zone A Controller Unveils Reform Agenda

A new chapter has opened at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone D of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as Comptroller Abdullahi Shuaibu Kaila formally takes over command from the outgoing Comptroller Abubakar Lawal Umar, who has proceeded on retirement.

The handover ceremony, held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Customs headquarters in Bauchi, marked a seamless transition of authority in line with the Service’s long-standing administrative tradition.

In his farewell address, Comptroller Umar expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for entrusting him with the responsibility to lead the Zone.

He described his years in service as fulfilling and impactful, crediting the successes achieved to the commitment and professionalism of officers across the Unit.

FOU Zone D covers nine states, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, and Nasarawa, and plays a crucial role in anti-smuggling operations and revenue protection in the North-East and North-Central corridors.

According to him, the cooperation and dedication of personnel under his command were instrumental in strengthening the fight against economic sabotage, intercepting illicit goods, and enhancing national security within the zone. He urged the officers to extend the same loyalty and diligence to his successor, Comptroller Kaila.

Comptroller Kaila, known within Customs circles for his operational expertise and strong enforcement background, is expected to consolidate on the gains recorded under Umar’s leadership. His appointment signals continued efforts by the NCS to strengthen field operations, curb smuggling, and enhance trade facilitation across border communities.

The handover ceremony also symbolised the Service’s emphasis on continuity and professionalism as Comptroller Kaila pledged to sustain the momentum, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and build on the operational frameworks already in place.

With the transition completed, stakeholders across the zone anticipate renewed vigour in enforcement operations as Comptroller Kaila begins his tenure.

Lagos Police Refute Viral Claim, Arrest 13 Over Assault on Taskforce Inspector

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CSOs Petition PSC to Probe Lagos CP Over Alleged Assault on Activist Soweto

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral social media claim suggesting that a police inspector seen being beaten in a recent video was caught stealing.

Authorities say the narrative circulating online is misleading and does not reflect the true circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to the Command, the officer in the video is an Inspector attached to the Lagos State Taskforce. He was carrying out official duties enforcing the state’s ban on wrongful parking along Brown Street in Oshodi when the confrontation began.

The Inspector had reportedly stopped a motorist attempting to park illegally. The situation quickly escalated as the driver became violent, leading to a heated clash.

During the struggle, the policeman accidentally discharged shots onto the road, and debris from the impact injured some passersby. The commotion drew a mob to the scene, and the Inspector was subsequently attacked, sustaining significant injuries.

The Lagos Police Command said the Inspector has already been subjected to internal disciplinary procedures for his unprofessional conduct during the encounter.

Meanwhile, 13 suspects identified in the video assaulting the officer have been arrested and are currently in custody. They will be prosecuted when investigations are concluded.

The suspects include: Dele Oriade (39), Adekunle Olalere (40), Mudashiru Olamilekan (28), Anayo Achusie (34), Joshua Enwonyin (24), Okoro Okechukwu (26), Rilwan Lateef (32), Damilare Odebode (22), Haruna Aleshi (25), Sodiq Omoniyi (26), Chukwudi Patience (25), Godstime Okafor (26), and Chinedu Divine (29).

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, condemned both the Inspector’s misconduct and the mob attack. He emphasized that while officers must remain professional, attacks on law enforcement personnel performing their lawful duties are criminal and will not be tolerated.

The Command urged Lagos residents to desist from spreading misinformation and remain cooperative with security agencies to maintain peace and order across the state.

Wema Bank Unveils ₦120m Prize Pool as 35 Teams Emerge for Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale

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Wema Bank Unveils ₦120m Prize Pool as 35 Teams Emerge for Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale

Wema Bank has announced a ₦120 million prize pool for the Grand Finale of Hackaholics 6.0, its flagship youth innovation challenge.

The announcement follows the emergence of 35 finalist teams from a nationwide regional pitch tour that drew 1,460 young innovators across seven cities.

The bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, confirmed the prize breakdown, noting that the sum would be shared across multiple winning categories. In the Ideathon category, the first-place winner will receive ₦25 million, while the first and second runners-up will take home ₦20 million and ₦15 million respectively.

For the Hackathon, the first- through fourth-place teams will clinch ₦20 million, ₦15 million, ₦10 million and ₦5 million. As part of its commitment to increasing female participation in technology, Wema Bank also announced two ₦5 million awards for exceptional women-led innovations.

Oseni described Hackaholics as a testament to the creativity and problem-solving capacity of young Nigerians.

“Hackaholics continues to demonstrate the power of young people to shape the future of technology and nation-building,” he said. “We believe strongly in the ideas, resilience and ingenuity of Nigerian youth, and our investment in this initiative is a clear commitment to giving them the resources, mentorship and platform they need to transform their ideas into real-world solutions.”

The 35 finalists, comprising 17 Ideathon teams, 12 Hackathon teams and six women-led teams, were selected from a pitch circuit that spanned Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria), Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Babcock University, University of Ibadan (UI), Veritas University Abuja, and Purple Academy Lagos.

Across these centres, participants engaged in intensive masterclasses, hands-on mentorship and structured pitch development sessions before appearing before panels of expert judges.

This year’s innovations cut across fraud detection, onboarding and customer experience, payments, credit management, financial literacy, social impact and AI-driven solutions. The 35 teams will now proceed to Lagos for a three-day mentorship and shortlisting programme ahead of the Grand Finale.

For many finalists, the announcement marks a major milestone. Medugu Wali, team lead of Tensor, the Hackathon winner at Veritas University, said their solution, “Wallet Padi”, was designed to simplify money management for Nigerians.

“Advancing to the pre-finale stage is a big step toward bringing that vision to life, and we appreciate Wema Bank for creating this platform,” he said.

Babcock University’s Ideathon winner, Akobundu Gift, who previously competed unsuccessfully in 2023, expressed renewed optimism. His startup, Chao, began as a campus food-delivery idea.

“Reaching the Hackaholics finals again reflects how much we’ve evolved,” he said. “We’re grateful to Wema Bank for the opportunity.”

At Veritas University, Eutopia.ai founder, Ogunlana Tosin, described her women-led team’s victory as proof of resilience.

“Not making it at Babcock was painful, but we took the feedback, refined our solution and returned stronger,” she said. “I’m truly grateful to Wema Bank for championing women empowerment and supporting women-led innovation through initiatives like SARA.”

Launched in 2019, Hackaholics has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest youth innovation platforms, drawing more than 12,000 applicants across 15 schools and awarding over $300,000 in funding and support. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, ₦75 million went to women-led teams.

This year, the bank deepened its commitment through the Hackaholics Accelerator and Collective Program, offering continued support to founders beyond the competition.

The Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale will convene investors, policymakers, technology leaders and the innovation community in Lagos for live pitches, product exhibitions and the unveiling of the next generation of transformative Nigerian startups.

Customs, NDLEA Intercept 1,187kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port Second Major Bust

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Customs, NDLEA Intercept 1,187kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port Second Major Bust

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking with the interception of 1,187kg of Canadian Loud, a high-grade strain of cannabis, at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

The seizure comes barely five days after both agencies uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine on a Brazilian-flagged vessel, signalling what officials describe as a renewed, sustained crackdown on narcotics smuggling through Nigeria’s busiest port.

According to the Customs Public Relations Officer for the Apapa Command, CSC Isah Sulaiman, credible intelligence provided by the NDLEA prompted a joint examination of a 1x20ft container, marked FCIU 6369526, which was reportedly laden with two imported vehicles.

Hidden inside the vehicles were 55 bags containing a total of 2,374 sachets of cannabis, each weighing 500 grams. The illicit consignment, weighing 1,187kg, has been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, praised the “robust synergy” between both agencies, noting that collaboration remains their strongest weapon against transnational criminal networks.

