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Lagos Police Deny Defying Court Order on Nestoil Premises

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

Lagos State Police Command has refuted reports circulating in the media alleging that the Commissioner of Police defied a court order regarding activities at the Nestoil premises, describing the claims as “untrue, unfounded and mischievous.”

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police said the publication and a related television interview misrepresented facts and attempted to undermine the neutrality of the Commissioner of Police in an ongoing legal matter involving Nestoil.

According to the Command, the court order in question was received at about 5:50 p.m. on Thursday, 20 November 2025, and immediately forwarded to the Police Legal Department for verification.

The confirmation from the issuing court was received on the evening of Friday, 21 November, after which all police personnel stationed at the premises were withdrawn “without any delay.”

The Command expressed shock over claims that the Commissioner of Police disobeyed the directive, insisting that he did not visit the Nestoil premises on either 20 or 21 November. It stressed that the police only provided protection for court officials enforcing lawful orders and never obstructed the process.

The statement also clarified that the police do not have the authority to seal any premises, including Nestoil’s, and only act to protect sheriffs, court-appointed officials and other legally authorized persons during enforcement activities.

The Command urged parties involved in the dispute to focus on their legal proceedings and refrain from dragging the police into what it described as “unnecessary controversy.”

It called on the public to disregard the report, describing it as a “complete misrepresentation of facts,” and reaffirmed its commitment to respecting judicial directives and upholding the rule of law.

Sisters’ Hangout Debuts in Lagos, Champions Women’s Unity, Collaborative Growth

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blacktalker
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Sisters’ Hangout Debuts in Lagos, Champions Women’s Unity, Collaborative Growth

Women from various professional backgrounds gathered on Friday for the maiden Sisters’ Hangout, an initiative aimed at strengthening strategic networking and mutual support among women.

The inaugural Sisters’ Hangout, convened by broadcaster and Imo Broadcasting Corporation Director General, Chief Ify Onyegbule, spotlighted the strength of unity, shared purpose, and mutual support in advancing women’s personal and professional growth.

In her opening address, Chief Onyegbule described the gathering as more than a social meetup, framing it instead as a strategic movement to cultivate a community of visionary women committed to lifting one another.

“Women-owned businesses and career trajectories thrive when we create rooms, share opportunities, and collaborate intentionally. Today is not just a hangout; it is the beginning of a new era of sisterhood, support systems, and shared success,” she said.

She explained that the Hangout aims to serve as a safe and empowering space where women can connect, exchange practical solutions to real challenges, and build meaningful partnerships with long-term impact.

The event featured high-energy networking sessions, storytelling, and thought-provoking conversations that encouraged participants to think boldly, pursue ambitious goals, and build sustainably. Entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and executives engaged freely, exchanged contacts, and identified areas for potential collaboration.

Participants collectively agreed to continue supporting one another beyond the event through sharing opportunities, referrals, and knowledge, pursuing joint projects and business partnerships, providing mentorship and capacity-building for younger women.

They also agreed on building a community of accountability and empowerment and challenging negative stereotypes about women’s relationships

As the programme wrapped up, Chief Onyegbule announced that Sisters’ Hangout 2.0 is already in motion, with plans to expand its reach to include more women across diverse fields who are passionate about leadership, collaboration, and personal development.

“This movement has begun. We are building a tribe of women who think big, grow big, and win together. Every woman who believes in support systems and purpose-driven networking is welcome to join us,” she added.

CGC Conference 2025: Adeniyi Tasks Senior Officers on Institutional Discipline

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blacktalker
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CGC Conference 2025: Adeniyi Tasks Senior Officers on Institutional Discipline

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS to confront internal weaknesses undermining the Service’s operational efficiency.

He delivered the message on Thursday while declaring open the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs’ Conference in Abuja.

The conference, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on 20 November, was convened to review the Service’s recent performance and develop strategies to enhance productivity.

This year’s theme; “Building Future Partnerships: Lessons from the Customs-PACT Conference,” centred on translating the success of a major international engagement into long-term institutional reforms.

Adeniyi reminded participants that just a day earlier, the NCS had concluded the groundbreaking Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade, C-PACT Summit, which brought together customs heads, private-sector leaders, and regional partners from across the continent.

While applauding the achievement, he warned that external successes would be unsustainable without strengthening the organisation from within.

“You can’t sustain external credibility without internal integrity. Turn the mirror inward and force honest discussions about what is working, what is failing, and what must change,” he told the gathering.

The CGC highlighted the rigorous coordination that powered the C-PACT Summit, noting that the Service held weekly planning meetings for 16 consecutive weeks, aligning messages with AfCFTA, resolving conflicts quickly, and ensuring a united front because, as he put it, “failure was not an option with the world watching.”

He urged senior officers to institutionalise those principles, discipline, unified communication, and coordinated execution, so they become part of the NCS’ operating culture rather than short-term measures triggered by major events.

The two-day conference, he added, will feature panel sessions, thought-provoking presentations, and open-floor conversations “where ideas matter more than rank,” as the Service seeks bold solutions to strengthen its internal systems and future partnerships.

