Author: Tribune Online

The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance Programme (EU-SDGN), has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration between the media and Nigeria’s electoral umpire ahead of the June 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, in a move aimed at reinforcing transparency and public trust in the electoral process. According to a statement made available to […]

The Federal Government has begun discussions with Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited to explore partnership opportunities aimed at boosting affordable housing delivery through innovative technologies.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of the company in Abuja on Wednesday.

Dangiwa said the collaboration would focus on promoting innovation, sustainable construction methods, and local manufacturing of building materials to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that low- and middle-income Nigerians can own homes within their working years.

“We want a situation where the average Nigerian worker can achieve home ownership with his salary within the period of his service. That is why we are particularly interested in innovation and technology that can make housing more affordable,” he said.

The minister noted that conventional construction methods have not been sufficient to deliver housing at the scale and affordability required, particularly for middle-income earners.

While expressing openness to new building technologies, Dangiwa stressed the need for proven results. According to him, any proposed solution must be demonstrated at scale and show durability over time.

He also highlighted the importance of speed in construction, noting that rapid delivery of housing units is critical to closing the country’s housing gap.

Earlier, Chairman of Sinoma New Materials Nigeria Company Limited, Eric, commended the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle housing challenges, particularly through the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

He said the company aligns with government priorities on affordable housing, industrialisation of construction materials, and sustainable building practices.

Eric described housing as not only a social necessity but also a key driver of economic growth capable of creating jobs and strengthening industries.

He introduced SinoBoard Fibre Cement Technology, an advanced building solution designed to support faster and more efficient construction through prefabrication and dry systems. He noted that the technology offers durability, being resistant to moisture, fire, termites, and harsh weather conditions.

According to him, the solution is cost-effective, reduces maintenance expenses, and supports environmentally friendly housing initiatives.

“Our technology can significantly enhance the delivery of mass housing projects across Nigeria,” he said.

The company also expressed readiness to invest in Nigeria by establishing local manufacturing facilities, transferring technical expertise, and creating employment opportunities.

Dangiwa further revealed that the Federal Government plans to establish building materials manufacturing hubs nationwide to support housing development and reduce construction costs.

He added that under Public Private Partnership arrangements, the government could provide land, while private developers supply technology, machinery, and financing.

The minister explained that the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) could purchase completed houses on behalf of beneficiaries, paying developers upfront and recovering costs through mortgage schemes.

He directed relevant officials in the ministry to continue engagements with the company to refine its proposal and ensure alignment with national housing priorities.

FG Seals Deal With Firm To Slash Housing Costs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigeria Police says it has recorded multiple major breakthroughs in cybercrime investigations conducted by its National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC.

The Police said these operations underscore its unwavering resolve to combat financial fraud, protect foreign direct investment, and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystem.

“In an intelligence-led operation, the NPF-NCCC has dismantled a sophisticated cross-border fraud syndicate, following actionable intelligence received from the East Africa Sub-Sahara Africa Safe Promotion (EA-SSASPF) Foundation, a registered NGO in Nairobi, Kenya, one Mr Julius Kithome and Ms. Cynthia Kithome, were introduced to the suspect by one Rev. Edy Ndeto in Nairobi,” a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, explained.

The Police said the suspect, Agbor Martins Black-Diamond also known as Oruojong Black Diamond Agbor Martins, falsely represented himself as an official of the World Bank and other US-based donor partners.

It said that preliminary investigation revealed that the complainants relying on the fraudulent claims, transferred a total of USD $250,000 over three years for purported registration and administrative fees meant to unlock donor funding.

“No funding was ever secured. Instead, the suspect organized sham symposiums in Nigeria and South Africa,” the statement added.

It said in 2024, the suspect further induced the victims to secure a bank loan against their family property to access a non-existent $850,000 empowerment fund in Ghana.

The Police said that thorough investigation and financial analysis confirmed substantial inflows from the Kenyan victims, including $57,975 between February and July 2023.

“The suspect was arrested on 31st March 2026, and his entity, Black Diamond African Beauty Restoration Foundation, was found unregistered in Nigeria, prompting him to register as United African Continent Limited in November 2024 to legitimize his illicit activities,” it added.

It said further findings indicate the suspect extended his fraudulent scheme to local farmers in Kuje Area Council, collecting N50,000 each under the guise of empowerment and capacity building.

Similarly, the Police said on 3rd April 2026, the NPF-NCCC, following a complaint by Lex Excellentia on behalf of Mr. Emmanuel Enwelu of NewLife Ventures Makurdi, arrested one Chinedu Mbachu, a former employee.

It said that the suspect was accused of unauthorized modification of computer systems, cybers quatting, and diversion of funds.

