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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

In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Omo Braimo, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. 

The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.

Amidst grieving families and fellow comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation. 

Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity and security of Nigeria.

In attendance were the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers, all gathered to honour the courage and dedication of the departed.

In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety. 

They noted that their bravery and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.

With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin. The grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.

As the nation mourns these heroes, it is reminded that the freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost, paid by brave men who placed duty above self and gave everything in service to their fatherland.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo, has stated that Nigeria’s security challenges, which range from insurgency to banditry and emerging threats, require coordinated efforts, strategic thinking, and sustained engagement across all sectors of society.  Professor Omotayo, who stated that no single institution, including NIPSS, can address […]

A viral video circulating on Wednesday has triggered public concern after a woman accused medical personnel at a hospital in Ikotun, Lagos State, of allegedly withholding one of her newborn twins following delivery.

In the footage shared online by an X user, the woman, who was seen holding a baby, confronted staff of Tip-Top Solution Hospital while demanding the whereabouts of her second child.

“Produce my second baby. This is not good enough. I did not come to this hospital to be robbed of my baby,” she was heard saying in the video.

Voices in the background, believed to be relatives or associates, also called for the arrest of the hospital staff over allegations of possible child trafficking.

The video further showed what appeared to be an obstetric scan report belonging to the patient, identified as Blessing Isioma David, 28, dated March 2026. The report indicated a twin pregnancy, noting the presence of two foetuses with different positions and genders.

According to the scan, “Twin visible. Twin 1 is an oblique cephalic while Twin 2 is a transverse presentation. Normal cardiac pulsations noted,” adding that one foetus was male (XY) and the other female (XX).

Responding to the allegations, the hospital’s Medical Director, Sunday Babajide, denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that only one baby was delivered and attributing the confusion to an error in the scan result.

“The scan was wrong, and she did not do another scan in another centre. It was an error; the scan said two instead of one,” he stated, adding that the patient’s husband was present during the delivery and witnessed the birth.

He further explained that the patient was conscious throughout the procedure and that the family was informed immediately after delivery.

Babajide noted that inaccuracies could occur in scans conducted at later stages of pregnancy, particularly around 20 weeks, as in this case. He, however, acknowledged that the hospital should have advised a follow-up scan at another facility to confirm the findings.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the matter is being thoroughly examined in collaboration with relevant professional bodies.

“The Command is aware of the trending video and wishes to inform the public that the matter is currently under investigation. Relevant professional bodies and associations have been contacted and are working in synergy with the Police to get to the root of the situation,” she stated.

She added that the Area Commander of Area M is personally overseeing the investigation and assured that the outcome would be made public.

The police also appealed to residents to remain calm, emphasising that the situation is under control.

“Where is my baby?’ – Chaos in Lagos as woman accuses hospital of withholding twin

El-kanemi Warriors technical adviser, Kabiru Dogo has expressed excitement following his side’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Nasarawa United.

Rislanu Ismail’s 88th minute strike separated both teams that night.

El-kanemi Warriors moved to 11th position following the win, boosting their chances of escaping relegation

Nasarawa United, meanwhile, faltered in the title race, and remains in the sixth position.

“Matches between these two teams are always top class encounters. By His grace, we will intensify training ahead of our next match. We are going back to the drawing board to correct the mistakes we made today.” Dogo told the club’s media after the game.

El-kanemi Warriors will host Shooting Stars in their next game in Maiduguri.

Nasarawa United will entertain Warri Wolves at the Lafia City Stadium this weekend.

NPFL:Dogo celebrates El-kanemi Warriors’ victory over Plateau United

Residents of Mpape, Katampe, Dutse-Pe and Dutse Alhaji communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have intensified community-driven efforts to address growing environmental threats linked to climate change. The interventions followed a series of grassroots awareness and capacity-building programmes implemented between March and April 2026 by the HipCity Innovation Centre under its project, “Addressing Climate […]