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All Posts in "Day: October 7, 2025"

“Golden Jubilee Of Grace: Stella Ihezue Celebrates 50 Years Of Life And Legacy”

By Nnedinma Michael
In a grand celebration that will be etched in the memories of guests for a lifetime, Mrs. Stella Azuka Ihezue, mother-in-law to Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, marked a major milestone in her life – her 50th birthday. The golden jubilee celebration, aptly themed “Stella’s Jubilee of Grace,” was a testament to her life of faith, love, and resilience.
Held at the prestigious Signature Hall of Radisson-Onyx Hotel in Awka, Anambra State, the event was a spectacular display of elegance, warmth, and heartfelt tributes. Family, friends, and dignitaries converged to honor a woman whose presence radiates strength, humility, and divine favor.
Prince Ukachukwu, in a moving tribute, described Mrs. Ihezue as a rare gem, whose presence brings light, warmth, and wisdom into every room she walks into. He commended her for nurturing a closely-knit family anchored on love and faith, and praised her for being a pillar of strength and inspiration to her family.
The celebrant, in her remarks, expressed profound gratitude to God for guiding her through life’s journey. She thanked her family and in-laws for their love and support, and spoke glowingly of Prince Ukachukwu’s compassion and generosity.
The evening was filled with music, laughter, and dancing, as guests were treated to soul-stirring performances and gourmet dishes. The celebration was a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who has lived a life of purpose and has touched the lives of many.
As Mrs. Ihezue embarks on the next chapter of her life, she is surrounded by the love and admiration of her family and friends. Her 50th birthday celebration will be remembered for years to come as a testament to her legacy of love, faith, and resilience.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
With Valuation Of Over N1.6tn, SEC, Stakeholders Eye More Investments In Non-Interest Capital Market

With Valuation Of Over N1.6tn, SEC, Stakeholders Eye More Non-Interest Investments – The Whistler Newspaper


…Plans Conference To Unlock Ethical Financing For Nigeria’s Prosperity




Amaka Obiefuna


The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has disclosed that Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of over ₦1.6tn, a milestone it says signals growing investor confidence and deepening participation in ethical finance.


The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, announced this on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), scheduled to hold in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.


The conference, jointly organized by the SEC, the Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Ltd., is themed “Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.”


It aims to promote ethical financing as a viable tool for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.


Agama described the upcoming conference as “strategically positioned” to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2021–2025), adding that it would serve as a platform for charting the next phase of sustainable financial development across the continent.


“This year’s theme is a call to action, it’s about harnessing ethical finance as a tool to build a more prosperous and equitable Africa,” he said.


According to him, the Nigerian non-interest market has shown remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector.


He revealed that the last Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by over 700 percent, underscoring the growing investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory framework.


“The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of ₦1.6tn. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,” Agama said.


He explained that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 provides a strengthened legal foundation for non-interest financial products, empowering the SEC to register non-interest collective investment schemes and broaden the range of instruments available to investors.


“The new Act is a game-changer,” he noted. “It modernizes our regulatory framework, enhances transparency, and gives investors the confidence needed to engage more deeply with ethical finance.”


Agama stated that the AICIF will feature high-level discussions on unlocking capital for Africa’s infrastructure, green and ethical investments, agricultural financing, and the role of fintech in transforming Islamic finance.


The sessions, he said, are designed to produce practical solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing development challenges.


“This is not just another conference. It is a problem-solving platform that will deliver actionable strategies to drive new investment flows and inform future regulatory policy,” he emphasized.


The SEC boss added that the conference will bring together regulators, senior financial executives, scholars, and representatives of development finance institutions to collaborate on innovative policy frameworks.


According to him, promoting financial inclusion will be a key focus area, ensuring that ethical finance becomes a driver of prosperity for individuals and businesses alike.


“The insights generated will help shape the next phase of our capital market’s growth, ensuring it remains a strong engine for Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.


Agama underscored that the AICIF aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency in the financial system.


He described ethical finance as a critical component of Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation plan, capable of funding infrastructure, empowering communities, and stimulating small and medium-scale enterprises.


“The 7th AICIF is a premier forum dedicated to advancing non-interest and ethical finance across Africa. It represents a shared commitment to building a financial ecosystem that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.


