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EXCLUSIVE: Buhari to appoint U.S.-based journalist, Laolu Akande, as VP Osinbajo’s spokesperson

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President Muhammadu Buhari is set to name a former North American Bureau Chief of The Guardian, Laolu Akande, as a Senior Special Assistant to lead the media and communication unit in the office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report today.

People familiar with the president’s plan said Mr. Akande’s appointment would be among several others to be announced Monday or Tuesday.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that under the present arrangement in the presidency, there would be only one presidential media and communication office but that individual appointees would be given separate responsibilities.

Mr. Akande would be deployed to work with Mr. Osinbajo, our sources said.

It is not clear whether the journalist has returned to Nigeria to take up the appointment. He could not be reached on his U.S. telephone on Sunday.

He was however in Nigeria in May to cover the inauguration ceremony for his media agency, Empowered Newswire. He returned to the U.S. shortly afterwards.

Mr. Akande, a pastor, was a former editor of Saturday Tribune. He cut his journalism teeth at The Guardian in 1989, and was a foundation staff of The NEWS magazine.

He moved to the United States in 1997 after agents of then dictator, Sani Abacha, began harassing him over perceived critical stance of his paper (Saturday Tribune) to the administration.

According to his brief bio on the website of the CANUSA, a Christian organization for which he works as executive director, Mr. Akande is regarded as “the longest serving African correspondent at the United Nations, and the only Nigerian journalist so far to have interviewed a sitting American president in the White House when he interviewed former President George W. Bush.

“He has also exclusively interviewed American folk hero, General Colin Powell, as well as billionaires like Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Donald Trump and several African leaders and presidents.”

An adjunct college professor, Mr. Akande worked with leading American newspapers including the Philadelphia Inquirer, and New York Newsday.

He worked briefly at the United Nations as a press officer and later as advocacy consultant between 2002 and 2004.

– Premium Times

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The 2026 Nigerian Bank Recapitalization: Where Does Your Bank Stand?

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The countdown to March 31, 2026, has officially entered its final stretch. While you might have seen headlines claiming only 19 banks have met the mark, the reality on the ground is much more dynamic. In fact, as of January 2026, we have seen a surge of compliance, with approximately 22 out of 34 banks now having their licenses “secured” under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new rules.
If you are wondering where your money is or if your bank is safe, here is the fact-driven breakdown of the current banking landscape, correcting common misconceptions along the way.
Recapitalised banks
The CBN set a high bar of ₦500 billion for international banks and ₦200 billion for National banks. Crucially, this must be “paid-up capital”, banks cannot count their saved profits (retained earnings) toward this goal.
These banks are recapitalised:
Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, UBA, First Bank and Fidelity: These banks have crossed the N500 billion finish line and have secured their international licence.
FCMB, Wema, Standard Chartered, Citibank: These banks have officially secured their national license, with FCMB in the final sprint to hit the ₦500 billion to secure its international banking licence.
Other secured banks: Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Providus Bank, Globus Bank, and Premium Trust Bank have all officially cleared the requirement.
Mergers and downgrades
The story of the 2026 recapitalization also featured mergers, acquisitions, and downgrades:
Unity Bank and Providus Bank are in the final stages of a merger that will create a top 10 Nigerian lender. Similarly, Titan Trust has completed its integration with Union Bank to solidify its capital base.
Nova Bank chose a Regional License (₦50 billion) to focus specifically on being a high-end niche player, a healthy business move.
Non-Interest banking: Islamic banks like Jaiz, Taj, and Lotus have all met their ₦20 billion requirement, proving that niche banking is stronger than ever.
For the few banks still in the “red zone,” the next 80 days will involve final-hour mergers or private equity injections. For you, the customer, this means a banking sector that is tougher, more transparent, and better funded than ever before.
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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Collapse Of School Building In Ikorodu, Lagos

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Residents of the Odo-Kekere Community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, on Thursday evening, were thrown into panic following the sudden partial collapse of a structure in a local public school in the area.

According to a source, a section of the school building gave way late Thursday with a thunderous sound that drew neighbours to the scene.

First responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency LASBCA, raced to the scene promptly and cordoned off the area for safety purposes.

This development has no doubt fulfilled the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, which he shared in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings To The Nations (2025/2026) edition.

On page 108 of the prophecy book, Primate Ayodele warned against collapse of any school building in Nigeria.

“Schools in Nigeria: Let us pray so that no school will be attacked in Nigeria and that a school building will not collapse.”

Also, in his 2026 prophecies, he asked Nigerians to commit Lagos schools into God’s hands.

“Let us commit schools in Lagos to God’s hands against all attack” (Page 5).

Furthermore, in a video shared on his social media page, Primate Ayodele specifically mentioned that Nigerians should pray not to see a building collapse in Lagos.

“Let us pray not to see a school building collapse in Lagos state, Oyo, Abuja, Ogun state. Let the government go around schools and quickly demolish deplorable school buildings.”

All these have fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Ayodele.

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Hon. Toyin Amuzu: A Legacy of Service, Unity, and Perseverance

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By Adebayo Osonuga, Manchester

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, where commitment is often tested and leadership scrutinized, few names resonate with consistency, dedication, and perseverance quite like Hon. Toyin Amuzu. Over the years, he has emerged as a dependable public servant whose political journey is firmly rooted in service to the people and an unwavering belief in collective progress.

From the onset, Hon. Amuzu’s foray into politics appeared almost inevitable to those who knew him well. Guided by a deep passion for public service, he embraced leadership not as a position of privilege, but as a responsibility to uplift others. His political career has been defined by a rare ability to connect genuinely with people across social, cultural, and economic divides—listening attentively to their concerns and working diligently to address them.

A defining strength of Hon. Amuzu’s leadership is his adaptability. In a political climate often marked by division and rivalry, he has consistently chosen the path of dialogue, bridge-building, and unity. His inclusive approach has enabled him to foster cooperation among diverse groups, earning him admiration beyond party lines. For many in his constituency, his open-door policy is not a slogan but a lived reality—one that reflects empathy, accessibility, and action.

Despite the inevitable challenges that accompany public office, Hon. Amuzu has remained steadfast in his vision of a better and more equitable society. He is a strong advocate for hard work, resilience, and personal responsibility, values he exemplifies in both his public and private life. Through his words and actions, he has inspired many—particularly young people—to believe in the power of determination and purposeful leadership.

His impact is perhaps most evident in the tangible development initiatives he has championed within his community. From advocating policies aimed at social progress to supporting initiatives that improve everyday living, Hon. Amuzu has played a notable role in driving growth and positive change. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, cementing his reputation as a leader who delivers and a representative who truly understands the needs of his people.

As a role model for emerging leaders, Hon. Toyin Amuzu stands as a reminder that politics, when guided by integrity and compassion, can be a powerful tool for transformation. His selflessness, humility, and commitment to service continue to inspire confidence and hope among those he represents.

In sum, Hon. Toyin Amuzu embodies the true essence of public service. His legacy is one of unity, perseverance, and people-centered leadership—a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations. As he continues his journey toward a brighter future for all, his name remains firmly etched among those who lead not just with authority, but with heart.

TA… We Rise Together.

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