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The Executive Director, Development Specs Academy, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, has described the defection of Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, as running for his political life.

Ikechukwu made this remark on Tuesday in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’.

He described Obi’s defection alongside former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabi’u Kwankwaso as a result of “strategic porting”.

“Peter Obi simply ran for his political life. A woman who is running from a lion does not do catwalk. That is where Peter Obi has found himself.

“Peter Obi has moved to a platform no one anticipated, one that holds the prospect of giving us genuine elections in 2027.

“Now those who have to recalibrate are APC and the other parties. Scenarios can be examined because the argument is now on the table. The opposition is splitting itself thin,” he said.

Defection: Peter Obi ran for his political life – Prof Ikechukwu

Former Nigerian leader Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was on Tuesday remembered for his legacy of integrity, justice, and selfless leadership as tributes poured in 16 years after his passing.

In a commemorative message titled Legacy of the Servant Leader: H.E. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, 16 Years On, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, paid glowing tribute to the late president, describing him as a national hero, patriot, and servant leader whose commitment to justice and democratic values left an enduring mark on Nigeria.

“Today marks 16 years since our nation lost a dear hero, an icon of integrity, a selfless patriot, and a man I was privileged to call not just my boss, but my brother and worthy partner in service.

“As I reflect on the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, I am reminded of the shared passion we both held for a Nigeria where justice is not a slogan, but a lived reality for every citizen.

“Our partnership was anchored on a common vision: to build an inclusive, united, and just nation. Yar’Adua was a man of quiet but profound conviction who believed that the strength of a country is measured by its commitment to the rule of law and the sanctity of the ballot.

“He did not just lead; he served with a humility that is rare in the corridors of power, often putting national stability above personal or political gain.

“His record in peace-building stands as an enduring legacy. He understood that true nation-building requires the courage to admit flaws and the sincerity to fix them.

“For leaders, the life of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua serves as an enduring lesson. His example teaches us that leadership is a sacred trust, and that progress is only sustainable when it is rooted in transparency, accountability, and a genuine love for the people.

“Sixteen years later, his strides continue to testify for him. As we remember this “Gentleman President,” let us rededicate ourselves to the worthy causes he pursued with such passion.

“I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdau,” his message read.

Yar’Adua, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2007 until his death in 2010, is widely remembered for his commitment to the rule of law, electoral reform, and peace-building initiatives, particularly in the Niger Delta.

His leadership style, often defined by humility and transparency, continues to resonate in national discourse as political leaders and citizens reflect on his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.

‘Yar’Adua Was ‘Servant Leader’ – Atiku Says In Tribute is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Zenith Bank has announced the retirement of its Founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, following the expiration of his regulatory tenure.

In a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026, the bank said Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure allowed under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria.

The Board praised Ovia for his pivotal role in the institution’s evolution, crediting him with strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight that significantly strengthened Zenith Bank’s market position and reputation in Nigeria’s financial sector.

According to the bank, Ovia’s dedication to governance excellence and stakeholder value creation helped shape Zenith Bank into one of the country’s leading financial institutions.

To ensure continuity, the Board appointed Engr Mustafa Bello as the new Chairman of the Group.

Bello, who joined Zenith Bank’s Board on December 29, 2017, is currently its longest-serving director. The bank described him as an experienced leader with deep corporate governance expertise, strategic oversight capabilities, and a proven record of organisational growth.

Zenith Bank noted that Bello’s integrity, independence, and sound judgment during his years on the Board positioned him to guide the institution through its next phase of growth.

The appointment has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Under Ovia’s chairmanship, Zenith Bank consistently recorded strong financial performance despite economic and regulatory challenges.

For the 2025 full-year financial period, the Group posted a pre-tax profit of N1.26trn, representing a slight 4.78 percent decline, largely due to compliance with the CBN’s directive on the liquidation of COVID-19-related forbearance liabilities.

Interest income, however, surged significantly to N3.6trn from N2.7trn in 2024, supported by robust earnings from loans and advances, which generated N1.8trn, and treasury bills, which contributed N1.1trn.

After tax, profit stood at N1.04trn while earnings per share declined to N25.32 from N32.87.

Zenith Bank also began 2026 on a positive trajectory, reporting an unaudited pre-tax profit of N360.92bn for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, reflecting a 2.87 percent year-on-year increase from N350.82Bn recorded in Q1 2025.

Profit after tax rose by 0.69 percent to N314.02bn, demonstrating resilience despite higher loan impairments and continued cost pressures.

The leadership transition is expected to provide stability as Zenith Bank continues to pursue its strategic objectives amid evolving regulatory and market conditions.

Zenith Bank Founder Jim Ovia Retires As Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Founder and Group Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, has retired following the expiration of his tenure in line with regulatory requirements.

The bank announced the retirement in a corporate notice issued in Lagos on May 5, 2026.

According to the notice, Ovia completed the mandatory 12-year tenure permitted under corporate governance guidelines for financial holding companies, non-interest banks, and payment service banks in Nigeria.

The bank said that as its founder, Ovia has been a central figure in its growth trajectory and was credited by the Board for providing strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective oversight throughout his time as chairman.

It noted that his commitment to governance standards and stakeholder value creation significantly enhanced the Group’s positioning and reputation in the financial services sector.

Jim Ovia retires as Zenith Bank chairman

American music star Beyoncé made a celebrated return to fashion’s biggest night after a decade-long absence, co-chairing the 2026 Met Gala on Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute, regarded as one of the fashion industry’s most prestigious events, was held under the theme “Costume Art” with the dress code “Fashion Is Art,” marking the opening of the institute’s new permanent galleries.

