Author: The Whistler Newspaper

A media organisation, Per Second News, has issued a formal clarification and full retraction of an earlier report concerning alleged financial inducements linked to the proposed share acquisition transaction between Seplat Energy Plc and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU).

The publication, originally released on August 9, 2022, had raised claims surrounding the high-profile transaction.

However, in a statement published on April 23, 2026, the outlet said subsequent editorial review and verification efforts showed that the allegations contained in the report could not be substantiated to the professional standard required for publication.

According to the statement, the decision to retract the story was taken in line with the organisation’s commitment to accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism.

The outlet stated that the publication was based on information available at the time, but further checks and internal review made it clear that the claims lacked sufficient evidential support.

“Accordingly, the story is hereby retracted in full,” the statement said.

Per Second News also expressed regret over any confusion or unintended consequences that may have arisen from the publication, reaffirming its dedication to maintaining high editorial standards in all its reports.

“We remain committed to upholding the highest editorial standards in all our reporting,” the statement added.

The clarification is seen as a significant development in relation to the Seplat-MPNU transaction, one of the most closely watched corporate deals in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The retraction also helps to reinforce the importance of due diligence, fact-checking and responsible reporting, especially on matters involving major investments and corporate acquisitions.

Seplat Energy, a leading indigenous energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has remained a key player in Nigeria’s drive for increased local participation in the petroleum industry.

The proposed acquisition of MPNU’s shallow water assets had attracted widespread attention due to its strategic implications for the sector.

Citing Responsible Journalism, Media Outlet Clears Air On Seplat-MPNU Transaction Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Stakeholders in the education sector have renewed calls for teachers to be placed at the centre of national development.

They stressed that meaningful reform in the education system cannot be achieved without sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, motivation, and professional development.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja at the Let There Be Teachers Conference 2026, which brought together education stakeholders, government representatives, and development partners under the theme ‘From Record to Reform: A National HOPE Attempt for Teachers.’

The conference was organised with support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Convener of the conference, Oluwaseyi Anifowose, said the movement seeks to move beyond symbolic recognition of teachers to long-term structural reforms that prioritise the teaching profession.

“We are in a space where a lot of people became teachers because they could not get the kind of job they wanted. But thankfully, some of us are here because we want to be teachers. We believe that once you can change one child, you are changing a generation,” he said.

Anifowose said the focus of the initiative is not on record-breaking achievements but on restoring dignity to the teaching profession and addressing the everyday realities of teachers across the country.

“Somewhere in Nigeria today, a teacher is standing in front of a class doing the best with what they have. No cameras, no applause, no recognition, just responsibility.

“That quiet moment, repeated across thousands of classrooms, is where, in reality, the future of this nation is being decided. Not in policy rooms alone. Not in boardrooms. But in the classrooms,” he added.

He explained that the 2026 conference represents a shift from recognition to reform, noting that earlier engagements with government institutions and legislative stakeholders had helped shape the next phase of the initiative.

According to him, the programme will include large-scale mobilisation of teachers nationwide, alongside structured professional development and welfare-focused interventions.

“We are not just announcing a conference. We are igniting a movement. A movement that will mobilise at least 200,000 teachers across Nigeria.

“Five thousand in every state and 20,000 in the Federal Capital Territory. Not to watch, not to clap, not to attend but to take responsibility for our classrooms, growth, and the future we shape every day,” the convener said.

Anifowose further disclosed that, “Come October 2026, teachers across the nation will take the National Teachers’ Professional Pledge.”

He added that the mobilisation is intended to reposition teachers as active drivers of educational transformation rather than passive beneficiaries of policy.

The Executive Director of the initiative, Sola Adeola, said the programme aims to amplify teachers’ voices and address long-standing structural challenges in the sector.

“We are here because the Nigerian teacher has been overlooked for far too long, and that must change.

“We are here because education cannot rise above the quality, visibility, and dignity of its teachers,” she said.

Adeola said the conference marks the beginning of a broader movement aimed at transforming how teachers are recognised and supported nationally.

