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Crystal Garden Estate CEO Urges Legislation Against Unregulated Property Agents, Landlords 

By Ebele Ofodile
The Chief Executive Officer, Crystal Garden Estate, Amb. Kelvin Simeon Chukwu has called for legislation against unregulated property agents and Shylock landlords who engage in arbitrary increase of house rents.
Speaking during the celebration of 10 years anniversary of Crystal Garden Estate, the CEO urged governments at all levels to come to the rescue of tenants most of whom are not able to cope with the present economic situation.
According to him, the ugly situation prompted his bid to assist tenants to become landlords through the establishment of Crystal Garden Estate, which has turned scores of tenants to land and car owners.
“Today, we presented 14 cars as empowerment to our hard-working realtors. There is no free lunch. Whatever you achieve, know that it is a new beginning and as such, you don’t need to relax. You should push higher. It is sweeter if you get higher,” he said.
 He recalled the journey to Crystal Garden Estate  development, saying “it has been tasking with pressure, but it is part of life. We embraced them all and found a solution.”
 Sunday Owe Emmanuel, one of the lucky winners of the cars, said: “I am so happy being part of those who won cars in Crystal Garden Estate. Last year December, I saw people who won cars and said to myself, you must win a car this year in Crystal Garden Estate. And today, God has made it possible for me.
“In Crystal Garden Estate, you must be hard working, dedicated and focused for you to win a car or own a property.
 “They never promised or said something and failed to fulfill what they promised. They are reliable and trustworthy,” he stated.
Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman, G.U.O Group,  Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CEO, Coscharis Group, Anambra State House of Assembly lawmaker, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Anambra  State Chairman of Civil Liberties  Anambra  Organization, CLO, Com Vincent Ezekwueme were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Union Bank Strengthens Media Ties At Informal Mixer Event

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with leading media professionals at The Stallion Plaza, its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

 

The event, held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators, was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.

 

Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.

 

In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.

 

Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said:
“This event is simply about people. Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.

 

We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”

 

Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added:
“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”

 

The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.

 

Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Tinubu’s Endorsement Of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu : The Echo Of A New Beginning In Anambra 

