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Political Strategist Asade Adedayo Seeks Fresh Governance Direction Amid Leadership Failures

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Political Strategist Asade Adedayo Seeks Fresh Governance Direction Amid Leadership Failures

Political strategist and governance expert, Prince Asade Adedayo, has warned that Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and political instability stem from long-standing leadership failures and weak institutions.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adedayo said recent national events reflect the urgent need for a new class of leaders equipped with administrative competence, strategic thinking, and people-focused policies.

Adedayo condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing it as another indictment of the country’s inability to protect its vulnerable citizens. While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts, he stressed that reactive responses are no longer enough.

According to him, the repeated kidnappings of students, with over 1,500 abducted in recent years, expose a “catastrophic failure of policy, intelligence, and Nigeria’s primary duty to protect its people.”

He also faulted the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where expulsions and police intervention have deepened internal rifts. Adedayo said the development highlights a dangerous disconnect between political actors and the citizens they claim to represent.

He noted that although media reports from The Punch, The Guardian, Vanguard and other outlets have spotlighted these issues, the coverage reflects symptoms of a deeper governance deficit.

Adedayo urged a shift from personality-driven politics to institution-led governance, calling for technology-driven security reforms, stronger civic participation, and policies rooted in inclusion and long-term planning.

“Nigeria needs leadership that prioritizes competence over patronage and long-term planning over emergency firefighting,” he said, adding that future public office holders must embody these values.

Adedayo, a political administrator and campaign strategist with over 15 years of experience, is known for his work in political organization, governance consulting, and community development.

Fearless Energy Drink Reaffirms Sponsor Africa Knockout 11

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Rite Foods’ Fearless Energy Drink Celebrates Fela’s Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Fearless Energy Drink from the stable of Rite Foods Limited has strengthened its footprint in youth culture and high-energy sports as the official energy drink sponsor of the 11th edition of the African Knockout Championship, AKO11 held in Lagos.

The event, hosted at La Madison Place, Lekki, on Saturday, 15th November 2025, brought together thousands of young, vibrant fans.

This audience aligns directly with the brand’s bold, ambitious, and energetic identity. With Fearless powering the night, the championship delivered unmatched excitement and reaffirmed its position as one of Africa’s premier combat sports platforms.

Speaking on the brand’s strategic partnership, Olaniyi Aderuku, Brand Manager, Fearless Energy Drink, stated that AKO embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines the brand.

“AKO represents grit, courage, and an unyielding fighting spirit, qualities that sit at the core of the Fearless philosophy,” Aderuku said. “This partnership allows us to connect authentically with a youth-driven audience that thrives on energy, action, and the pursuit of greatness.”

Aderuku added that collaborating with AKO, a mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation founded by Kamaru Usman, former UFC Welterweight Champion, underscores Fearless Energy Drink’s commitment to platforms that push boundaries and inspire excellence among young Africans.

As a pioneer in the Nigerian energy drink market, Fearless continues to demonstrate innovative leadership. The brand made history as the first to introduce energy drinks in PET bottles, offering both Fearless Classic and Fearless Red Berry in portable PET and canned formats, further broadening consumer choice and accessibility.

Women of Substance Announces Maiden “Sisters’ Hangout”

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Women of Substance Announces Maiden “Sisters’ Hangout”

Women of Substance is set to host the inaugural edition of the Sisters’ Hangout, a women-only networking and empowerment gathering designed to boost visibility, collaboration, and leadership among women across diverse fields.

Founded by media consultant and Imo Broadcasting Corporation Director-General, Chief Ify Onyegbule, the exclusive lunch-table event will convene influential voices in journalism, business, education, fintech, philanthropy, data science, food services, and community development, creating a shared space for practical insights, strategic conversations, and transformative mentorship.

A distinguished lineup of speakers has been confirmed for the maiden edition, including:

Petra Akinti Onyegbule, Corporate Communications Strategist: on brand relevance and communication leadership.

Theresa Moses, Journalist, Humanitarian & CEO, Gatmash Media: on balancing media leadership with building a successful FMCG brand.

Anthonia Ojenagbon, Founder, Silton African Kitchen: on managing large-scale catering and excellence under pressure.

Chioma Iroabuchi, Digital Transformation Leader: on beginner pathways into the fintech ecosystem.

Oluwatomisin Adebukola, Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist : on grassroots advocacy and leadership impact.

Olayinka Mayaki-Yusuf, GM, Shipshape Cleaners : on thriving in professional cleaning and competitive service industries.

Temitayo Oluwatobi Adetoba, Data Scientist : on data as a tool for better decision-making and women’s inclusion in the data economy.

