General News

  Akure, Jan. 16, 2026 – The Ondo State Government has commenced its 2026 annual signage and advertisement permit renewal exercise. The Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) disclosed this on Friday in a notice to businesses, corporate organisations, advertisers, outdoor media operators and other stakeholders. It advised all existing permit holders to approach the Agency promptly to obtain their Payment Advice for the 2026 operational year in line with extant regulations guiding outdoor advertising in Ondo State. It said early compliance would ensure uninterrupted operations and continued conformity …

  Abuja, Jan. 16, 2026 -The European Union (EU) has removed Nigeria from its list of financial crime high-risk countries. Hafsat Bakari, the Chief Executive of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday. She said the delisting would be effective from Jan. 29. Bakari said the EU decision represented international recognition of Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in financial regulation and compliance. “Beyond the immediate economic benefits, this outcome strengthens international confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and underscores our standing as a cooperative and responsible …

Lagos, Jan. 16, 2026 – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has partnered with Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative to plant trees at Elegushi Beach, Lekki, Lagos. The intervention was implemented as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP). It was funded and administered by the newly inducted employees, referred to as the Vault Class, who selected this initiative for their community impact project. The bank provided matching financial support to ensure the project’s successful execution. Speaking during the event, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, the …

Lagos, Jan. 16, 2026 – Alhaji Lai Mohammed, a former Minister of Information and Culture, on Thursday donated copies of his latest book, Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, to the library of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State. The donation is part of efforts to promote scholarship, strategic communication and intellectual engagement among students. The former minister made the donation during an interactive session at the institution, describing the gesture as his modest contribution to knowledge-sharing and the strengthening of Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He …

  Akure, Jan. 15, 2026 – The Ondo State Government has clarified issues on the recently announced permit fees for political billboards and posters, reaffirming its firm commitment to democratic principles. The clarification was contained in a statement issued by Yòmí Oyékàn, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement, on Thursday in Akure. The government explained that the regulation of campaign signage is a standard governance responsibility aimed at protecting public spaces, ensuring safety, and maintaining environmental order not a restriction on democracy. The statement reads: “The …

Lagos, Jan. 15, 2026 – The United States has suspended the processing of immigrant visas for Nigerians and 74 other nationals. The State Department announced the development on Wednesday. Tommy Piggott, the State Department Spokesperson, said: “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge in the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people, Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals …

  Lagos, Jan. 14, 2026 – In a renewed commitment to strengthen environmental protection across Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation, in collaboration with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, government agencies, community volunteers, and partner organizations, spearheaded a nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The initiative, which is in line with the United Nations Decade of Action, spanned 17 states, including Wuse Market in Abuja, Alpha Beach in Lagos, and communities across 15 other states, reinforcing the need for consistent, community-led action to combat all forms of plastic …