Also speaking, the Project Director, Rhoda Odigboh, said the initiative is focused on strengthening teacher agency and ensuring educators are included in national education reform conversations.

She said, “For us, it is about the role that teachers play in really shaping our country, and I dare say that is true.”

Odigboh added that teacher mobilisation remains central to the initiative’s structure and long-term goals, stressing that the effort seeks to elevate the profession beyond symbolic recognition.

In her remarks, the Director of the College of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Uchenna Uba, represented by Deputy Director Iyabode Alli, commended the initiative, describing it as aligned with national education priorities.

“The Director commends the organisers for conceptualising a platform that places teachers at the centre of national development.

“It is a timely intervention that speaks directly to the fundamental truth that no educational system can rise above the quality, motivation, and revolution of its teachers.

“The initiative came at a time when we are collectively seeking solutions to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education systems. Initiatives like this provide an opportunity for reflection, collaboration, and reform,” Alli said.

Education Stakeholders Demand Better Welfare For Nigerian Teachers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has condemned the continued attacks on communities in Benue South Senatorial District, describing the situation as unacceptable.

The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by his media adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, on Friday.

Moro, who represents Benue South in the National Assembly, expressed concern over the latest assault on Olegabulu community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, where five people were reportedly killed by suspected herders.

The lawmaker, who recently sponsored a motion on the persistent attacks against communities in the district, said the recurring violence remains a source of deep worry, noting that efforts to curb the menace have yet to yield the desired results.

He strongly condemned the latest incident and urged both federal and state governments to take urgent and decisive action to address the security challenges and protect lives and property, in line with constitutional provisions.

Moro also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, saying he shares in their grief and stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time.

Benue people deserve better – Abba Moro condemns fresh Agatu attack

Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

The case is expected to continue on the adjourned date.

Court adjourns financial misappropriation case against Yahaya Bello to May 6

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality arm of Transnational Corporation Plc, has recorded a strong start to the 2026 financial year, posting notable growth in both revenue and profitability for the first quarter ended March 31.

According to its unaudited financial results released on Friday, the company reported revenue of N22.41bn, marking a 9 per cent increase from the N20.64 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2025.

The performance reflects sustained demand and the company’s solid positioning within Africa’s hospitality sector, supported by a strategy focused on operational efficiency and long-term value creation.

Profitability also improved significantly, with Profit Before Tax rising by 15 per cent, while gross profit margins strengthened to 77 per cent, indicating improved cost management and operational discipline.

In a statement, the company said its first-quarter results demonstrate steady progress in executing its growth plans and maintaining high service standards across its operations.

“We continue to see encouraging momentum in our business, driven by disciplined execution and a clear focus on delivering quality service and sustainable returns,” the company said.

The Chief Finance Officer, Oluwatobiloba Ojediran, noted that the improved performance was achieved alongside enhanced operational efficiency.

He explained that the company successfully reduced its cost of sales margin from 25 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to 23 per cent in the same period of 2026, reflecting tighter cost controls and improved operational processes.

Ojediran added that the company remains focused on balancing cost efficiency with maintaining premium service delivery for its customers.

Transcorp Hotels Plc, a key player in Nigeria’s luxury hospitality segment, continues to benefit from the strategic backing of its parent company, Transnational Corporation Plc, a diversified conglomerate with investments spanning power, energy, and hospitality.

With its strong first-quarter showing, the company is expected to sustain its growth momentum and reinforce its leadership position in the sector through the rest of the financial year.

Transcorp Hotels Grows Revenue To N22.41bn is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A National Industrial Court of Nigeria Lagos Division has awarded N1.6m damages against a health Facility, Dr Physiq Global Health & Wellness Ltd, over its failure to comply with provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 by not deducting and remitting the claimant’s pension contributions throughout her employment.

A former staff member of the company, Miss Deborah Obase, had dragged the company before Justice O.A. Obaseki-Osaghae over her unlawful suspension.