He urged stakeholders and the media to actively participate in the Lagos conference, describing it as “a defining moment for Nigeria’s financial sector and a blueprint for Africa’s economic rebirth.”


Also speaking, Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner, Metropolitan Law Firm & Chairman, AICIF 2025 Planning Committee said that AICIF has grown into one of the most important gatherings for policymakers, regulators, investors, scholars, and innovators who share a common goal to advance ethical, inclusive, and sustainable finance in Africa.


She said, “This year, we are especially proud of our strategic partnership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s highest regulator in the capital market. This collaboration underscores our shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity.


“This year’s conference comes at a critical time — as Africa continues to explore innovative, ethical, and sustainable pathways to finance development.”


She said Islamic finance has proven to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the global financial system, and AICIF provides a unique platform to bring together policymakers, regulators, scholars, investors, and practitioners to shape that future here on the continent.


Beyond the conference sessions, Amin said the partners will also be celebrating excellence and innovation through its Awards Night, as well as unveiling the winners of the AICIF Pitch Competition, a platform designed to spotlight young entrepreneurs and innovative ideas that can shape the future of Islamic finance in Africa.

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Capital Market
Nirsal Unlocks N70bn In Financing Agriculture In 2025, Strengthening Its Role In Supporting Food Security , Economic Growth

Nirsal Unlocks N70bn In Financing For Agriculture In 20 -Freshangle News

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has announced a remarkable rebound in its operations, which has resulted in the facilitation of over ₦70 billion in commercial financing for agribusiness as at Q3 2025, its strongest annual performance since inception.

In operation since 2013, this result represents nearly a quarter of the organisation’s cumulative ₦270 billion facilitated for agriculture and agribusiness to date, an achievement that underscores the impact of NIRSAL’s revamped strategy under its new Board and Executive Management.

The timing of this turnaround is critical: Bank lending to agriculture had been in steady decline, falling from 6.18% of aggregate lending in 2022 to 4.82% in 2024, while sectoral growth slowed from 2.5% to 1.7% within the same period. By applying its signature tools for value chain modelling to address identified issues, providing technical support to agribusinesses and financial institutions, all while deploying its risk-sharing frameworks, NIRSAL has restored lender confidence thus channelling fresh funds into key value chains, including grains, cocoa, shea, and livestock.

In terms of impact, there has been an improvement in local production across key commodities and a positive balance of trade for agriculture, with over 32% of the facilitated sum directly supporting value-added commodity export. Most notably, agriculture’s share of bank lending has risen again to 5.33% as of May 2025, reflecting renewed interest from financiers. Two newly licensed banks have also entered the sector relying on NIRSAL’s frameworks, contributing to the ₦70 billion facilitated so far this year.

Commenting on the milestone, NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Sa’ad Hamidu, said: “₦70 billion may appear modest compared to the size of Nigeria’s agricultural financing needs, but the significance is profound. It proves that agriculture can be commercially and sustainably financed. With the right blend of capital, technical support, and risk mitigation, the sector can become more productive, resilient, and globally competitive.”

Hamidu added that NIRSAL remains confident of hitting its ₦150 billion target for 2025: “This is not yet the peak of the harvest season when merchants typically seek credit for offtake and storage, and when super agro-dealers stock up on fertilisers and inputs ahead of the next planting cycle. Therefore, the opportunities still to come give us every reason for optimism.”

Beyond headline figures, NIRSAL is working to reshape the lending landscape for agriculture. Its integrated model, spanning prospect identification, deal structuring, business advisory, and credit guarantees, handholds agribusinesses from loan origination to disbursement. Also, by providing tailored advisory and risk mitigation, the institution helps businesses once deemed unbankable to gain access to sustainable credit.

Through this approach NIRSAL aid the creation of a pipeline of emerging agribusinesses while supporting established firms to scale. Meanwhile, several borrowers who once engaged NIRSAL have since graduated into routine lending relationships with their bankers whose understanding of the dynamics of agribusiness has grown, leading to greater comfort in lending. This proves that the NIRSAL model is a pathway to long-term sustainability in the agriculture sector.