By Nnedinma Michael
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu placed the APC flag in the hands of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and declared, “Go and get me Anambra. We will work with you, come rain, come shine,” those words were not mere political utterances. They were a declaration of faith, a call to destiny, and a solemn commitment that still echoes powerfully across Anambra today.
That moment ignited a new hope in the hearts of Ndi Anambra — hope that after years of disconnection from the center, the state is finally on the path to reclaiming its rightful place in Nigeria’s mainstream development. It was a symbolic transfer of trust and responsibility, an expression of confidence in the capacity of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu to bring home victory and deliver purposeful governance that speaks to the dreams of the people.
Since that charge was made, it has continued to reverberate across communities, towns, and political circles in Anambra. For many, it was not just the President speaking to a candidate; it was the leader of the nation placing the destiny of an entire people into the hands of a man he believes can transform their lives and lift their hopes.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, fondly called Ikukuoma, is not a stranger to the people. He is a man whose life has been defined by service, generosity, and integrity. Over the years, he has touched lives in countless ways — building schools, offering scholarships to thousands of children, empowering widows and artisans, providing healthcare for the sick, and supporting churches and community development projects. He is a man who lives for others, a man whose philanthropy has long spoken louder than politics.
Born into a humble but noble family in Osumenyi, Nnewi South, Ukachukwu rose through sheer determination, faith, and hard work. He built a successful career in business, real estate, and public service, creating opportunities for others along the way. His story is the story of resilience and grace — the story of a man who believes that true leadership begins with compassion.
It is this same compassion that now drives his vision for Anambra State. For Ukachukwu, politics is not about power; it is about people. His mission is simple — to make Anambra work again, to restore peace and order, to create jobs for the youth, and to return dignity to governance. His dream is to see an Anambra where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where the elderly are cared for, and where hard work is rewarded.
President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Ukachukwu is, therefore, not just political strategy — it is a seal of trust. Tinubu, a man who has built his legacy on identifying and nurturing capable leaders, has seen in Ukachukwu the qualities that produce results. The President’s confidence in him is a reflection of his understanding that the man who once built successful ventures from scratch, who has given back to his people even without holding office, will certainly deliver excellence when given the platform to lead.
The President’s words, “We will stand by you, come rain, come shine,” are still ringing with renewed energy. They represent a partnership that promises to bring Anambra closer to the center of national development. They represent a future where Anambra will no longer stand alone but will stand tall among states driving the engine of Nigeria’s growth.
The APC has shown readiness and unity of purpose. From the leadership at the national level to the grassroots in Anambra, there is a renewed sense of mission. The support behind Ukachukwu is broad and determined, driven by the belief that the time has come to end years of stagnation and isolation. The people are eager for change — for a leadership that is accessible, competent, and compassionate.
President Tinubu’s confidence in Prince Ukachukwu is rooted in his belief in performance and results. His own story in Lagos remains a testament to what vision and discipline can achieve — turning a state once burdened with challenges into a global economic hub. That same model of effective governance is what he envisions for Anambra through Ukachukwu — a leadership that will prioritize development, attract investments, ensure security, and build prosperity from the grassroots up.
Ukachukwu’s leadership style embodies humility and inclusiveness. He is a bridge between the old and the young, the wealthy and the struggling, the traditional and the modern. His partnership with Senator Uche Ekwunife further strengthens this ticket, combining experience, gender balance, and grassroots reach. Together, they present a credible and balanced team that understands both the pulse and the pain of the people.
The message they carry is clear: it is time to bring Anambra back to the center of national decision-making, to reconnect the state to the heartbeat of Nigeria’s progress. The people of Anambra are hardworking, creative, and enterprising. What they need is a government that matches their energy with vision — one that can unlock their full potential through access to opportunities and federal partnerships.
The endorsement of Prince Ukachukwu has already transformed the political mood across Anambra. From Awka to Onitsha, Nnewi to Ihiala, and the riverine communities of Ogbaru to the uplands of Aguata, there is a quiet but growing belief that change is finally within reach. The APC’s message of development, good governance, and security is resonating deeply with the people.
Ukachukwu’s campaign is people-driven, focusing on the real issues affecting everyday lives. He speaks about restoring peace and ending insecurity, about empowering small businesses, fixing roads, improving schools and hospitals, and giving every community a voice in government. He believes that leadership must be about compassion, not corruption — about results, not rhetoric.
The charge from the President continues to serve as both a motivation and a reminder that Anambra deserves more — that the state must rise again to its full glory. Ukachukwu represents that hope, that promise, that possibility. He stands as a bridge between the federal government and the people, ready to harness national support for local growth.
For too long, politics in Anambra has been about survival and power play. Ukachukwu’s entry has changed the narrative. He brings credibility, humility, and a clear roadmap for progress. His story inspires confidence because it is real — it is the story of a man who has lived among the people, who knows their struggles, and who has never turned away when they called.
President Tinubu’s blessing has given this movement wings. The same energy that transformed Lagos, the same leadership philosophy that emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and results, is now being extended to Anambra through this alliance. It is a partnership that promises peace, growth, and inclusion.
Ndi Anambra now stand at the crossroads of history. The future beckons — a future of unity, security, and shared prosperity. The voice of hope is clear, the direction is set, and the leadership to drive it is ready. With Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu at the helm, backed by the vision and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the journey toward a greater Anambra has already begun.
Every generation is given one opportunity to choose a leader who truly embodies its aspirations. This is that moment. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is that leader. His heart beats for the people, his hands are clean, and his vision is clear. He is not seeking power for privilege; he is seeking leadership for purpose.
The time has come for Anambra to take its rightful place. The time has come to heed the call that still echoes — “Go and get me Anambra.” It is a call for service, a call for unity, and a call for progress. Under Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Light of the Nation will shine brighter, and Anambra will rise again — stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.
Anambra deserves better. Anambra deserves a new beginning. Anambra deserves Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Expert Urges Journalists To Prioritize Regular Health Checks

 

Seating from left: Boluwatife Ibrahim (Digital Marketing Officer), AIICO Insurance Plc; Dr. Monday Ashibogwu; Mrs. Nkechi Naeche-Esezobor (Chairperson), Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE); Ademola Adenekan (Senior Manager, Marketing Communication), AIICO Insurance Plc; and Mrs. Ebere Nwoji, (Editor, Insurance and Pension), ThisDay Newspapers; and other members of NAIPE, during a one day training workshop organised by AIICO Insurance for NAIPE members in Lagos recently.

Amaka Obiefuna

 

Media professionals have been advised to adopt regular medical checkups as a proactive measure to safeguard their health and ensure early detection and management of potential health issues.

 

Speaking during a health talk session at a training organized by AIICO Insurance Plc for members of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) recently in Lagos, Dr. Ademola Osokoya, Assistant Manager at AIICO Multishield Limited, emphasized the importance of routine health assessments.

 

“Regular medical checks help individuals understand their health status, which is crucial for timely intervention and effective management of any health condition,” Dr. Osokoya noted.

 

He encouraged journalists and other professionals to leverage available health insurance options to access quality healthcare services.

 

Introducing the AIICO Multishield Health Insurance Plan, Dr. Osokoya described it as a comprehensive and accessible solution tailored to meet the diverse healthcare needs of individuals, families, small businesses, and corporate organizations.

 

He said the Multishield Plan offers flexible coverage tiers that include in-patient and out-patient services, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, maternity care, and emergency treatment, all at affordable premiums.