Cordy Nachi Opara, Educator & Relationship Coach: on intentional parenting and understanding children’s personalities

Chief Yinka Kenny, Broadcast Journalist & Gender Champion: on navigating challenges faced by women in media.

Ijeoma Uzozie Mark-Abii, Estate Surveyor & Travel Consultant: on untold realities of the tourism and travel sector.

Anusiem DO (Nwachukwu Delphine Onyinye), Author & Founder, Brisa Women Foundation: on community-driven women empowerment.

Wemimo Adebiyi, Therapist & Child Mental Health Advocate: on child psychology and building healthier communication at home.

Convener, Chief Ify Onyegbule said the event is designed to push women toward visibility and leadership:
“Women must step out, connect, network, and impact. No one hands you opportunities, you reach out and take them. This Hangout gives women the runway to do just that.”

With its mix of deep conversations, practical learning, and authentic sisterhood, she noted that the Hangout positions itself as a transformative space for women determined to grow, lead, and influence society.

About the Convener

Chief Ify Onyegbule is a renowned broadcast media consultant with over two decades of experience. She trains and recruits broadcasters, sets up radio/TV stations, and consults for public and private institutions. She leads Women of Substance and the Women Awareness for Sustainable Empowerment Initiative, championing gender advancement in media and society.

LASU Gets NUC Approval for Four New Tech Degree Programmes

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LASU Dominates National Kickboxing Championship with 19 Medals Haul

Lagos State University, LASU has secured approval from the National Universities Commission, NUC to introduce four new full-time undergraduate programmes in its Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The approval was confirmed in a letter dated 3 November 2025, signed by the Acting Director of Academic Planning, Abubakar M. Girei, following a successful resource verification exercise by NUC panels who assessed the university’s readiness in terms of staffing and infrastructure.

The newly approved programmes are: B.Sc. Cyber Security, B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Information and Communication Technology and B.Sc. Data Science

LASU described the development as a major step in its drive to expand technology-focused education and produce graduates equipped for Nigeria’s digital economy. The approval, however, applies strictly to full-time modes for now.

With the addition of these programmes, the university says it remains committed to strengthening its leadership in computing, innovation, and future-ready skills development.

Unity Bank MD Tasks Youths on Savings Culture at World Savings Day

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Unity Bank MD Tasks Youths on Savings Culture at World Savings Day

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, has renewed the Bank’s call for young Nigerians to embrace a savings culture, urging them to see savings as a lifelong discipline for creating stability and financial resilience.

Mr. Kolawole gave the charge while addressing students of Alvana Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State, as part of the financial literacy training organized by the Bank to mark this year’s World Savings Day.

Represented by Mr. William Odigie, Unity Bank’s Zonal Head, South East/South South, Mr. Kolawole reaffirmed Unity Bank’s commitment to deepening financial inclusion among young Nigerians as it joined global institutions to commemorate this year’s World Savings Day, themed “Beyond Savings; Building Financial Resilience.”

The Bank participated in nationwide Financial Literacy Training sessions held simultaneously across the country, an initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bankers’ Committee, Deposit Money Banks and Junior Achievement Nigeria, aimed at improving financial inclusion and equipping young people with essential money management skills.

Speaking during the training, Mr. Kolawole stressed that “savings is foundational to financial planning, financial management and investment, and therefore the Youth must imbibe the culture of savings not just as mere financial activity, but to enable them to create financial security and independence in the long run”.

He noted that Unity Bank continues to prioritise financial literacy initiatives because early exposure to money management helps young people mitigate uncertainties and economic shocks that may hinder their ability to meeting goals.

The training sessions, facilitated by Unity Bank staff across multiple states, exposed students to practical lessons on budgeting, financial goals and seminar classes and workshops. 

World Savings Day, celebrated annually on October 31, promotes the importance of savings as a cornerstone of economic resilience. In Nigeria, Deposit Money Banks collaborate with the CBN and partner organisations to deliver training programmes that equip students with lifelong financial skills.

Unity Bank’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to supporting youth development and strengthening the financial literacy ecosystem across the country.

Tinubu Opens C-PACT Summit, Calls for Dismantling Inefficient African Borders

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Tinubu Opens C-PACT Summit, Calls for Dismantling Inefficient African Borders

President Bola Tinubu has urged African nations to break inefficient borders and modernise their Customs systems, saying the continent cannot achieve shared prosperity without coordinated reforms.

Declaring open the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit in Abuja, the President, who was represented by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said Africa must turn its large population and market into a truly integrated economic bloc driven by technology and unified trade rules.