The ₦70 billion facilitated so far this year is a direct outcome of NIRSAL’s sustained capacity-building efforts for financial institutions. Through targeted training sessions for over 1,100 staff of banks, NIRSAL has deepened understanding of agricultural financing within its risk-sharing framework leading to an increase in loan request approvals. Similar training programs for agricultural value chain actors, including 450 participants trained on feedlot management, commodity export, and climate finance so far, will become increasingly evident over time, as capacity and confidence grow across these sub-sectors.

As part of its forward agenda, NIRSAL is developing a digital network it calls the NIRSAL LandBank portal—a connected ecosystem of agricultural stakeholders, from research and development to markets, to provide data-driven insights for investors, policy makers, and development partners for the identification of opportunities, risk reduction, and informed decision-making.

The LandBank portal would become an additional channel for project development, with climate finance another potential source of funding. NIRSAL continues to deepen its interest in and collaboration around climate finance, recently signing an understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency to provide off-grid power to production and processing clusters in rural locations. These efforts, the institution believes, will build resilience into the agricultural value chain and aid Nigeria’s push toward a $1 trillion economy.

Since its establishment, NIRSAL has remained faithful to its mandate of de-risking agricultural lending, facilitating finance across the value chain, and proving that agriculture is both bankable and sustainable. Its 2025 performance to date signals not just recovery, but a new era of confidence for Nigeria’s farmers, financiers, and the wider economy.

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
Elites Traders Endorse Ukachukwu For Governor, Praise His Business Acumen 

By Nnedinma Michael
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Anambra State, has received endorsement from the Anambra State elites traders forum for his proposed economic and security policies.
Ukachukwu aims to restore security and public confidence in Anambra State, citing the current state of insecurity as unacceptable.
He plans to address this within the first 90 days of his administration.
His economic vision includes,
Creating an environment where investors feel secure, valued, and supported,  unlocking the potential of agriculture to ensure food security and create export opportunities and revitalizing
industries and promoting entrepreneurship to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, Focusing on reliable electricity, agricultural transformation, and infrastructure renewal.
Ukachukwu has pledged to appoint a trader as Commissioner for Trade and Commerce and ensure democratic elections for market leaders.
He also plans to make agricultural loans accessible to farmers across the state. establishing a primary health center in every community and a fully equipped general hospital in each local government area.
Speaking to the women in the forum, he shared a personal and emotional story about of his journey, struggles and significant role his mother played in his life, and expressed gratitude for the strength and resilience on how his mother inspired him.”My mother played a vital role in shaping my life, I am happy i impacted positively in her before her death, and will not forget the memories and lessons she shared with me,
Ukachukwu promised  of making positive impact in the lives of women.” He Concluded. “
The Anambra State elites traders forum, led by Mr. Onyebuchi Onwukeaka, has expressed total support for Ukachukwu, indicating that he is a strong contender in the upcoming election.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
New Recommendations To Help End Deaths From Postpartum Haemorrhage —Global Health Agencies

Through landmark new guidelines released , leading reproductive health agencies are calling for a major shift in how postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is prevented, diagnosed and treated.

According to a press release by WHO ,the recommendations highlight the urgent need for earlier detection and faster intervention — steps that could save the lives of tens of thousands of women each year.

Defined as excessive bleeding after childbirth, PPH affects millions of women annually and causes nearly 45 000 deaths, making it one of the leading causes of maternal mortality globally. Even when not fatal, it can lead to lifelong physical and mental health impacts, from major organ damage to hysterectomies, anxiety and trauma.

“Postpartum haemorrhage is the most dangerous childbirth complication since it can escalate with such alarming speed. While it is not always predictable, deaths are preventable with the right care,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care. “These guidelines are designed to maximize impact where the burden is highest and resources are most limited – helping ensure more women survive childbirth and can return home safely to their families.”

New diagnostic criteria for rapid action

Published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the guidelines introduce new objective diagnostic criteria for detecting PPH, based on the largest study on the topic to date – also published today in The Lancet.

Many PPH cases occur without identifiable risk factors, meaning early detection and rapid response is critical. Yet in many settings, especially where healthcare resources and labour wards are overstretched, delays in treatment result in devastating consequences.

