Lagos Speaker, Turkish Airlines, International Stars Grace The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025

The Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Lokman Balkan, Turkish Airlines’ topshot, actresses Lilian Bach, Ronya Man, and Ghanaian-born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul, among others, are part of the high-flying guests and award recipients at the just-concluded The Expatriates Business Awards (TEBA) 2025.

The unique event, which was held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, celebrated Nigeria’s multicultural economic ecosystem. The colourful gathering was attended by industry notables including the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who was the event’s Chief.

The black-tie affair welcomed an elite audience of diplomats, corporate leaders, international investors, global citizens, and distinguished professionals whose presence reinforced the deepening bond between Nigeria and the international business community.

Anchored by the dynamic duo of Egypt-born media advisor Rania Elewa, who also went home with the award of Diaspora Trailblazer, and Cameroonian music-comedy sensation Danny Green, popularly known as 237 TownCryer, the night was a celebration of global entrepreneurship, cultural synergy, and social impact.

Unlike conventional award platforms which primarily honour local players, TEBA is a trademarked celebration of Nigeria’s diverse economic tapestry, recognizing the contributions of ethnic enterprises and migrant professionals who are actively shaping Nigeria’s GDP and socioeconomic advancement.

The event featured captivating exhibitions, cultural showcases, music, and comedy, creating a glamorous yet soulful atmosphere of unity and recognition.

Among the night’s highlights was the presentation of coveted awards to exceptional individuals and companies whose impact spans various sectors, including aviation, media, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Notable honourees include: Turkish Airlines, an international airline which won Expatriate Airline of the Year 2024/25, Lilian Bach, the top actress, who won the Diaspora Distinction Award.

Also, Ghanaian born broadcaster extraordinaire, Riyah Abdul was TEBA’s Diaspora Revelation of the Year 2024/25, Ronya Man, a quiet but talented woman was the Cross Over Actress of The Year 2024/25, Avsatel Communications Ltd., an aviation company owned by Austra born Georg Eder MBA won Aviation Safety Champion of the Year 2024/25.

Others are MACE Industries Ltd., a notable aviation technology company owned by Mr. Manoj Tagjiani, which is the Aviation Technology Company of the Year 2024/25, while Cameroon-born Danny Green (237 TownCryer) went home with the Cross-Border Talent of the Year 2024/25.

On the list of the awardees is a talented entrepreneur, Pascale Olumayowa Rafqa who won the Expatriate Entrepreneur of the Year 2024/25, Mrs. Alice Adetona (Oyinbo Olonje), a Polish-born self-made chef was announced as Inter-Cultural Culinary Ambassador for her passion for Nigeria’s culture and culinary skills while Gambia beautician, Zainab Fatty was TEBA’s 2024/25 Serial Entrepreneur of the Year, and Swiss-born Mrs. Janice Udogu, married to a Nigerian won the Heritage Embrace Award for her love for the nation’s customs and tradition.

Others are CCECC, a top-flight international construction company with Construction Company of the Year 2024/25, and Nigerbirds Engineering – Emerging Aviation Powerhouse

Rt. Hon. Obasa, in his remarks, applauded the organisers for spotlighting the indispensable role of expatriate communities in Nigeria’s development journey. He noted that platforms like TEBA not only promote inclusivity and business diplomacy but also help position Lagos and Nigeria as a hub for multicultural growth and investment.

As one of the night’s hallmarks, partners and sponsors received premium visibility before an audience of decision-makers, industry influencers, and public officials, further reinforcing the value of public-private-international collaboration.

TEBA 2025 has cemented its place as one of the leading platforms promoting intercultural recognition, business excellence, and global synergy in Nigeria’s corporate and entertainment landscape.

Tension Rises as LASIEC Delays Release of Candidate List Ahead of LG Polls

With just days to the Lagos State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, tension is building as the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has yet to release the official list of candidates. The delay has stirred widespread unease among candidates, political parties, and observers, raising questions about the transparency and credibility of the entire process.

Under the Nigerian Electoral Act and LASIEC’s own guidelines, candidate lists must be published well ahead of polling day to allow the public adequate time to assess their choices. The commission’s continued silence, however, is heightening suspicion and eroding trust across party lines.

When our correspondent visited LASIEC headquarters in Yaba earlier today, the premises bore a tense atmosphere, reinforced by a heavy police presence and barricades, giving the area a near-siege-like appearance.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration over the delay. “It’s worrisome and alarming that with just three days left, LASIEC has not published the list of contesting candidates. We are demanding answers. Their silence is simply unacceptable.”

There is growing speculation that LASIEC may be playing partisan politics by stalling the announcement of opposition candidates. However, even within the ruling APC, there is a lack of clarity. In Mushin, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Agege, Alimosho Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, members remain uncertain about who their candidate is. While some suspect attempts to impose some candidates, nothing has been confirmed by the commission.

“If anyone says LASIEC is only screening APC candidates, that’s not accurate,” some APC members in Epe, Shomolu, Onigbongbo, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri stated. “Even we don’t know who is running. There are rumors of internal interference, but without the official list, we’re left completely in the dark.”

The confusion appears to extend beyond the APC. A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member in Apapa LGA, also speaking under condition of anonymity, alleged that internal disputes and external influences have complicated the selection process.

“There’s been a power struggle within the party over which candidates to field,” he said. “We heard the list was taken to an APC chieftain in Abuja for ratification. When it came back to Lagos, several names had been altered. This disruption has delayed LASIEC’s ability to finalize and release the list. The situation is chaotic, and many of our members feel betrayed.”

According to him, the changes were made without the consent of key party leaders, and many candidates—including some closely aligned with influential figures—were affected. “We are prepared for whatever happens. Saturday will reveal everything,” he concluded.

Some political analysts suggest LASIEC’s delay may be a strategic move to limit the window for legal action that could challenge the candidates or the process itself.

As election day draws near, the pressure is mounting on LASIEC to come clean and restore public confidence in the electoral system. For now, uncertainty reigns—and the credibility of the July 12 polls hangs in the balance.

UNION BANK RESPONDS TO HIGH COURT RULING ON NICON INVESTMENTS
LIMITED, GLOBAL FLEET AND JIMOH IBRAHIM CASE

Union Bank of Nigeria acknowledges the recent judgment of Justice Abike Fadipe of the Ikeja High Court in the matter involving Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, NICON Investment Limited, Global Fleet, and the Bank.

We wish to assure our customers, partners, and the public that Union Bank operates with the highest levels of professionalism, ethical conduct, and legal compliance in all our dealings.

While we respect the authority of the court, we strongly disagree with the judgment delivered and have instructed our lawyers to file an appeal against it immediately.

The court’s findings, including its position on the consolidation of indebtedness, locus standi, and third-party liability, are at variance with established legal principles and the Bank’s
understanding of the facts. We are confident in our legal position and intend to vigorously pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is served.

Union Bank had previously transferred the relevant debt obligations to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), and we maintain that all actions taken in this regard were in line with applicable laws and banking practice.

We reiterate our unwavering commitment to acting in good faith, protecting stakeholder
interests, and preserving the integrity that has defined our institution for over a century. The Bank remains resilient and focused on continuing to deliver excellent service and value to its customers.

We appreciate the continued trust and support of all stakeholders as we navigate this legal process.