 

He noted that a standout feature of the plan is its broad network of accredited healthcare providers across Nigeria, enabling enrollees to access top-quality medical facilities nationwide.

 

In line with efforts to expand healthcare access for Nigerians, he added that AIICO has extended the plan’s benefits to informal sector workers and underserved populations.

 

“By collaborating with cooperatives, trade unions, and grassroots organizations, the company is contributing to the national push for Universal Health Coverage and supporting more Nigerians in securing reliable healthcare.

 

“Technology plays a central role in the Multishield offering, with digital platforms enabling seamless enrollment, claims tracking, and policy management. This integration enhances customer experience by providing transparency, reducing administrative delays, and building trust.

 

The Multishield Plan is fully compliant with the standards set by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), underscoring AIICO’s commitment to regulatory standards, service excellence, and integrity. Beyond medical coverage, the plan aims to deliver peace of mind by shielding individuals and families from the financial impact of unforeseen health emergencies.

 

With this initiative, AIICO Insurance Plc reinforces its dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for all Nigerians, while encouraging professionals—especially in the media—to take charge of their health through preventive care and insurance coverage.

OADDA Proffers Solutions to Devastating Flood in Omabala Region. 

By Ebele Ofodile 
The Old Anambra  District
Development Association (OADDA) has proposed several solutions to mitigate the annual flooding in the Omabala region of Anambra State.
It includes,  the dredging of River Niger and Omabala River to increase their capacity and prevent overflow.
This would help contain more water during flood seasons and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding communities.
Constructing a dam on the River Niger to regulate water flow and prevent flooding.
This dam could also be used for hydroelectric power generation, providing energy for the region and creating jobs for youths.
Improving physical infrastructure, such as roads, to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic development in the region. Specifically, OADDA highlighted the need for urgent attention on the Onitsha-Anaku-Omasi road and the Otuocha-Umueze Anam-Nzam-Oroma Etiti-Inoma road.
OADDA is ensuring that  the local community benefits from oil and gas activities in the area, including employment opportunities for youths.
The OADDA’s efforts align with previous initiatives by the Anambra State Government to mitigate flooding. In 2024, the state government collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop a flood-resilient plan for the state.
Additionally, UNICEF has provided life-saving assistance to flood-affected families in Anambra State, highlighting the need for sustained support and intervention in the region.
Tinubu Appoints Thompson Sunday As NDIC Chief

 By Fidelia Okafor 

Dr. Thompson Oludare Sunday.In a move that underscores his administration’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s financial stability architecture, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr. Thompson Oludare Sunday as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). The Senate confirmed his appointment on 25th July 2025, marking the beginning of a new phase for the nation’s foremost deposit protection institution.

A distinguished financial strategist and regulatory expert, Dr. Sunday brings over three decades of robust experience in banking supervision, financial sector reforms, and policy development. His professional journey began in 1989 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he dedicated 24 uninterrupted years to banking supervision – a feat that underscores his consistency, discipline, and institutional loyalty.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sunday demonstrated uncommon leadership in the formulation of key financial policies that have shaped Nigeria’s banking landscape. He chaired the Bank-wide Committee for the Review and Drafting of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and contributed to the development of landmark frameworks, including the Code of Corporate Governance and the regulatory blueprint for Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

He was also a pivotal member of the CBN/NDIC Technical Committee on Problem Banks, the 2004-2005 Banking Sector Consolidation Committee, and the 2009 Banking Sector Reform team. His influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, serving on the Expert Committee for the Harmonisation of Risk-Based Supervision Frameworks within the West African Monetary Zone.

Between February 2023 and January 2024, he represented the CBN as Independent External Examiner at Heritage Bank, participating at both board and executive levels – an assignment that further cemented his reputation for regulatory depth and strategic insight.

Dr. Sunday’s exemplary service earned him several recognitions, including the CBN Board’s Commendation in 2009 for Outstanding Performance and Integrity during the critical Banking Sector Reforms. Earlier in his career, he was named Best Staff of the Banking Supervision Department in 2001.

His academic laurels mirror his professional excellence. A First-Class graduate of Business Administration (Finance) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1985), he also earned an MBA from the same institution in 1988 and a Doctorate in Management from St. Clements University in 2009. His brilliance was recognised early with the Federal Government Merit Award for Academic Excellence and the prize for Best Graduating Student in his department.

A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and a Doctoral Fellow of the Institute of Professional Financial Managers, Dr. Sunday is widely regarded as an advocate of sound corporate governance, financial prudence, and institutional capacity building.

With his appointment, industry observers anticipate a renewed emphasis on depositor protection, financial inclusion, and risk-based supervision within the NDIC. Analysts note that his extensive background in regulatory policy positions him to steer the corporation toward global best practices while strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s banking system.

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.

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.
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.”

 

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.