Shettima noted that Nigeria’s exchange rate reforms, fuel subsidy removal, port modernisation and ongoing Customs digitalisation were designed to build a globally competitive trade environment.

He added that the National Single Window, due by March 2026, will cut cargo clearance times from 21 days to under seven and align the country fully with AfCFTA’s digital framework.

Customs Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi said the extension of his mandate came with performance indicators directly tied to AfCFTA implementation.

He disclosed that Nigeria has deepened engagements with Customs administrations across Africa to ensure that rules of origin, preferential duties and trade preferences are properly enforced.

Adeniyi, who recently held talks with the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana, warned that regional trade schemes fail when member states ignore commitments, citing setbacks in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.

He said this informed the creation of C-PACT as a platform to strengthen cooperation among African Customs chiefs, private-sector operators and development partners.

He revealed that 30 Customs administrations are attending the summit, 22 led by their Directors-General and the World Customs Organisation’s Secretary-General is participating for the first time in a Nigeria-hosted Customs conference.

Representing the Minister of Finance, Minister of State Doris Anite said Customs reforms remain central to Nigeria’s fiscal transformation, as efficient borders reduce business costs and attract investment.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, added that despite AfCFTA’s promise, outdated systems still hinder its impact, prompting new reforms such as dedicated export corridors.

WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders said the C-PACT vision aligns with the organisation’s mission, noting that Customs efficiency will determine Africa’s ability to unlock its growth forecast for 2025.

AfreximBank Executive Vice President Kanayo Awani highlighted the bank’s support for Customs modernisation, including transit-bond guarantees, tracking systems and the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund to cushion tariff-loss impacts.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene praised Nigeria’s leadership and Adeniyi’s role as WCO Council Chair, saying Customs administrations remain the “engine room” of AfCFTA and must translate trade rules into practical, seamless border operations.

SUNU Health CEO, Rev Fr Okoria Lead Annual Wellness Walk in Lagos

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SUNU Health CEO, Rev Fr Okoria Lead Annual Wellness Walk in Lagos

SUNU Health Nigeria Limited has held its annual community health walk in Lagos, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Patrick Korie, and Rev Fr John Okoria SJ of the Divine Physician & St. Luke Catholic Chaplaincy Centre, LUTH/CMUL.

The event, which took place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, drew hundreds of participants and reinforced the company’s focus on proactive healthcare and community wellness. The partnership with the Catholic Chaplaincy Centre played a key role in mobilising residents and strengthening the initiative’s impact.

Dr. Korie, who was recently named one of The Industry’s Top 50 Men of Impact 2025, led the walk from start to finish, urging participants to embrace fitness as a lifelong priority.

The walk covered major routes including Ishaga Road, Itire Road, Randle Avenue, Akerele, Ogunlana Drive and Workers Street, before returning to the starting point. It was followed by a high-energy aerobics and fitness session.

Speaking to reporters, Dr. Korie said SUNU Health’s mandate goes beyond providing health insurance.

“We are fundamentally interested in proactive wellness, preventing illness rather than just treating it. This annual exercise is a crucial part of that commitment,” he stated.

Rev Fr Okoria’s leadership, according to organisers, helped galvanise strong community participation by strengthening the spiritual and moral message of holistic well-being.

SUNU Health’s Brand and Corporate Communications Lead, Samuel Olayemi, described the turnout as “delightful”, noting that collaborations with institutions like the Chaplaincy Centre amplify public awareness on healthy living.

SUNU Health Nigeria Limited says it will continue to champion initiatives that encourage preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyles across communities.

LAWMA Steps Up Crackdown on Indiscriminate Dumping Across Lagos

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LAWMA Steps Up Crackdown on Indiscriminate Dumping Across Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA has intensified its crackdown on indiscriminate waste dumping across the state, strengthening enforcement operations and community-led monitoring to curb growing environmental violations.

LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the renewed push comes as the agency tackles persistent black spots and waste-management lapses in some communities, warning that illegal dumping poses serious public-health and flooding risks.

He noted that Lagos’ coastal terrain makes strict enforcement essential, stressing that a single bag of refuse dumped into drainage channels “blocks culverts, worsens flooding, contaminates water, and sends plastic debris into canals and the lagoon.”

Gbadegesin said LAWMA has now shifted from periodic crackdowns to an intelligence-driven model that integrates surveillance, community reporting, and swift prosecution. Recalcitrant offenders are being arrested and prosecuted to deter widespread non-compliance, he added.

The agency also intensified state-wide operations in collaboration with PSP operators, assuring that government support will help them recapitalise and deliver more reliable services.