“Few days ago, I stated that no consignment will exit our control from this port without due check,” Oshoba said. “Our synergy as government agencies will always put us ahead of criminal elements.”

He emphasized that despite the high volume of trade processed at the port, national security and economic stability remain top priorities.

“We will never sacrifice national security and the economy for any form of trade. While we are focused on collecting maximum revenue for government, our eagle-eyed officers remain alert at all times,” he added.

The Comptroller issued a stern warning to importers, exporters, freight forwarders and licensed agents, especially during the Yuletide season, stressing that anyone attempting to circumvent the law will face serious consequences.

“Investigations are ongoing, and we shall bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

Dangote Launches N1 Trillion Education Fund to Support 1.3 Million Nigerian Students

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Dangote Launches N1 Trillion Education Fund to Support 1.3 Million Nigerian Students

Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote has unveiled a landmark N1 trillion education initiative aimed at supporting 1.3 million students across the country over the next decade.

The announcement was made on Thursday, during a high-profile launch event in Lagos, where Dangote pledged 25 percent of his personal wealth to fund the programme through the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

The initiative, described as the largest private education support programme in Nigeria’s history, is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent millions of young Nigerians from accessing quality education. The scheme will provide annual support of N100 billion, benefiting students across all 774 local government areas.

Speaking at the launch, Dangote said the programme is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. “This is not only charity. This is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality,” he said.

The initiative comprises four major programmes:

Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars: Funding for 30,000 undergraduate students annually in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at public universities and polytechnics. Tuition will align with actual institutional fees.

Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars: Support for 5,000 students each year in public technical and vocational institutions, covering tools, materials, and essential training needs.

MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars: Named after Dangote’s daughters, Mariya, Halima, and Fatima, this programme will provide annual support for 20,000 girls in public schools, from JSS1 through SSS3, with continued backing into tertiary education. Priority will be given to states with the highest numbers of out-of-school girls.

Dangote Teacher Training Programme: A large-scale teacher development initiative, beginning with 10,000 secondary-school STEM teachers in 39 government colleges attended by MHF scholars, with plans to expand nationwide.

Dangote emphasized that financial hardship, not lack of talent, is the primary reason many students drop out. “Our young people are asking for opportunities, a chance to learn, to grow, to compete and to succeed. And we believe they deserve that chance,” he said.

The initiative received wide commendation from the federal government and state leaders. Vice President Kashim Shettima described the programme as “the single largest private-sector education support intervention in the history of this country,” noting that “a population becomes a liability only when it is uneducated.”

Education Minister Tunji Alausa highlighted the programme’s alignment with the administration’s plan to transform Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking for all 36 governors, pledged full support for the initiative.

His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Programme Steering Committee, praised Dangote’s patriotism and strategic foresight, calling the programme “phenomenal” and “unprecedented in its scale and impact.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described the initiative as transformational, emphasizing its potential to drive private-sector-led national development.

In a virtual address from the United States, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed lauded the scholarship scheme, noting it would create an enabling environment for children to learn and families to prosper.

The programme will operate through a fully digital merit-based system for verification, disbursement, and monitoring, in partnership with agencies including NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO.

A Programme Steering Committee, comprising former vice-chancellors, senior education administrators, technical advisors, and Dangote family representatives, will oversee implementation.

Dangote stressed that the scheme is intended as a starting point for wider educational reform, underscoring the role of collaboration between government, private sector, communities, and families to transform Nigeria’s educational landscape.

This initiative builds on the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s decades-long investment in education, health, nutrition, economic empowerment, and humanitarian support.

Previous education-focused projects include university hostels across multiple states, the Mu Shuka Iri early-learning programme in Kano, the Aliko Dangote School for Orphan Girls in Maiduguri, and significant funding for Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.

Dangote’s new education fund is projected to reach its peak support in the fourth year, providing sustained assistance for over a million students, a move expected to have transformative effects on Nigeria’s human capital development, social equality, and economic prosperity.

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