Business
Chaos as cultists kill student, two other in Lagos
Gunmen suspected to be cult members have invaded Abule Nla Road in the Iponri area of Lagos State, shooting at youths in a restaurant.
During the shootout, three persons were reportedly killed.
The victims comprised a student of a polytechnic in Ogun State, Damilola Adegoke, and two of his friends, identified only as Kehinde and Junior, aka Hypo.
It was learnt that another friend, who sustained gunshot injuries on both legs, was recuperating in a private hospital in the area.
PUNCH Metro was told that the attackers, who reportedly came in a car, stormed the restaurant – Iya Illa Mini Mart – on Abule Nla Road by Vaughan Street at about 8pm on Sunday and opened fire on the drinkers.
It was learnt that 20-year-old Damilola died on the spot, while Kehinde and Junior, an auto mechanic, were rushed to a hospital where they were also confirmed dead.
It was gathered that policemen from the Iponri division came to the area to remove Damilola’s corpse and to examine the restaurant which had chairs smeared with blood.
The policemen, assisted by members of the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria, reportedly arrested two of the gunmen on Ilaje and Otumara streets in the area.
When our correspondent got to the area on Tuesday, a crowd of sympathisers gathered at the restaurant and Damilola’s house.
A member of the vigilance group, who identified himself only as Musibau, said the attack looked like a reprisal.
Musibau, who was an eyewitness, said, “There were five friends at the restaurant on that evening. The polytechnic student brought four of his friends to catch fun at the junction. Around 8pm, the gunmen came in a car and started shooting. The poly student and three other friends were hit.
“The policemen later came to remove Damilola’s corpse. But the families of the two other victims had earlier removed their corpses from the scene. I saw blood all over the place. One of the deceased was taken to his father’s place on Moore Street before the police arrived.
“The two other boys killed were said to belong to a gang called Kogbagidi boys. But Damilola, the poly student, was said to be easy-going. The attack looked like a cult reprisal. That restaurant is usually where the youths stay to drink and have fun. The vigilantes, together with the police, were able to arrest two suspects with guns in the Otumara area.”
Damilola’s father, Folorunsho Adegoke, said his son had come home from school to collect pocket money before he met untimely death.
He said, “Damilola came back on Friday. He came home to collect some pocket money. He was a student of the Moshood Abiola Polytehcnic, Ogun State. He and his friends were having fun at the restaurant when they shot him.
“The policemen were here on that evening. They said the attack was cult-related. I have put my comfort in God.”
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kehinde and Junior died at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute -Meta, on Monday.
She said, “We thought violence had stopped in our area; we did not know those gangs were only regrouping. The other families did not release the corpses of their boys to the police. The families were afraid that the burial would be delayed. Three persons died in the attack.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the attack.
She said, “The police recorded one death. Preliminary investigation reveals that it is a cult reprisal. Investigation is ongoing, while effort is on to arrest the fleeing suspects.”
*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status
To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.
UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.
In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.
Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.
Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.
Thank you.
Business
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”
Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.
The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:
“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”
As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.
With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.
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About Laffmattazz
Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.
About First Bank of Nigeria Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
Business
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
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