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All Posts in "Day: November 7, 2025"

INEC Accredited Observers Pledge Credible, Transparent Election In Anambra 

By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Accredited Observers Group  for Credible and Transparent Election on the Saturday’s Anambra State Gubernatorial Election has agreed to work together in discharging their mandate of standing for credible, transparent, peaceful, free and fair election in Nigeria.
This was disclosed during a press conference held at Meloch Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.
The group added that the coalition has deployed over 350 observers across the 21 local government areas of the state, who are currently  working and keenly  observing the level of preparedness of all the key actors in the electoral system and their subsequent conduct during  and after the upcoming election.
They commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for providing security in the state, which has created a more conducive  environment for electoral  activities.
“The security situation in Anambra State has shown remarkable improvement  compared to previous  election cycles. Comparatively during the 2021 Gubernatorial  Election, our observers were unable to access many areas due to security concerns, specifically Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North and South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and South, but today, the previously identified  flashpoints have witnessed significant security improvement, allowing our field agents to track distributions and observe preparations without major hindrances. Despite the general improved security situation, our coalition has identified potential threats that require urgent attention.”
 According to them, “we have received credible intelligence that some anti-democratic forces are planning to disrupt  elections in certain parts of the state to facilitate rigging in parts of Ihiala, Ayamelum, and Nnewi  South”.
Based on their comprehensive observation of the pre-election  environment, they advised INEC to continue to ensure neutrality, impartiality and strict adherence to the provisions of the  constitution and Electoral Act of 2022 and regulations, guidelines for the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
The group urged the security agencies to provide robust protection for voters, election officals and materials, and ensure strict enforcement of movement restrictions on election day.
They also encouraged political actors to respect the peace accord and maintain issue-based engagement, while Ndi Anambra should come out en mass on Saturday, 8th November, to exercise their franchise.
“Your vote is your power, protect it and make sure it counts,” they said.
Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in News
Malta Guinness, TRACE Naija Energise Campuses Across Nigeria With “In The City” Tour

By Winifred Bosa
This year’s edition of the annual Trace In The City campus tour will go down as one of the most exhilarating, thanks to Nigeria’s premium malt drink, Malta Guinness.
 In partnership with the tour’s organisers, TRACE Naija, the brand, renowned for fuelling the greatness and positive energy of Nigerians, was on the ground to give students a tour to remember for a long time.
The tour, designed to celebrate youth culture, creativity, and optimism, delivered unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and real connections.
From the University of Ibadan to the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Uyo, and a grand finale at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, the nationwide tour brought together thousands of students who were treated to live performances from some of Nigeria’s hottest acts, including Falz, Qing Madi, Shoday, and Poco Lee. Each stop was packed with high-energy moments, inspiring conversations, and vibrant displays of real Nigerian talent.
At the Malta Guinness activation zones, students enjoyed chilled cans of Malta Guinness and immersed themselves in the brand’s World of Goodness.
 Dancers were not left out as students of each school competed in the Malta Guinness Steppers Challenge, winning cash prizes for themselves.
 Malta Guinness also took it a step further by rallying each school towards a common goal, winning the Malta Guinness Goodness Challenge, which saw Yabatech coming in first, UniCal in second place, and UniIbadan in third place.
 The entire experience mirrored the everyday optimism that defines the Nigerian youth spirit – bold, expressive, and full of life.
Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Garima Khandelwal, Head of Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Guinness Nigeria, said: “Malta Guinness has always been more than just a drink; it is a symbol of positivity, energy, and real vitality. With our partnership with TRACE Naija, we are celebrating the youthful drive that keeps Nigeria moving. The ‘Trace In The City’ tour is our way of inspiring students to stay energized, and live life fully.”
Across campuses, the atmosphere was charged with music, laughter, and shared moments of joy.
The Malta Guinness x ‘TRACE In The City’ Campus Tour reinforced the brand’s commitment to celebrating and elevating youth culture while fuelling everyday optimism among Nigerian students.
By bringing its signature energy to campuses nationwide, Malta Guinness once again demonstrated its commitment to championing real vitality and creating meaningful cultural moments that connect Nigerians everywhere.
Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in brands and Marketing
Lagride Launches Low-Cost Omni With Safer, Smarter, And Air-Conditioned Rides

Lagos’ leading smart mobility platform has launched the Lagride Omni, a low-cost, air-conditioned shared-ride service designed for offices, churches, schools, and large groups.

The Omni represents a major step forward in modernising group transportation across the city, offering a safer, cleaner, and more coordinated alternative to the traditional Korope minibuses that many Lagosians use every day. Spacious, comfortable, and efficient, the Omni delivers a new kind of Lagos experience built on comfort, convenience, and community.

Early adoption has shown strong interest from individual riders who are choosing the Lagride Omni because of its lower cost compared to regular taxis and ride-hailing options.

Many are also booking it for convenience and comfort, enjoying the air-conditioned space and the ability to move together with friends, family, or colleagues without spending more.

