Business

Ogun LG election: Paseda Bankrolls financial expenses of UPN candidates

Published

10 years ago

July 13, 2016

The Ogun state governorship candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the April 2015 general election, Otunba Rotimi Paseda has offered to shoulder all the financial expenses for all the party’s candidates that will be contesting the forthcoming local government elections in the state which is already slated for October 8th, this year.

Towards this end however, has made a total sum of N7 million available for all the party to enable UPN obtain the nomination forms which will be distributed free to all its shortlisted candidates who may have cleared by the party’s screening committee.

Paseda, who made this known last Wednesday during one of the party’s meeting, explained that he took the decision as part of the efforts towards ensuring that UPN candidates that will be contesting the LGs and LCDAs election in the state overcome the obstacles already set on their ways by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).

Paseda, who spoke through his Chief Media Strategist, Otunba Eddy Ademosu further stated that UPN as a formidable opposition party in Ogun state would continue to provide a conducive atmosphere for its members towards ensuring that is legitimately snatches away, the power of governance at the grassroots level and also effectively puts the APC led administration at the state on its toes.

He emphasized that UPN is battle ready to provide an alternative governance to the people of the state if elected into positions in the forthcoming council election.

The business mogul turn politician further stated that UPN “is all inclusive party that accommodates everybody into its folds. As a result, I will make available a total sum of Seven million naira for all candidates to enable them obtain their nomination forms. Therefore, no candidate on the platform of UPN is expected to pay for any form.

“The party is battle ready for the forthcoming election as a means of providing an alternative means of governance and dividends of democracy to our people at the grassroots. The local government election is a prelude for 2019 general election and we shall continue to seek support of the people at ensuring a better Ogun state of our dream.”

Also speaking, the state party chairman, Hon. Funmilayo Irede Oginni said that the party was not unaware of some of the traps set by the state government through OGSIEC to allegedly truncate the electoral processes and frustrate candidates of other political parties from participating in the forthcoming LG election.

“We are not unaware of the gimmicks and tricks employ by the electoral body, OGSIEC and the state government to allegedly truncate the electoral processes through the high inflated tax clearance fee and short notice to prepare for the election, but we would continue to challenge every threat to our democracy”.

Meanwhile, the party screening committee has commenced the screening of all aspirants on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, while the final list shall be submitted to OGSIEC on Monday as contained in the commission’s time table.

Business

ADVAN Wins Global Honour at WFA Awards for “Project Freedom” Initiative

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Sahara Weekly

ADVAN Earns Global Recognition As WFA President’s Award Winner For “Project Freedom”

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has been recognised on the global stage as a recipient of the prestigious WFA President’s Award, presented by the World Federation of Advertisers during its Global Marketer Week in Stockholm. The recognition places ADVAN among a select group of leading industry associations worldwide acknowledged for driving meaningful impact in marketing and society.

The WFA President’s Awards, established in 2010, celebrate national industry associations whose initiatives advance the marketer’s agenda and contribute to positive change. This year’s honours were awarded following a rigorous selection process involving 38 submissions from associations across the WFA’s global network, with winners chosen for their measurable impact and potential for replication across markets.

ADVAN’s recognition comes through its advocacy initiative, Project Freedom, a bold and strategic effort focused on addressing the challenges of stifling, non–data-driven regulations affecting businesses in Nigeria and across Africa. The initiative underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking while championing the constitutional right to freedom of commerce.

Through Project Freedom, ADVAN has taken a proactive leadership role in engaging key stakeholders and shaping conversations around fair, balanced, and transparent regulation. The initiative reflects a shift toward constructive dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that regulatory frameworks support innovation, protect consumer interests, and enable sustainable business growth.

By earning this global recognition, ADVAN reinforces the growing influence of African marketing institutions in shaping international discourse. Its work highlights how local advocacy, when rooted in data and guided by clear principles, can deliver impact not just within national borders but across the global marketing ecosystem.

The award also affirms ADVAN’s commitment to strengthening self-regulation within the industry, fostering accountability, and promoting standards that align with global best practices while remaining relevant to local realities.

As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, ADVAN’s recognition by the World Federation of Advertisers signals a strong endorsement of its leadership and vision. It positions the association as a key voice in advancing responsible marketing, advocating for enabling policies, and ensuring that businesses can operate in an environment that supports both innovation and economic freedom.

Business

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

***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

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.