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Ekiti attracts $500 Million World Bank Projects in 4 years – Fayemi

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Ekiti attracts $500 Million World Bank Projects in 4 years – Fayemi

Ekiti attracts $500 Million World Bank Projects in 4 years – Fayemi

– As Ekiti NEWMAP beat 22 others to emerge overall best

By Olorunfemi Adejuyigbe

 

Ekiti attracts $500 Million World Bank Projects in 4 years – Fayemi

 

 

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Wednesday said the state has attracted about $500 million to prosecute various projects under the World Bank assisted programmes, within the last three and a half years.

Dr Fayemi stated this while receiving an award presented to Ekiti State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), for emerging the overall best in Tier- 4 of the World Bank project ahead of 22 other benefiting states.

 

 

 

 

 

The Governor, who commended the Ekiti NEWMAP for its exceptional performance in the World Bank Assisted Projects, listed some other World Bank Assisted Projects to include Nigeria Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), SEPIC, Third National Urban Water Project, European Union support, IDEAS, AGILE and SAWASH among others.

He noted that NEWMAP activities were visible in no fewer than nine communities in the state, with the construction of bridges and channelization of drainages adding that Ado and Efon projects would soon start because the state has been able to procure the European Investment Bank support to prosecute the projects.

 

 

 

 

 

The Governor promised to present the draft law of the Project to the state Executive Council for effective consideration and ensuring that it goes through the process to achieve its enactment into law by the state House of Assembly.

“No State has the number of World Bank supported projects that we have either during my first term when we were able to attract the SEPIC project for education and the third National Urban Water Project that we used in rehabilitating both the Ireje and Ikun Dams as well as the European Union support that helped us to rehabilitate the Egbe Dam.

 

 

 

 

 

“Since I returned in 2018, we have had NEWMAP, RAAMP, IDEAS for all our Technical Colleges, we’ve had AGILE for our women and Girl Child support, we’ve had SOMEO, we’ve had Malaria project for health and then we have SAWASH

“A lot of my colleagues are always asking, how come Ekiti is always doing projects, because people don’t believe that we don’t have money. We are able to attract these because we are resourceful and we are also able to convince these institutions that we will deliver on the money and we would ensure that these projects are done on time and on cost.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“And if you put it all together, we have received these four years almost $500 Million worth of project support from the World Bank in Ekiti alone. And ours is significant, people may not know the impact of that, for many of it, we have to put in our counterpart funding because they require us to do that to show commitment but every state wants to be on this programme but not every state has been able to make it. And when you put in this level of support, at least a third of it is grant-aided, its free money, two thirds of it is concessional lending to our state, its almost free money, because we have it in most cases with 5 to 10 years moratorium and when we eventually start to pay back, we are paying with 1percent interest rate.” He said.

Earlier, the Ekiti State Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Dr Akinyemi Akinyugha, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for ensuring the success of the projects in the state through his support right from the onset of the programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Akinyugha however solicited for the enactment of the laws backing the activities of the projects as well as official recognition of every member of the team by way of commendation.

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*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.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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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.

 

 

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.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

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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