Fidelity Bank Posts Strong Q3 2025 Results, Interest, Fee Income Surge

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blacktalker
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Fidelity Bank Launches Quarterly Business Forum to Boost SME Growth, Capacity Building

Fidelity Bank Plc has reported robust growth in its third-quarter results for 2025, driven by strong interest and fee-based income.

The bank’s unaudited Q3 financial statements, released on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) portal, show Gross Earnings of ₦366.1 billion, up 8% from ₦338.9 billion in Q3 2024. Interest income rose by 33% to ₦285.6 billion, while other interest income more than doubled to ₦34.2 billion.

Fee and commission income also surged, climbing 47% to ₦31.1 billion, reflecting higher transaction volumes and increased adoption of digital banking services.

Net interest income for the quarter remained steady at ₦144.8 billion, supported by improved asset quality and lower credit loss expenses, which fell sharply from ₦32.8 billion in Q3 2024 to just ₦900 million.

Year-to-date, Fidelity Bank’s gross earnings exceeded ₦1.1 trillion, marking a record for the bank.

Total assets surpassed ₦10 trillion, boosted by growth in cash, customer loans, and investment securities. Non-interest revenue was supported by foreign currency revaluation gains of ₦14.1 billion and other operating income of ₦1.1 billion.

The results highlight Fidelity Bank’s continued focus on sustainable growth, enhanced risk management, and leveraging digital banking to expand its revenue base.

International Men’s Day: Polaris Bank Launches Free Prostate Cancer Screening for 250 Men

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blacktalker
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International Men’s Day: Polaris Bank Launches Free Prostate Cancer Screening for 250 Men

Polaris Bank has announced a free prostate cancer screening initiative for 250 men aged 40 and above, in partnership with Men’s Health Clinic.

This is part of its 2025 International Men’s Day wellness programme themed; “Men, Your Health Matters – Get Screened Today!”

The programme, running from November 24 to December 31, 2025, aims to provide early detection services through PSA blood tests, Digital Rectal Examinations (DRE), and one-on-one consultations with specialists, entirely free of charge.

Early detection of prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among Nigerian men, significantly improves survival rates, exceeding 98%.

Speaking on the initiative, Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO Kayode Lawal said, “The feedback and lives touched in 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to men’s health.

We are delighted to sustain this tradition, remove every barrier to early detection, and welcome more men into the Polaris Bank family with seamless, rewarding banking experiences.”

Mr. Akin Oteniya, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Men’s Health Clinic, added, “Last year’s collaboration with Polaris Bank set a gold standard for corporate health responsibility in Nigeria. We are proud to partner again in 2025 to deliver dignified, expert care and continue saving lives through early intervention.”

Participation is open to all men aged 40 and above. Each participant must have, or opena Polaris Bank account. Non-customers can register and be assisted to open an account with zero opening balance. Screening slots are limited to 250 and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Results and personalised counselling will be delivered within 48 hours of screening.

Register today: https://bit.ly/PCScreening2025

LSSTF Reaffirms Support for Lagos Police Command

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blacktalker
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LSSTF Reaffirms Support for Lagos Police Command

Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF has reiterated its commitment to strengthening policing and public safety across the state.

This reassurance came to the fore during a courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, to its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan.

The visit provided a platform for both parties to discuss strategies for enhancing security operations and ensuring that support from the LSSTF is effectively deployed to address the state’s safety challenges.

CP Olohundare commended the Fund’s efforts and assured Lagos residents that the Police Command is committed to using all resources judiciously to maintain peace and security.

Dr. Ogunsan, in response, reaffirmed the Fund’s unwavering backing for the Police Command, highlighting its role in providing operational support, resources, and logistical assistance to enhance law enforcement effectiveness across Lagos.

Customs’ KLT Command Meets Oil & Gas Operators to Boost Compliance, Improve Jetty Operations

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blacktalker
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Customs’ KLT Command Meets Oil & Gas Operators to Boost Compliance, Improve Jetty Operations

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT Command has held a strategic engagement with key oil and gas stakeholders to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve efficiency in vessel handling and jetty operations.

At the meeting held on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller E.J. Edelduok, described the sector as central to national revenue and energy security.

She stressed the need for transparent documentation, accurate product accounting and prompt Customs procedures to ensure smooth discharge, storage and evacuation of petroleum products.

Edelduok urged operators to table operational challenges openly, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to fine-tune its processes to support ease of doing business while protecting government revenue.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustained collaboration with industry players to ensure seamless petroleum product operations across the KLT axis.

The Officer-in-Charge of Boarding, Superintendent Emmanuel Okoka, clarified that all foreign vessels entering Nigeria for the first time must berth at a government jetty for mandatory clearance before moving to private facilities, a requirement he said is vital for compliance checks and national security.

Other discussions focused on coordinating vessel movements, discharge timelines and product transfer to storage depots.

