Business
Kenny Ogungbe quits as MD of Raypower FM as Ambrose Somide replaces him
The Board of Directors of DAAR Communications Plc at its 73rd Board Meeting held on Friday confirmed Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Somide as the new Managing Director of the Radio Services-Strategic Business Unit of DAAR Communications Plc conglomerate, which includes both RayPower FM and FAAJI FM.
Somide’s appointment is sequel to the voluntary retirement by the erstwhile Managing Director, Dr. Kenny Ogungbe, who is now the Managing Director/CEO of KENNIS FM, the new radio station that has been granted operational licence by the National Broadcasting Commission.
Somide before his appointment, which takes affect from April 1, 2017, was the Director, Radio Services.
He was the Coordinating Officer for FAAJI 106.5FM amongst several other duties.
Somide is an alumnus of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied Urban and Regional Planning and graduated in 1991.
He started his broadcasting career in 1983 with the then Radio Nigeria, Abeokuta as a News Assistant.
In 1984, he joined the Ogun State Property Development Corporation, where he worked as a Survey Assistant-in-Training before proceeding to the University.
Upon graduation and after the National Youth Service, he joined the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC 2) as a Programme Presenter.
Upon the deregulation of the broadcasting sector, he joined DAAR Communications Plc radio station, RayPower FM, in 1993 as one of the pioneer staff as the first Head of Presentation and rose through the ranks to the position of the Assistant General Manger – Programme Services.
In 1988, he midwived the establishment of RayPower 2 106.5FM, an all talk radio station, which was a broadcast partnership between DAAR Communications Plc and the BBC, London.
In 2000, he rose to the position of the General Manager of Radio Services.
Between 2000 and 2008, he was into private practice as the Chief Executive Officer of a Broadcast Media Consultancy Firm – ATSOM Media.
The firm specialized in content management, content production, radio and television jingles and commercial (TVC) production, capacity development, content provider trainer and events compeering.
In 2008, he rejoined DAAR Communications Plc to again establish the first fully indigenous television station – FAAJI TV (Yoruba Language Channel) on Daarsat, the satellite television station.
In 2012, Somide once again midwived the establishment of FAAJI FM a Yoruba/Pidgin Language Radio Station as the Director of Radio Services, with the responsibility of Content Development, Programming and Presentation format for the new station, FAAJI FM, including other presentation and administrative duties on RayPower FM.
Somide has attended several courses and training programmes in broadcasting – FRCN Training School – Lagos in 1983; Tomson Foundation London’s Investigative Journalism Training in IITA, Ibadan in 1996; Advanced Management Techniques in BBC, London in 1998; Voice of America/USIS Basic Managers Training in 2000; Advanced Media Managers Training in the University of Tennesse, USA in 2000 and Rotary Club Exchange Programme in Norway in 2000.
To his credit are some award winning programmes that he presented/produced: Kileroyin (Radio Nigeria 1983), E ma Bubble (OGBC2), Minijojo (RayPower since 1994 to Date) and AIT Network (1996 to Date), Bournvita Breakfast Special (RayPower), Souls of Jazz (OGBC/RayPower), Guinness Power Jazz (OGBC/RayPower), Ultimate Morning Show (RayPower), Factfile (RayPower), Soul Serenade (RayPower), Brosumers Smooth Lounge (Rock City FM), Oskedemi (Radio Lagos/LTV), Koleladun (OGBC 2), Oro to nlo (FAAJI, Daarsat/Africa Independent Television)Ultimate Morning Show (RayPower Network) Factfile (Ray Power Network)
For his outstanding contributions to the broadcast media, he has been decorated with some awards: AMEN Award for Best Duo on Radio in 1988, Merit Award, Jaycee Club, Abeokuta in 1988, Most Popular on Air Personality (TV) 2012, Celebrity Media Award, Best Radio Presenter National (Male)2013, Nigeria Broadcasters Awards, Special Recognition Award City People Award 2013, Award of Excellence 2013 by the Institute of Certified Communications 2013, Honoured as the Ekerin Atoloye, Oke-Odo, Asero, Abeokuta.
Somide in 2013 was awarded Honorary Doctorate Degree in Electronic Media Administration and Management by the Institute of Graphoanalysts of Nigeria, Onigraffiks-OPEN University.
He was one time the Chairman of the Lagos Branch of Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria and the National President from 2008 to 2012.
He is a lover of Jazz, traditional African music.
He loves reading and travelling.
He is happily married and blessed with three boys.
Business
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.
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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