In Somolu LCDA, LAWMA recently cleared a longstanding black spot in partnership with Somolu LCDA, Bariga LCDA, and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), with offenders, including commercial tricycle operators, already apprehended.

The site is now under night and early-morning patrols to prevent a resurgence.

Local council chairmen in Somolu and Bariga have pledged continuous advocacy and strict enforcement in line with the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ directive for LGAs and LCDAs to take full ownership of waste management.

To boost public education, LAWMA is expanding its radio programmes and social-media outreach on recycling, PSP services, and penalties for environmental offences.

Gbadegesin urged residents to acquire covered bins, patronise their assigned PSP operators, shun cart pushers, and report suspicious waste movements. Community support, he said, is essential to sustaining a clean and flood-resilient Lagos.

Residents can reach LAWMA via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617, or www.lawma.gov.ng.

Tin Can Island Customs Sustains Growth Under Comptroller Onyeka, Hits Second-Highest Monthly Revenue

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Tin Can Customs Rakes in ₦120.4bn in February, Records ₦16.8bn Growth

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has recorded another major revenue milestone, generating ₦154.38 billion in October 2025, its second-highest monthly collection on record.

The Command’s continued strong performance comes under the leadership of Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, whose reform-focused administration and full deployment of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as the B’Odogwu platform, have driven improvements in efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation.

Figures released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, showed that the October revenue stood at ₦154,384,834,050.93, underscoring the Command’s sustained upward trajectory.

The Command had earlier set its all-time highest monthly revenue in August 2025, when it collected ₦159 billion. At the time, Comptroller Onyeka credited the achievement to the indigenous B’Odogwu automation system, which he said had transformed cargo processing, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened revenue assurance.

He also praised the dedication of officers, cooperation from port stakeholders, and the support of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi. According to him, the CGC’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation, and innovation has been central to Tin Can’s improved operations.

With October’s performance, the Tin Can Island Port Command appears firmly on course to meet and possibly exceed its annual revenue target.

The Command says it will continue strengthening compliance, deepening stakeholder engagement, and pushing for even greater efficiency in line with Customs Headquarters’ strategic direction.

Polaris Bank Celebrates C.O.P.E’s 30 Years of Hope, Impact, Partnership

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Polaris Bank Celebrates C.O.P.E’s 30 Years of Hope, Impact, Partnership

The Care Organization Public Enlightenment, C.O.P.E has celebrated 30 years of advancing breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support with Polaris Bank leading corporate partners in honouring the milestone.

The ceremony drew healthcare professionals, survivors, donors, and supporters, with Polaris Bank recognised as C.O.P.E’s longstanding partner and lead sponsor.

Emeritus Professor Osato Giwa Osagie, Chairman of C.O.P.E’s Board of Trustees, reflected on his first encounter with the Founder, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, praising her passion and vision, which he said transformed breast cancer education in Nigeria.

He noted that C.O.P.E has become a national force, providing free monthly screenings, prosthetic bras, and financial assistance to women who need them.

“In the last ten years, we have witnessed remarkable progress in breast cancer survival in Nigeria, thanks to early detection and consistent education,” he said.

He added that C.O.P.E now imports specialised breast supplements for women who have undergone mastectomy and announced plans for a permanent C.O.P.E Centre equipped with a screening unit, conference hall, and residential support for women in treatment or recovery.

In her remarks, the Founder/CEO, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, recalled how personal loss inspired a mission that has endured three decades. “C.O.P.E was born out of grief, but it became my way of transforming pain into purpose,” she said.

From a modest campaign in 1995, the organisation has grown into a national movement that has educated millions and provided lifesaving early detection services to thousands. She emphasised the urgent need for a permanent facility to expand their impact.

She expressed deep appreciation to Polaris Bank and other partners whose support, she noted, “has kept C.O.P.E’s mission alive through every season.”

A touching highlight came from Mrs. Agatha Obi, a survivor who shared her journey. “In 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed a mastectomy. It was devastating,” she said. “But C.O.P.E gave me strength and support. Thirteen years later, I stand here grateful and thriving.”

Representing the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to the cause, acknowledging C.O.P.E’s three decades of service and advocacy.

“C.O.P.E has been a beacon of hope and empowerment. Polaris Bank is proud to stand with an organisation whose work promotes compassion, resilience, and real impact,” she said. “We remain committed to supporting breast cancer awareness, early detection, and sustained care.”

She commended the C.O.P.E team for their dedication and assured that Polaris Bank will continue partnering on initiatives that improve lives and strengthen communities.

The 30th anniversary celebration closed with renewed pledges from partners and donors toward building a permanent C.O.P.E Centre, a lasting symbol of hope for women across Nigeria.

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