He was said to have confessed to using his personal bank accounts to receive customer payments intended for the company, one samsung A6 Plus Mobile Phone, NIN Paper Slip, NIN Digital Slip were recovered from him.

He informed that the NPF-NCCC following a petition received by a private company about allegations of financial misconduct in the company arrested two suspects namely, Ayodele Daramola (31) who is an employee of the company, and one Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi (29) for criminal conspiracy, breach of data privacy, business email compromise, unauthorised access to computer network, fraud, money laundering, and forgery.

The Police said that preliminary investigations revealed that between May and December 2025, Ayodele Daramola, an employee in the position of Investment Booking, conspired with Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi a non-staff member to fraudulently divert company funds.

The suspects allegedly siphoned a total sum of N85,000,000.00 by exploiting internal systems and channeling the funds through a commercial bank account belonging to Dada Babatunde Oluwatobi.

“From the proceeds, 21% approximately N17,850,000.00 was retained by Dada Babatunde, while 79% approximately N67,150,000.00 was transferred to an online bank account linked to Ayodele Daramola.

“Further investigation established that approximately N61,000,000.00 received by Ayodele Daramola was expended on online gambling and betting platforms.

A cash sum of N4,000,000.00, one unserviceable Lexus ES350 (Reg. No. Lagos JJJ878JZ), one Dell Laptop, one iPhone 13 Pro Max were recovered from the suspects.

“Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to recover the remaining funds and prosecute all parties involved in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

It said that IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu reiterated that Nigeria is not a safe haven for cybercriminals and that the Force will relentlessly pursue all persons, domestic or foreign, who exploit technology, internal systems, and cross-border partnerships for fraudulent purposes.

He assured the public and the international community of the NPF’s commitment to protecting the digital economy and bringing all perpetrators to justice.

Nigeria Police dismantles cross-border fraud syndicate, arrest fake World Bank official, others

The National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, says Governor Dapo Abiodun has made history by backing a governorship aspirant from the Ogun West senatorial district.

DAILY POST reports that the region hasn’t produced a governor since the creation of the state in 1976.

Recall that last year, President of the National Association of Yewa Students, NAYES, Olabode Opeyemi appealed to the Governor, urging that the gubernatorial ticket be given to an indigene of Ogun West Senatorial District, lamenting that the region was yet to produce a governor in over five decades.

Governor Abiodun alongside other APC leaders on Monday, adopted Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus candidate ahead of the next election.

The adoption was seen as a major boost for the long time agitation for the power shift in the state.

Reacting to the adoption on Wednesday, the student body in a statement by Comrade Olabode who is now the Senate President, appreciated the governor for granting their request and demonstrating inclusive and visionary leadership.

He further extended his warmest congratulations to the chosen candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing his emergence as well-deserved.

Olabode assured the Senator that the entire student constituency, under his leadership, is prepared to mobilize, strategize, and actively support his aspirations, ensuring widespread student engagement and full backing.

Abiodun made history by backing Ogun West candidate – NAOSS

The traditional council of Aye Kingdom in Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency of Ondo State has adopted Hon. Bidemi Joshua Obayangban as

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, says it has commenced the process of concluding the liquidation activities of 89 closed Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) following their successful acquisition by new owners under the Purchase and Assumption (P&A) resolution model executed by the Corporation.

A statement by Hawwau Gambo, the Head of Communication & Public Affairs at the NDIC, said the 89 closed banks were part of the 179 MFBs and 4 PMBs whose banking licenses were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on May 22nd and 23rd, 2023.

Recall that through purchase and assumption agreements, 89 new eligible institutions were issued licenses by the CBN to acquire the assets and liabilities of the defunct banks. They have since commenced operations under new names.

But to legally conclude the liquidation process in accordance with the provisions of its enabling Act and other relevant laws, the NDIC, in its capacity as the Liquidator of the defunct banks, will be presenting applications to various Judicial divisions of the Federal High Court to obtain orders of dissolution for the closed banks and to release the Corporation as Liquidator, Gambo, said.

Failed Banks: NDIC commences process to conclude Liquidation of 89 MFBs, PMB

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has credited the National Assembly for playing a pivotal role in

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated has announced plans to seek shareholder approval for a proposed Eurobond issuance, as the lender moves to strengthen its funding base and support strategic growth initiatives.

In a notice to shareholders seen by THE WHISTLER, the bank disclosed that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held virtually where the Eurobond issuance will be presented as the key agenda item for consideration and approval.

The proposed Eurobond programme is expected to provide the group with access to international debt capital markets, enhancing its liquidity position and enabling it to diversify funding sources amid evolving global financial conditions.