Unlike regular buses that stop repeatedly to pick up and drop off passengers, the Lagride Omni makes zero stops. Each ride is private and direct, whether booked by an individual or a group on the Lagide app, and it still comes at an unbeatable price.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of Lagride, described the Omni as a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to democratise mobility in Africa’s largest city. “Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity,” she said.

“By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, Lagride is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives.”

The Lagride Omni blends comfort, technology, and affordability in one seamless experience. Each vehicle is fully air-conditioned, GPS-enabled, and operated by trained drivers certified through the Lagride Academy, which ensures top safety and customer-service standards. With space for up to six passengers, the Omni offers coordinated group rides that are reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective.

According to Mr Jubril Arogundade, Acting Managing Director of Lagride, the Omni was designed to meet the real needs of Lagosians who move together daily. “With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking and everyone joins the same ride,” he explained. “From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort.”

Modern Transport for Modern Groups

The Omni has been created for the rhythm of Lagos life: fast, collaborative, and always in motion. Every unit offers spacious seating, flexible route coordination, and a cool, comfortable interior that redefines what shared transport can be.

Organisations, churches, and schools can now plan coordinated group trips without the need for multiple taxis or unregulated buses. The service is affordably priced and available through the Lagride app or via WhatsApp for bulk or event bookings. Payment options include corporate billing, pre-paid bookings, and cashless transactions, ensuring flexibility for every type of user.

 

Empowering Drivers and Strengthening Communities

Lagride is recruiting 1,000 new manual drivers to join the Omni fleet. Every driver will receive professional training and certification through the Lagride Academy, established in partnership with the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and other transport-safety stakeholders.

Mr Arogundade noted that the initiative is both a transport innovation and an empowerment programme. “We are creating opportunities for Lagosians to earn sustainable income while providing a better commuting experience for everyone,” he said. “The Omni combines innovation with inclusion, and its impact will be felt across every community in the city.”

Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in News
Qatar Airways And Air Algérie Expand Network Access, Deepen Cooperation With The Launch Of Codeshare Partnership

 

Qatar Airways and Air Algérie Expand Network Access and Deepen Cooperation with Codeshare Partnership Launch | Qatar Airways Newsroom

Qatar Airways and Air Algérie announced a codeshare partnership that will increase access to seamless connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through the multiple award-winning Hamad International Airport. Starting today, travellers can book codeshare flights for travel starting on 15 November 2025.

 

Building on an existing interline partnership between the two carriers, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie’s domestic network, including; Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.

 

Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers traveling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.

 

Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Air Algérie through this new codeshare agreement, further strengthening our presence across key African markets. This collaboration will offer travellers greater choice and seamless connectivity to the Middle East, and Asia. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to deepening strategic partnerships, such as with Air Algérie, that enhance global connectivity from and to Africa through our hub, Hamad International Airport, which has been named by Skytrax as the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, and ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2021, 2022, and 2024. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Air Algérie.”

 

Air Algérie Head of Commercial Division, Samy El Karim Boutemadja, said: “This codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways will certainly give Air Algérie the opportunity to enhance the company’s positioning in the Middle East and in Asia, by offering its customers larger possibilities to reach new destinations, as well as promoting travelling to Algeria. This agreement contributes to Air Algérie’s global strategy to expand its network and connections through its Algiers hub. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with Qatar Airways.”
Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.

 

About Air Algérie

Air Algérie is the flag carrier of Algeria, fully owned by the Algerian State. The Airline operates on four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, using Algiers International Airport as a hub to build bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. Air Algérie serves more than 80 destinations on regular and charter bases and currently operates an average of 300 flights per day. The airline has developed a dense network of more than 200 routes. Air Algérie operates its own maintenance base and handling services. The airline has three subsidiaries: Air Algérie Catering, Air Algérie Cargo and Amadeus Algérie.

 

Air Algérie has carried nearly 8 million passengers in 2024, and is planning an important fleet development program. Member of international aviation organizations, such as IATA, AACO, AFRAA and ATAF, Air Algérie is IOSA, ISO 9001:2015 and EASA Part 145 certified.
Hospitality, Safety First, Continuous Modernization, Commitment to Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility: these are the company’s historical core values. In July 2024, Air Algérie inaugurated its new headquarters, located in Algiers’ business centre, near Algiers’ International Airport.