Stakeholders present at the event, commended the Command’s consultative approach and recommended a formal circular to harmonise berthing procedures.

Ogun Police Deploy Tactical Teams to Ajebo, Assure of Safety After Viral Video

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blacktalker
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Ogun Police Debunk Viral AI Videos Claiming Imminent Attacks

The Ogun State Police Command has allayed fears in Ajebo, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, after a viral video alleged that herdsmen were preparing to attack the community.

Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, immediately deployed a tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to the area to confirm the report.

The joint operation, which included the Amotekun Corps, So-Safe Corps, local hunters, the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, conducted an intelligence-led sweep of Ajebo and its surrounding settlements.

According to the police, the Fulani settlers seen in the video are long-established residents living peacefully within the community.

Officers observed women and children in their temporary shelters, with no weapons or suspicious activities detected. The absence of adult men was traced to their routine trading trip to Oyo State.

Security operatives also identified an extended RUGA settlement that has reportedly existed for over a decade.

As part of ongoing clarifications, the police have invited the Kabiyesi, Oba Rueben Oluwole, said to have allocated land to the settlers, and the Baale of Alapako, where another cluster of huts was found, for meetings with the Commissioner of Police.

The joint security team is maintaining surveillance in the forest area about 10 kilometres from the main community, though authorities stress this is purely precautionary.

The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing fear or tension, assuring that robust intelligence and security measures are fully in place.

Alausa, Others to Lead Talks as EWAN Summit Tackles Nigeria’s Paper Qualification Obsession

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blacktalker
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Alausa, Others to Lead Talks as EWAN Summit Tackles Nigeria’s Paper Qualification Obsession

The Education Writers Association of Nigeria, EWAN will on November 27 convene its 2025 annual summit to examine Nigeria’s deepening obsession with paper qualifications and the rising concerns over the integrity of public examinations.

The event, scheduled to hold at the Julius Berger Auditorium, University of Lagos, UNILAG, will focus on the theme: “Nigeria’s Obsession with Paper Qualification and Integrity of Public Examinations: Is TVET the Way Forward?”

EWAN said the summit is aimed at shifting national attention toward skills, competence and Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET as a pathway to reducing unemployment and strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Mrs. Iyabo Lawal, said the 2025 examination controversies show the need for urgent reforms.

According to her, “The rising cases of malpractice are tied to Nigeria’s emphasis on paper qualifications. Everyone wants the certificate, with or without the knowledge. This summit provides the platform to address these issues with the stakeholders who can drive change.”

This year’s event comes amid rising cases of examination malpractice and concerns that the country’s certificate-driven culture is pushing students and institutions toward shortcuts. EWAN says it hopes the summit will help reframe national priorities around practical skills rather than paper qualifications.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, will deliver the keynote address, where he is expected to outline government efforts on TVET expansion and ongoing reforms in public examinations.

Heads of the country’s major examination bodies will review the Minister’s address, including JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, WAEC Nigeria Head Dr. Amos Dangut, and NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi.

Also expected at the summit are key figures in the technical and manufacturing sectors, such as the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje; Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Ms. Morounke Azeez; and representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

They will speak on the relevance of TVET in addressing the country’s growing skills gap.

The UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, will host the event, while the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, serves as Chief Host.

Former LASTVEB Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawunmi Gasper, will chair the summit.

The summit will also feature two panel sessions and an award ceremony honouring individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to public education.

Awardees include Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa, who will receive the “Icon of Education” award; philanthropist Sir Kesington Adebutu; the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, sponsor of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award; and outgoing Babcock University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, for his decade-long partnership with EWAN.

Anambra Unveils “Onwan Dezemba” Christmas Fiesta to Light Up Yuletide

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blacktalker
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Anambra Unveils “Onwan Dezemba” Christmas Fiesta to Light Up Yuletide

Anambra State Government has announced plans for a grand December celebration with the theme; “Onwan Dezemba,” aimed at delivering an exciting and memorable Christmas experience for residents and visitors.

The decision was adopted at the 23rd meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council, ANSEC, held Monday, November 17, 2025, in Awka, where other issues of sustainable development were also discussed.

Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the festivities will take place at the newly remodeled Ekwueme Square, the Solution Fun City, and other recreational centres across the state.

He described the programme as part of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s effort to make the season “unlike any other.”

The lineup for the yuletide includes masquerade festivals, Christmas carols, cultural displays, and music performances featuring top Nigerian artistes.

Mefor noted that Solution Fun City, equipped with a cinema, waterpark with six pools, children’s play zones, arcade, and country club, represents the governor’s vision to create world-class entertainment and relaxation spaces in Anambra.

Governor Soludo, who described the facility as “a fun city like no other,” said his vision is to reposition Anambra as a destination hub rather than a departure point. He added that the current development is only the first phase of plans to build the largest fun city in the world in the state.

The government said the project is expected to stimulate the local economy and create jobs, reinforcing Soludo’s broader agenda to transform Anambra into a dynamic business and tourism centre, the “Dubai-Silicon Valley” of Nigeria.

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