She also sought among others the declaration that the company’s failure to deduct pension contributions and remittance of the same (comprising both the employer and employee’s contributions ) not later than seven days from payment of the Claimant’s salary to the prescribed custodian is unlawful and a breach of the Claimant’s contract of employment and the Defendants’ statutory duty.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Obaseki-Osaghae declared the omission unlawful and directed the company to immediately remit both the claimant’s pension contributions and its counterpart contributions covering the period from November 1, 2023, to September 25, 2024, into her Retirement Savings Account.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae also awarded the claimant N1,100,936 as general damages, representing financial losses arising from the employer’s failure to remit the funds, noting that the claimant was deprived of accrued investment income.

The court also granted N500,000 as litigation costs in favour of the claimant.

However, the court dismissed other claims, including allegations of unlawful suspension, workplace harassment, and unfair labour practices.

The court held that the employer acted within the terms of the employment contract in suspending the claimant without pay after a disciplinary action.

Court Awards N1.6m Damages Against Health Facility Over Unremitted Pensions is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Shareholders of United Capital Plc have approved a total dividend payout of N18bn for the 2025 financial year, following a performance that saw the group deliver strong growth in profit and revenue despite a challenging operating environment.

The approval was granted at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja on Friday, where shareholders endorsed a final dividend of N0.70 per share. This brings the total dividend for the year to N1.00 per share, representing a 25 per cent increase compared with the N14.4bn distributed in 2024.

The dividend declaration was supported by a robust financial performance, with profit after tax rising by 17 per cent to N28.15bn in 2025, up from the previous year.

Revenue also grew significantly by 35 per cent to N58.55bn, driven largely by a surge in trading income and increased fee-based earnings across the group’s business lines.

Further details presented at the AGM showed that profit before tax climbed by 37 per cent to N41.18bn, while total comprehensive income stood at N30.97 billion, reflecting both strong top-line expansion and effective cost management strategies.

A key highlight of the financial year was the profitability recorded across all seven of the group’s subsidiaries, underscoring the strength and diversification of its business model.

The subsidiaries, spanning asset management, trusteeship, securities trading, investment banking, wealth management, microfinance banking, and consumer finance, each contributed positively to the group’s overall performance.

Speaking at the meeting, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Peter Ashade, described 2025 as a defining year for the organisation, noting that the results reflect years of strategic investment and disciplined execution.

He said the group’s ability to grow earnings and maintain profitability across all business segments in a period marked by macroeconomic headwinds demonstrates its resilience and long-term positioning within Nigeria’s financial services industry.

The performance comes against the backdrop of elevated interest rates, currency volatility, and evolving regulatory requirements, which have continued to shape the operating landscape for financial institutions.

Despite these pressures, United Capital sustained growth momentum, strengthened its capital base, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Market observers say the company’s consistent earnings growth and increased dividend payout signal strong underlying fundamentals and a commitment to delivering shareholder value.

Looking ahead, the group indicated that it will focus on accelerating its Pan-African expansion strategy, deepening digital capabilities, and scaling its assets under management across wealth and asset management platforms.
With strengthened financials and profitability entrenched across its subsidiaries, United Capital is positioning itself for sustained growth as it seeks to consolidate its role in Nigeria’s capital markets and expand its footprint across Africa.

Cost Discipline, Revenue Growth Lift United Capital Profitability is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Thirty-six serving personnel of the Armed Forces are set to face trial over alleged involvement in a mutiny case, following the constitution of a General Court Martial by the Defence Headquarters.

The decision was announced on April 24 2026, in a statement issued by the Defence Headquarters, a fresh step by military authorities to address allegations bordering on attempts to undermine constituted authority.

Military authorities indicated that the move is connected to an earlier position taken in January, when concerns around the case were first made public.

The court martial is expected to handle the cases within the framework of military law, with proceedings to follow established legal procedures.

“All cases will be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system,” the Defence Headquarters stated.

The Armed Forces also signaled that the process would be guided by fairness, with assurances that the rights of the affected personnel would be respected throughout the trial.

The development reflects ongoing efforts within the military to reinforce discipline and maintain order within its ranks, especially in matters considered critical to national stability.

DHQ sets up court martial to try 36 soldiers over alleged mutiny plot

Corps members in Adamawa State under Batch A, Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been sworn in at the orientation camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.

