Business
‘Presidency wants to get me at all Cost’ – Governor Fayose
GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, yesterday, accused the Presidency of wasting valuable time in a desperate plot to get him at all costs saying that the schemes would not in any way put food on the table of Nigerians.
Reacting to ‘revelations’ by the erstwhile Minister of state, defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that he passed on funds from the Office of the National Security Adviser to support Fayose’s 2014 election, the governor charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to equally beam its searchlight on the campaign funds of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The development came as sources said that, the EFCC, may put Obanikoro to very stringent bail conditions. The return of Obanikoro to the country and the questioning by the EFCC might also have reopened fresh issues within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP over the utilization of the money. Stakeholders in the PDP were about the time of the election on edge over claims and counter-claims that the money was not appropriately shared and distributed as earmarked. Even more, there were claims yesterday that the bank charges were not paid by the receivers. Obanikoro returned to Nigeria on Monday after many months away and proceeded straight to the offices of the EFCC. He was reported to have disclosed that he handed over the sum of $5.37 million to Fayose for the election. Besides Governor Fayose, others who reacted to the development yesterday, included the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, and erstwhile Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Tsav.
In his reaction, Governor Fayose in a statement issued by his special assistant on new media, Mr. Lere Olayinka described the latest development as a plot by the presidency and the APC to divert the attention of Nigerians from the nagging problems of poverty and the suffering in the land. While calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on good governance, he said: “This project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’ will definitely not put food on the tables of Nigerians, and for all I care, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its collaborators can keep running from pillar to post while I keep delivering good governance to Ekiti and its people.”
Dismissing reports that Obanikoro confessed that he passed on money to him, he said: “We have gone pass this stage of media trial, EFCC should rather keep its gun powder dry when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. They said more than this in the 2006 poultry scam blackmail, despite that, I am the governor today.” Noting that his reaction was to fulfil all righteousness and not leave anyone in doubt, he said: “those who arranged the dramatic and compromised return of Senator Obanikoro to Nigeria obviously did so in continuation of their project ‘Fayose must be implicated at all cost’, but I am not bothered because my election was legitimately funded. “However, if this is why they are intimidating judges and the judiciary, it won’t work as far as my own matter is concerned as no one can play God. “As far as I am concerned, I am busy here in Ekiti attending to the welfare and well-being of my people. I won’t be distracted.”
Fidelity Bank Plc Wins 2025 DBN Innovation Award for MSME Support
In recognition of its exceptional contributions to innovative financial solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Fidelity Bank Plc has been awarded the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Innovation Award in the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) category.
This prestigious accolade celebrates Fidelity Bank’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by MSMEs, a vital segment in Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, commented on the award, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs: “At Fidelity Bank, innovation is at the heart of our strategy to support MSMEs. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing scalable, inclusive, and technology-driven financial solutions that create positive outcomes for our nation’s entrepreneurs. We are honored to receive the DBN award and dedicate it to our loyal customers for their continued support.”
The award was presented at the 2025 Service Ambassadors’ Awards ceremony in Lagos, themed ‘Enhancing Partnership for MSME Resilience and Growth.’ Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, emphasized the importance of financial institutions in transforming unbankable ideas into viable businesses through advisory services.
“You, our partners, are acknowledged and celebrated for your outreach to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to scale. We appreciate you for your role in converting unbankable ideas into bankable businesses,” Okpanachi stated.
He noted that the award aims to recognize partners who make a significant impact, focusing on storytelling and the positive changes they bring to Nigeria.
This award joins a series of landmark initiatives by Fidelity Bank aimed at supporting MSMEs. Earlier in May, the bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to facilitate the expansion of Nigerian MSMEs across Africa.
Additionally, Fidelity Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos—a multifunctional facility equipped with training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, and studios for music, photography, and content production. This hub is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building, essential elements for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Business
Adron Homes Launches Grand Ileya Promo with Massive Discounts, Star Appearances & Festive Gifts
Wear It All Luxury Opens New Abuja Boutique with Star-Studded Ceremony
Four years after successfully reopening its flagship store in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, following a major renovation, Wear It All Luxury, the upscale fashion brand owned by renowned entrepreneur, Sodiq Babatunde Rufai, has expanded its presence with the launch of a new boutique in Abuja.
The grand opening, held on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, at Libreville Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja was a star-studded affair that brought together influential personalities from the fashion, entertainment, and business worlds. Among the high-profile guests in attendance was Afrobeats superstar Davido, whose presence added further glamour to the launch event.
Located in the heart of the capital, the new Abuja boutique is poised to offer the same top-tier fashion experience the brand is known for, curated luxury pieces, exclusive designer wear, and impeccable customer service tailored for Nigeria’s elite fashion lovers.
Speaking at the event, Sodiq Babatunde Rufai expressed his excitement about the brand’s expansion, stating, “This is more than just a store opening, it’s a statement that Nigerian fashion continues to grow and thrive. We’re proud to bring the Wear It All experience to Abuja, and we remain committed to setting the pace in luxury fashion across the country.”
The Abuja outlet joins the Lagos boutique in offering high-end fashion collections from globally recognized brands, as well as unique pieces under the Wear It All Luxury private label.
Guests were treated to a private showcase of the brand’s latest collections, light entertainment, and a luxurious atmosphere that perfectly reflected the Wear It All Luxury ethos.
As the fashion house continues to expand, industry watchers say the brand’s entry into the Abuja market marks another major milestone in Nigeria’s growing luxury fashion landscape.
-
society3 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoCourt To Hear ₦5 Billion Suit Against Sinach For Alleged Copyright Infringement
-
society5 months agoNAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment
-
Entertainment6 months agoAliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors
You must be logged in to post a comment Login