Beyoncé joined fellow co-chairs Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour in leading the star-studded evening.

The singer arrived on the red carpet alongside husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter, who made her Met Gala debut.

In a video interview shared via Instagram on Tuesday, Beyoncé described the experience as surreal, expressing joy at attending the event with her daughter and celebrating the gala’s artistic focus on the human form.

“It feels surreal to be here because my daughter is here and it is incredible to share this with her,” she said.

For the occasion, Beyoncé wore a custom gown by Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, featuring a skin-tone mesh base adorned with an embellished diamond skeleton design and matching gloves.

Her appearance marked her first at the Met Gala since 2016, fueling widespread conversation about what many fans described as a new era following her Cowboy Carter project.

Other memorable moments from the evening included family appearances, such as Nicole Kidman attending with her daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, while standout fashion statements featured sculptural, body-focused couture, classical art homages, and bold red-carpet moments from stars including Rihanna.

The 2026 Met Gala once again reaffirmed its status as the premier intersection of celebrity, culture, and high fashion.

Beyoncé Returns To Met Gala After Decade Away is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Zenith Bank has announced the retirement of its founder and group chairman, Jim Ovia, following the expiration of his tenure.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during the bank’s ongoing 35th Annual General Meeting.

The bank said Ovia stepped down after completing the mandatory 12 years as a non-executive director and chairman, in compliance with the corporate governance guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Ovia became the bank’s chairman on July 16, 2014. He returned to the position after previously serving as the bank’s founder and Group Managing Director/CEO from 1990 to 2010.

More details later 

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Zubaida Umar has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to proactive disaster management, with a focus on strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders across the country.

She made this known while receiving a delegation from the Simulation and Crisis Management Directorate of the Department of State Services during a working visit to NEMA headquarters in Abuja.

According to her, the agency is intensifying efforts to promote risk mitigation and build community resilience through early warning systems, preparedness measures and coordinated response strategies.

“We remain focused on advancing a proactive and risk-informed approach to disaster management, with emphasis on early warning dissemination, preparedness, mitigation, and coordinated response to emerging threats,” she said.

The NEMA boss explained that following the release of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, the agency activated measures to reduce the impact of anticipated flooding during the rainy season.

She disclosed that NEMA has intensified engagement with stakeholders, convened technical coordination platforms and commenced sensitisation campaigns targeted at state governments and vulnerable communities.

Umar also assured the visiting delegation of the agency’s readiness to strengthen collaboration in areas of disaster preparedness, simulation planning and emergency response.

“We are ready to continue working closely to enhance coordinated emergency response across the country,” she added.

The Acting Assistant Director General of the Directorate Safiya Yusuf, said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and improving national crisis response mechanisms.

She noted that the Directorate plays a role in providing support before, during and after emergencies, adding that it is committed to working with NEMA to improve preparedness nationwide.

The statement was posted on the official page of National Emergency Management Agency on May 4, 2026.

NEMA activates early response plan, deepens DSS partnership

The Nigeria Nationwide League One, NLO, has imposed indefinite suspensions on officials and players of Ahudiyanem FC for misconduct in the clash against Right 2 Win.

Ahudiyanem’s trio, Anayo Chukwujekwu, Christopher Onu, and Emmanuel Ibeh, alongside the team manager and head coach, were accused of bringing the game into disrepute.

The culprits have been barred from league activities pending a final decision by the disciplinary committee.

Ahudiyanem FC supporters have also been suspended by the league body.

In addition, Ahudiyanem FC have been fined N500,000 and directed to submit a written assurance guaranteeing the safety of match officials after reports of threats during the incident.

The NLO clarified that no points were awarded to Right 2 Win FC, noting that the match was not officially abandoned by officials despite the disturbances.

NLO: Ahudiyanem FC players, officials suspended for misconduct

Nottingham Forest head coach, Vitor Pereira has showered encomium on Taiwo Awoniyi after the striker’s impressive performance against Chelsea.

Awoniyi was the hero as the Tricky Trees stunned Chelsea 3-1 in their Premier League clash at the Stamford Bridge on Monday afternoon.

The 28-year-old, who was making his 100th appearance for Forest, scored twice in the game.

The forward was also fouled inside the box in the 20th minute, with Igor Jesus stepping up to convert the penalty.

“He brings everything. Taiwo Awoniyi is a danger player. He is not on the list in the Europa League, but we know he will push the defensive line of the opponents,” Pereira was quoted by vavel.com.

The Nigeria international has so far scored four goals, and registered one assist in 14 league appearances for Forest this season.

The Reds will be up against Aston Villa in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final tie on Thursday.

EPL: Forest boss hails ‘danger player’ Awoniyi after win over Chelsea

Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and joined the Labour Party, LP.

The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in Abia State, Emenike Iroegbu, who disclosed this development, said the lawmaker had officially aligned with the party.

Abaribe’s latest movement adds another chapter to a political career marked by strategic realignments and changing party platforms.

Recall that he had joined the ADC in December last year after leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, where he won reelection in the 2023 polls.

The lawmaker’s stay in the ADC only lasted a few months before the latest move.

Senator Abaribe is currently serving his fifth term representing Abia South Senatorial District.

At the time of filing this report, the senator had yet to issue a personal statement confirming or denying the latest defection.

2027: Abaribe dumps ADC for Labour Party