Typically, PPH has been diagnosed as a blood loss of 500 mL or more. Now, clinicians are also advised to act when the blood loss reaches 300 mL, and any abnormal vital signs have been observed. To diagnose PPH early, doctors and midwives are advised to monitor women closely after birth and use calibrated drapes – simple devices that collect and accurately quantify lost blood – so that they can act immediately when criteria are met.

The guidelines recommend the immediate deployment of the MOTIVE bundle of actions once PPH has been diagnosed. This includes:

Massage of the uterus;
Oxytocic drugs to stimulate contractions;
Tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce bleeding;
Intravenous fluids;
Vaginal and genital tract examination; and
Escalation of care if bleeding persists.
In rare cases where bleeding continues, the guidelines also recommend effective interventions such as surgery or blood transfusion to safely stabilize a woman’s condition until further treatment becomes available.

“Women affected by PPH need care that is fast, feasible, effective and drives progress towards eliminating PPH-related deaths,” said Professor Anne Beatrice Kihara, President of FIGO. “These guidelines take a proactive approach of readiness, recognition and response. They are designed to ensure real-world impact – empowering health workers to deliver the right care, at the right time, and in a wide range of contexts.”

Reducing risks through effective prevention

The guidelines emphasize the importance of good antenatal and postnatal care to mitigate critical risk factors such as anaemia, which is highly prevalent in low- and lower-middle income countries. Anaemia increases the likelihood of PPH and worsens outcomes if it occurs. Recommendations for anaemic mothers include daily oral iron and folate during pregnancy and intravenous iron transfusions when rapid correction is needed, including after PPH, or, if oral therapy fails.

The publication also discourages unsafe practices such as routine episiotomies while promoting preventive techniques like perineal massage in late pregnancy, so as to reduce the likelihood of trauma and severe bleeding after birth.

During the third stage of labour, the guidelines recommend administering a quality-assured uterotonic to support uterine contraction, preferably oxytocin or heat-stable carbetocin as an alternative. If intravenous options are not available and the cold chain is unreliable, misoprostol may be used as a last resort.

“Midwives know first-hand how quickly postpartum haemorrhage can escalate and cost lives,” said Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, ICM’s Chief Midwife. “These guidelines are a game-changer. But to end preventable deaths from PPH, we need more than evidence and protocols. We call on governments, health systems, donors, and partners to step up, adopt these recommendations, adopt them quickly, and invest in midwives and maternal care so that postpartum haemorrhage becomes a tragedy of the past.”

The guidelines are accompanied by a suite of training and implementation resources, developed with partners including UNFPA. These tools consist of practical modules for frontline health workers, national-level guides for introducing new practices, and simulation-based training to strengthen emergency response.

These consolidated guidelines–the first to uniquely focus on PPH–are being launched at the 2025 FIGO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. They are a crucial step in the implementation of the Global Roadmap for Combatting PPH between 2023 and 2030.

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Health

The world is smoking less, but the tobacco epidemic is far from over. A new WHO global report shows the number of tobacco users has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024. Since 2010, the number of people using tobacco has dropped by 120 million – a 27% drop in relative terms. Yet, tobacco still hooks one in five adults worldwide, fuelling millions of preventable deaths every year.

“Millions of people are stopping, or not taking up, tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by countries around the world,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco control policies.”

For the first time, WHO has estimated global e-cigarette use – and the numbers are alarming: more than 100 million people worldwide are now vaping. This includes:

Adults: at least 86 million users, mostly in high-income countries.
Adolescents: at least 15 million children (13–15 years) already using e-cigarettes. In countries with data, children are on average nine times more likely than adults to vape.
The tobacco industry is introducing an incessant chain of new products and technologies for its aim to market tobacco addiction with not just cigarettes but also e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products among others, which all harm people’s health, and more worryingly the health of new generations, youth and adolescents.

“E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction,” said Etienne Krug, WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention Department. “They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.”

More women are quitting tobacco than men
While there has been a steady decline in tobacco use for both men and women across all age-groups during 2000–2024, women have been leading the charge to quit tobacco. They hit the global reduction target for 2025 five years early, reaching the 30% milestone back in 2020. Prevalence of tobacco use among women dropped from 11% in 2010 to just 6.6% in 2024, with the number of female tobacco users falling from 277 million in 2010 to 206 million in 2024.