The planned Eurobond issuance comes at a time when African financial institutions are increasingly tapping international markets to raise long-term capital, manage balance sheet risks, and fund expansion across key regional markets.

Analysts note that, if approved, the Eurobond could position Ecobank to better navigate tightening global liquidity conditions while sustaining its pan-African growth strategy.

Ecobank Group, the parent company of Ecobank Nigeria Limited, had released its financial statements for the 2025 accounting year, growing its net revenues by 17 per cent to $2.5b from $2.1bn in the preceding year.

An analysis of the earnings showed that Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) revenues grew by 21 per cent, while Consumer and Commercial Banking (CCB) earnings rose by 14 per cent, with higher transaction volumes across channels expanding Payment revenue by 14 per cent to $305m in the period under review.

Details of the results submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited showed that pre-tax profit went up by 21 per cent to $801 million, and the net profit jumped by 22 per cent to $407m million from $333m, with the earnings per share (EPS) up by 23 per cent.

Customer deposits increased to $25.3bn, with gross loans and advances to customers up by $2.3bn to $12.8bn.

Commenting on the performance of the financial institution, the chief executive of Ecobank, Mr Jeremy Awori, said, “Our 2025 performance has further demonstrated that our Growth Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy, along with our geographically diversified business model, are yielding positive results.”

He disclosed that regarding the Consumer Banking business, the company broadened access for both new and existing customers by expanding digital account openings in more markets.

“We installed 500 new ATMs, extended our Direct Sales Agents into 22 markets, and added over 1,000 new personnel. In Commercial Banking, we strengthened our relationships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the agribusiness sector, by introducing specialised expertise and enhanced digital tools to serve our clients better and improve access to funding.

Ecobank To Seek Investor Backing For Eurobond is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned contractors handling key infrastructure projects in Abuja to meet agreed deadlines, insisting that projects earmarked for inauguration during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary must be completed on schedule.

Wike issued the directive on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing projects across the capital, expressing dissatisfaction with delays on a road project in Wuse despite acknowledging the quality of work done so far.

He said the contractor had earlier committed to delivering the project by the end of May or June but appeared to be shifting timelines, a development he rejected.

The minister directed that the project must be completed and handed over by the second week of June.

Wike explained that the inspection was part of efforts by the FCT Administration to ensure quality control and enforce accountability, stressing that officials regularly visit project sites rather than relying on reports.

Despite concerns over delays in Wuse, the minister commended contractors handling other major projects, including the N16 interchange and the Institutions and Research Centre, noting that both projects were progressing satisfactorily and were on track for commissioning.

At Tunga Madaki, Wike expressed satisfaction with the near completion of a key access road and bridge linking Bill Clinton Drive on Airport Road to surrounding communities.

He said the “project, initiated following the construction of a second runway, would significantly improve connectivity in the area.”

The minister also revealed plans to extend the road to Zuba, adding that procurement processes and compensation for affected residents were already underway as part of broader efforts to boost development in satellite towns.

Beyond road infrastructure, Wike highlighted ongoing investments in water supply, education, and healthcare.

He said “satellite water projects in Bwari, Karu, and Orozo would soon be inaugurated, while several schools had been renovated and health facilities earmarked for rehabilitation.”

Addressing recent water shortages in parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the minister attributed the disruption to damage caused to a major pipeline by a private developer.

He warned that the government would investigate the incident and could shut down the project responsible if necessary.

Wike appealed for patience from residents, assuring that efforts were underway to restore water supply and that the administration would not tolerate actions that disrupt public utilities.

He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure projects aimed at transforming both the city centre and satellite communities in line with the government’s development agenda.

Wike Targets Tinubu Anniversary For Project Commissioning is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former gubernatorial candidate on the platform of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP) in Oyo State, Olalekan Ayorinde has joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

DAILY POST reports that Ayorinde, who hails from Ita Baale area in Ibadan North East local government area contested on the platform of ANRP in 2019, but joined the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

The reception of Ayorinde into the APC fold was done at the party secretariat in Oke Ado area of Ibadan on Wednesday.
APC Chairman in the state, Moses Adeyemo received the former ANRP candidate into the party’s fold on behalf of other chieftains of the party.

Other leaders of the party at the event includes the APC Chairman in Ibadan North East Local Government, Azeez Asimolowo Elewure, the Ward 2 Chairman, Chief Morufu Ogboriefon, as well as other leaders and top party members across the state.

Ayorinde noted that his decision to join the APC was not driven by personal ambition or the desire to contest for any political office but to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole.

Oyo 2027: Ex- ANRP guber candidate, Ayorinde, joins APC