The swearing-in of the 1,822 corps members, held on Friday, featured the administration of the oath of allegiance by Justice Balula Ikaro Ladokya, who represented the State Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman.

The Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Chief Amos Edgar, who stood in for the governor, assured the corps members of their safety throughout their service year.

He described Adamawa as a peaceful and hospitable state, adding that the state government places a high priority on the welfare and security of corps members.

In her remarks, the Adamawa State NYSC Coordinator, Osoroh Caroline Chinedu, described the orientation course as a critical phase of national service.

She expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and the prompt payment of enhanced allowance.

Adamawa swears in 1,822 NYSC members

Chinese-made bottle caps, labels, cartons and counterfeit glass are driving the production of fake spirits across Africa, the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS) said, warning that the trade poses a direct threat to public health and government revenue.

Speaking at a one-day workshop, organised by the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and themed “Combating Illicit Trade in the Spirits and Wines Industry in Nigeria,” AACS Experience Executive and Non-executive Director David Francis said the influx of “dry goods” from China has changed the scale of counterfeiting since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What we’re now seeing particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic is the emergence of fake bottles. And fake bottles are genuinely problematic for us because at least in the old days of genuine bottles you had some kind of restriction in terms of the amount that could be produced. But what we’re seeing now coming out of China is the production of fake glass,” Francis said.

Francis said China remains the biggest source of dry goods, with recent raids netting almost 50,000 Cognac caps, 12,000 fake bottles with production moulds in Shandong province, and 70,000 Cognac bottles ready for export.

“When we target these dry goods, we really get ahead of downstream assembly and production of counterfeiters, but also actually we access scale,” he said.

The health risks are severe, Francis warned. “Last year in Brazil, in October, November 2025, 14 consumers died in the Brazilian market through the consumption of methanol-tainted counterfeit alcohol. This is a public health challenge that we must take extremely seriously,” he said. He added that the incident caused legitimate spirit sales in Brazil to fall by about 70% overnight.

Presenting figures on the extent of the illicit trade in West Africa, Donovan Hackart, an expert investigator and risk management consultant, said Chinese dry goods are fueling counterfeiting in West Africa.
Data presented at the workshop showed that 339,105 dry goods valued at $2,859,420.89 were seized in 2023, 375,121 valued at $2,263,825.45 in 2024, and 284,612 valued at $1,666,223.06 in 2025, bringing the total to 998,838 items valued at $6,789,469.40.

AACS enforcement across Africa revealed that in Nigeria alone, 36 premises were raided in 2023 with products valued at $317,261.62 seized; 66 premises in 2024 with $2,323,722.80 in products; and 105 premises in 2025 with $14,488,786.86 in products.

Across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo, 75 premises were raided in 2023 with products valued at $3,273,209.75; 162 premises in 2024 with $2,687,870.83; and 157 premises in 2025 with $14,586,300.41.

On his part while welcoming participants Managing Director of SWAN, Michael Ehindero, said the conversation “is about the value of human life.”

He told participants that illicit trade includes counterfeiting, smuggling, illegal production and tax evasion, and manifests as fake products, adulterated alcohol made outside licensed facilities, and parallel imports that bypass safety checks.

“These liquids are often made without quality controls, without regulatory oversight, and without regard for human health. They may contain harmful substances, unsafe alcohol levels, or toxic additives—posing serious risks including poisoning, long term health damage, and in extreme cases, death,” Ehindero said.

He added that beyond health, illicit trade drains tax revenue and damages Nigeria’s reputation, citing government advisories warning visitors about counterfeit alcohol during festive periods such as “Detty December.”

“The fight against illicit trade requires stronger public private collaboration, intelligence gathering and effective regulatory enforcement, improved consumer awareness, and above all, a shared commitment to protecting lives,” he said.

SWAN, whose members include Bacardi, Diageo, Guinness Nigeria, Moet Hennessy, Nigerian Breweries and Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said the workshop marks the start of a larger campaign against illicit trade in the sector.

Fake Bottles From China Worsening Africa’s Illicit Alcohol Crisis — AACS is first published on The Whistler Newspaper