By contrast, men are not expected to reach the goal until 2031. Today, more than four out of five tobacco users worldwide are men, with just under 1 billion men still using tobacco. While prevalence among men has fallen from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024, the pace of change is too slow.

Regional picture
South-East Asia: Once the world’s hotspot, prevalence among men nearly halved – from 70% in 2000 to 37% in 2024. The Region alone accounts for over half of the global decline.
Africa: Prevalence is the lowest of all regions at 9.5% in 2024, and the Region is on track to meet the 30% target. However, because of population growth, the absolute number of tobacco users continues to rise.
Americas: The Region has achieved a 36% relative reduction, with prevalence dropping to 14% in 2024, though some countries still lack sufficient data.
Europe: This is now the highest-prevalence Region globally, with 24.1% of adults using tobacco in 2024, with women in Europe having the highest global prevalence at 17.4%.
Eastern Mediterranean: Prevalence is 18%, with tobacco use continuing to rise in some countries.
Western Pacific: With 22.9% of adults using tobacco in 2024, down from 25.8% in 2010, the progress in this Region is the slowest. While women have low prevalence at 2.5%, men have the highest prevalence of all regions at 43.3%.
Actions needed
WHO is urging governments everywhere to step up tobacco control. This means fully implementing and enforcing the MPOWER package and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, closing loopholes that allow the tobacco and nicotine industries to target children, and regulating new nicotine products like e-cigarettes. It also means raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising, and expanding cessation services so that millions more people can quit.

“Nearly 20% of adults people still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let up now,” said Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care. “The world has made gains, but stronger, faster action is the only way to beat the tobacco epidemic.”

Source: WHO

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Health
Forgery Scandal: Carry Your Cross, Enugu Govt Tells Minister Uche Nnaji

Forgery Scandal: Carry Your Cross, Enugu Govt Tells Minister Uche Nnaji | Independent Newspaper NigeriaLarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Enugu State Government has denied sponsoring allegations of certificate forgery against the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, urging him to “carry his cross” and clear his name before Nigerians.
The government, in a press statement issued in Enugu on Monday by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, said it had no hand whatsoever in the controversies surrounding the Minister’s academic records.
“The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations. The Honourable Minister must carry his own cross and clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,” Mr. Nebo declared.
The Director of Information recalled that Chief Nnaji had invited journalists to a world press conference scheduled for Monday at 2:00 pm to address the matter, but failed to show up.
“A large number of Nigerian and international journalists reportedly gathered on the Minister’s invitation to hear directly from him. But rather than appear before them to answer questions and establish his innocence, the Minister absconded, leaving behind proxies who could not withstand the barrage of legitimate questions from journalists.
“Who can narrate Chief Nnaji’s UNN story better than him? Why invite the media, only to outsource the conference? Why send third parties, who lack the answers to critical questions, if he truly has nothing to hide?” Mr. Nebo queried.
“Did he, for his screening, present a purported degree certificate to the Senate showing that he graduated from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in July 1985?
“Is it true that he deposed in a Federal High Court filing in Abuja that he was not issued any degree certificate by UNN and, if so, how did he come about the degree certificate he presented to the Senate?
“Is it also true that while he claims to have graduated in July 1985, he applied to the university to retake Virology (Course code: MCB 431) in the September 1985 Supplementary Examination, having failed the course?
“Is it also true that the university, in a November 8, 1985 letter, informed Uche Nnaji that he again failed Virology (Course code: MCB 431) in the Supplementary Examinations, but could register to retake the course in the June 1986 examinations, provided he paid an examination fee of N4.00 (Four naira)?
“Is it true that on January 3, 1986, he again applied to retake the Virology (Course code: MCB 431) examination in June 1986, stating in his letter that the receipt for the payment of the N4.00 (Four Naira) resit fee had been attached?
“Is it true that while he claims to be in possession of a university degree, he only submitted his Secondary School WASC Certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for his participation in the 2023 governorship election?
“Why did Uche Nnaji’s proxy state at the Abuja press conference that the Minister “graduated”, while avoiding stating categorically that he was issued a degree certificate?
“Did he also present a purported NYSC discharge certificate showing that he commenced his national service in April 1985, three months before his supposed graduation, and served until July 1986 — an unusual duration of 13 months instead of the usual 12 months of national service?
“Whereas the CEO of the NYSC at the time he claimed to have undergone the national service was Col. Edet Akpan (January 1984 to December 1987), Uche Nnaji’s NYSC discharge certificate was signed by Col. Animashaun Braimoh, who was NYSC CEO from January 1988 to December 1990.
“Is it true that NYSC certificates issued up till October 1990 had six-digit numbering devoid of alphabetic characters, but Uche Nnaji’s discharge certificate, supposedly issued in 1986, was numbered A231309, which includes the alphabet ‘A’?
“And above all, is it a fact that he deposed to an affidavit in the suit he filed in court that UNN did not issue him any certificate? And if that is the case, Nigerians want to know how he came about the certificate he submitted to the Senate of his own free will in 2023.
“These are the clarifications Nigerians earnestly yearn for, and Chief Uche Nnaji is urged to brave up to clear his name, if he is truly innocent, rather than trading blames,” Nebo stressed.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
Vice President Kashim Shettima Commends Shell Investments At Nigeria Economic Summit