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for an unprecedented ninth time at the 2025 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways was previously named the World’s Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence and has yet again received recognition for ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’. As the leading connector in the region, Qatar Airways has also been lauded with the ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ title for the twelfth time.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for 11 consecutive years, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the third year in a row, as voted by Skytrax. Hamad International Airport has previously been named the ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

 

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in Aviation
International Chefs Day 2025 : Nestlé Professional Celebrates With Young Food Explorers

By Winifred Bosa
Nestlé Professional, in collaboration with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs) and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN), joined chefs around the world to celebrate International Chefs Day 2025 under the inspiring theme “Food Explorers.”
The event held on October 21, 2025, at Nestlé’s Sagamu Factory in Ogun State, bringing together 10 professional chefs and 40 enthusiastic pupils from Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) beneficiary schools for a day of fun, creativity, and learning centred around food and nutrition.
From planting seeds in the factory garden to preparing colourful, balanced meals in the training kitchen, the children experienced the full journey of food. Guided by the chefs, they discovered how good nutrition, creativity, and sustainability come together to make healthy eating both exciting and enjoyable.
Speaking at the event, Ibraheem Awelenje, Business Manager, Nestlé Professional, emphasized the purpose of the initiative.
 “For us, International Chefs Day provides the opportunity to not only celebrate those who curate special meals but also to engage children and nurture the next generation of chefs who are conscious about making healthier meals.
 Events like this are in line with our core values at Nestlé, where we believe that nutrition, creativity, and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping a healthier future.”
Chéf Cyril Agbachom, Team Lead of the Association of Professional Chéfs, Nigeria (APCN) delegation, also shared his delight at the children’s enthusiasm.
“We are thrilled to connect with these young food explorers. Teaching school children about healthy diets in an engaging, hands-on way helps them understand the value of nutritious ingredients while having fun in the kitchen. It is about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for good, healthy food’
The children also participated in a practical gardening session led by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, who taught them how to plant and care for local fruits and vegetables that thrive in Nigeria.
 “Catching them young is key to achieving food security,” she noted. “When children learn to grow and eat our locally available foods, they not only develop healthier habits but also build a lifelong appreciation for nutritious eating.”
At the close of the event, each pupil received a plant pot and a recipe card to take back to school, serving as a reminder of the lessons learned and the joy of exploring food in a meaningful way.
Since 2014, Nestlé Professional and the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria have worked together to promote healthy eating and nutrition education among children across the country.
 The initiative complements Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK), the company’s global flagship programme aimed at helping 50 million children lead healthier lives by 2030.
Through this partnership, Nestlé continues to inspire children to make informed food choices that support their wellbeing, empower their families, and strengthen their communities, one healthy meal at a time.
Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in brands and Marketing
SON Commissions the Newly Constructed Ultra-Modern SON State Office Complex In Minna 

The Director General/Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, joined by the Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman); the Wife of the Governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago; the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (represented by Mr. Joseph Ejembi Eekpa, Director, General Services, FMITI)
and other dignitaries, cutting the tape to commission the newly constructed ultra-modern SON State Office Complex in Minna — a landmark milestone in SON’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and promoting quality and industrial growth across Nigeria.

Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in News
FirstHoldCo Sustains Growth Momentum As Gross Earnings Rise 17% To N2.6trn

FirstHoldCo Plc has sustained its growth momentum across core business segments, reporting a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to ₦2.64 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.25 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

According to the unaudited results released by the Group, interest income rose sharply by 40.4 per cent to ₦2.29 trillion from ₦1.63 trillion in September 2024, reflecting improved asset yields and loan book expansion. Net interest income also climbed 71.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.5 trillion, buoyed by stronger core banking operations.

However, non-interest income declined 49.2 percent to ₦296.9 billion, while impairment charges for credit losses surged 68.6 percent to ₦288.9 billion, reflecting prudent risk provisioning in a volatile operating environment.

Operating income rose 23.2 percent to ₦1.80 trillion, though profit before tax slipped 7.3 percent to ₦566.5 billion, down from ₦610.9 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax also fell by 15.5 percent to ₦450.9 billion, largely due to reduced fair value gains and higher operating costs, which jumped 39.3 percent to ₦942.7 billion.

Despite the profit decline, the Group maintained balance sheet stability, with total assets at ₦26.4 trillion, marginally lower than ₦26.5 trillion as of December 2024. Customer deposits rose 4.2 percent year-to-date to ₦17.9 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 9 percent to ₦9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios show that FirstHoldCo maintained a post-tax return on average equity of 19.9 per cent and a post-tax return on assets of 2.3 percent. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 per cent, compared with 46.4 percent a year earlier, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 8.5 per cent from 10.2 percent in December 2024.

Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, described the results as a reflection of the Group’s underlying resilience and commitment to sustainable growth.

“FirstHoldCo has once again demonstrated solid earnings capability,” Oyedeji said. “Our interest and operating income grew strongly by 40.4 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively, supported by a 26.9 percent rise in fees and commission income. The decline in profit before tax was due to the normalisation of fair value gains and balance sheet strengthening initiatives.”

He noted that the Group’s strategic risk management measures were already yielding results, as seen in the improved asset quality.

On the recapitalisation of FirstBank, Oyedeji disclosed that the first phase of its private placement capital raise had been successfully executed and is awaiting final regulatory approvals.

“We expect to conclude this phase in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by year-end,” he said. “Subsequent capital raising rounds will further enhance our financial solutions and support value-accretive initiatives.”

Oyedeji reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to achieving its 2029 financial targets, noting that FirstHoldCo remains well-positioned to deliver stronger shareholder value through operational scalability and prudent capital management.

By Chima Nwokoji
Online Poster by — November 7, 2025 in Capital Market