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries at Shell’s exhibition booth during the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja… on Monday
L-R: Business Value Manager, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Chidi Nkazi; Vice President, Kashim Shettima and Shell’s General Manager, Corporate Relations, Abukakar Ahmed visiting Shell’s exhibition booth during the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja… on Monday

 

Amaka Obiefuna

Vice President Kashim Shettima today commended the investments of Shell in Nigeria as he visited the company’s exhibition stand at the opening of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja.

 

The exhibition complements the participation of Shell in the summit and features the operations of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo), Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG), All On and Daystar Power.

 

Vice President Shettima who had earlier declared the summit open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,was briefed on the contributions of the companies to the economic development of Nigeria, especially the energy sector.

 

Accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole and the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Vice President Shettima said he was impressed with the investments of Shell in deep-water including the $5-billion Bonga North development. Work on the project is in progress following the FID which was taken early last year.

 

Business Value Manager Chidi Nkazi, who conducted the VIPs round the exhibition stand, also highlighted the impact of Shell’s social investments in health, education and employment generation. “Every year our operations generate revenues which are used to finance development,” Chidi said, adding; “In 2024 alone, Shell Companies in Nigeria paid $1.209 billion in taxes and royalties to the Federal Government.”

 

Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News
Collecting Now Exhibition : Yemisi Shyllon Museum Of Art Presents Its Second Edition

Participating Collectors and Exhibition Insurance Partner at the Opening Event of Collecting Now 1. L-R Mr Adeniyi Adenubi, Mrs. Eyamba Dafinone, Mr. Stanley Evans, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, Dr. Jess Castellote
Works on Display at the Olori Funmilayo Exhibition Gallery of the YSMA

By Winifred Bosa

The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA), Pan-Atlantic University, is proud to announce the public unveiling of the second edition of its landmark exhibition, Collecting Now.

 Opening on October 11, 2025, the exhibition presents 90 significant works on loan from six distinguished Nigerian collectors – Olufemi Akinsanya, Ifeyinwa Momah, Tayo Odunsi, Nonso Okpala, Bimpe Nkontchou and Yemi Ogunbiyi – offering audiences privileged access to a diverse range of traditional, modern and contemporary art rarely seen outside private collections.

Following the success of its maiden edition in 2024, Collecting Now has become an important platform for highlighting the practice of art collecting in Nigeria and its role in sustaining the country’s cultural and creative economy. Featuring works across painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, the exhibition illuminates the interplay between individual taste and collective heritage.

This year’s showcase is particularly notable for spotlighting two women collectors whose perspectives illustrate the multifaceted power of collecting—as a way of living and as an act of advocacy.

“The Collecting Now series reinforces YSMA’s role as a pioneering institution that brings private visions into public spaces,” said Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art. “We are not only presenting exceptional works of art but also shaping a critical conversation about collecting as a cultural practice that ensures continuity, strengthens our art ecosystem, and connects Nigeria’s artistic legacy with future generations.”

Reflecting on her participation in the exhibition, one of the featured collectors, Ifeyinwa Momah, shared: “For me, art is everyday living—it fills my spaces, shapes my memories, and inspires how I see the world. This exhibition is deeply meaningful because it allows these personal experiences to be encountered publicly, sparking conversations that affirm the value of art in our daily lives. I am proud to stand alongside fellow collectors in sharing our journeys through this platform at YSMA.”

The exhibition enjoys the continued support of Ark Insurance Brokers, who, for the second time, are sponsoring the insurance of the entirety of works on display.

 Their renewed partnership underscores their position as a leading brokerage provider for the arts in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to supporting culture and creativity alongside their broader insurance expertise.

“Our partnership with YSMA for Collecting Now reflects our enduring belief that Nigerian art is a national treasure worthy of world-class protection,” remarked Kayode Awogboro, Managing Director of Ark Insurance Group. “As a trusted name in insurance, we take pride in safeguarding collections of immense cultural value, while affirming our commitment to the arts as part of the fabric of society.”

Through this initiative, YSMA affirms its position as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing cultural scholarship, deepening public access to art, and celebrating the vision of Nigerian collectors as curators and preservers of history and heritage.

The general public is invited to see Collecting Now II between October 11, 2025 to February 9, 2026 at the Olori Funmilayo Shyllon Exhibition Gallery of the YSMA at Pan-Atlantic University.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Education
Court Strikes Out Ismaila Isa Funtua’s Suit Against 9mobile

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a suit filed by businessman Abubakar Ismaila Isa Funtua, who alleged that his 43 million shares were transferred without his consent to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operators of 9mobile.
Delivering judgment in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024 on September 24, 2025, Justice Mohammed Umar held that Isa, the lone plaintiff, lacked the locus standi (legal capacity) to institute the action against the nine defendants.
The defendants in the case were: Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadejia, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, EMTS, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), LH Telecommunication Limited, and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma.
Isa, through his counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, had commenced the suit on December 27, 2024, seeking 11 reliefs, including a declaration that he was the beneficial owner of the disputed shares allegedly held in trust for him by Seltrix Ltd in Teleology Nigeria Ltd.
However, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 9th defendants, represented by Michael Aondakaa, SAN, C.I. Okpoko, SAN, R.O. Atabo, SAN, A.T. Kohol, Esq., and C.C. Ogbonna, Esq., filed a joint preliminary objection dated February 5, 2025, urging the court to dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction and as an abuse of court process.
After reviewing arguments from all parties, Justice Umar upheld the objection, ruling that Isa failed to show any legal interest in the subject matter.
Justice Umar held: “I carefully perused the said exhibit to see if the allegation of the Plaintiff is substantiated, I did not find any. Nowhere was there any figure of the 43,000,000 million ordinary shares held in trust for the Plaintiff by the 1st Defendant mentioned.
“In fact, the 2nd Defendant denied any business dealings with the Plaintiff and these facts were not controverted by the Plaintiff. The said exhibits cannot by any imagination constitute a trust to confer locus standi on the Plaintiff. The said exhibits were tendered by the Plaintiff, but nowhere did it link the Plaintiff to his claims to enable him to institute an action on the facts alleged therein.”
Furthermore, the court held that the plaintiff failed to establish the facts he asserted and to link his claims to the exhibits he himself tendered by virtue of averment in this suit.
“I find that the Objectors have adequately countered the said exhibits in their reply on points of law in tandem with the law that failure to respond to a counter affidavit is deemed to be an admission,” Justice Umar held.
In the final analysis, the judge added: “I resolve the issue of locus standi against the Plaintiff, and the law is that where a Plaintiff has been adjudged to lack locus standi, it does not matter what other issues have been raised for determination in the suit.”
The court noted that since the Plaintiff lacked the capacity to institute the action, there was no need to make a pronouncement on grounds two to nine (2-9) of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th Defendants’ Notice of Preliminary Objections, which included claims that the suit was statute-barred, incompetent, and that Isa was a “meddlesome interloper” seeking to frustrate the operations of EMTS.
“I therefore make an Order striking out this action for lack of locus standi of the Plaintiff. This is the Order of this Court,” the judge added.
The case was marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.
Online Poster by — October 7, 2025 in News