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For many candidates sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, preparation goes far beyond reading textbooks. It is often a battle of the mind. 

Former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa was the hero as Kano Pillars rallied to beat Rivers United 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

Abdullahi Musa gave Pillars the lead in the 81st minute, while Handsome Surveyor restored parity for the visitors one minute from time.

Musa however netted the winning goal for home team on the stroke of 90 minutes.

Pillars moved clear of the relegation zone following the hard-earned victory.

In Ikenne, Remo Stars also boosted their survival hopes with a hard-earned 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

Experienced striker Victor Mbaoma gave the Sky Blue Stars the lead on 10 minutes.

It was Mbaoma’s 12th league goal of the campaign.

Olamilekan Adedayo and Samuel Anakwe got the other goals for Remo Stars.

The win lifted the Usman Abdallah side to 16th position.

Rangers returned to the summit courtesy of a 2-1 victory over oriental rivals, Enyimba, in Enugu.

Wonah Williams gave Enyimba the lead four minutes after the break.

Chidozie Iwundu equalised for Rangers in the 61st minute, while Ifeanyi Onyebuchi netted the winning goal for the Flying Antelopes seven minutes later.

Full Results

Wikki 1-2 Insurance
Plateau 1-1 Kun Khalifat
El-Kanemi 1-2 3SC
Kwara Utd 2-1 Barau
Remo Stars 3-0 Tornadoes
Rangers 2-1 Enyimba
Katsina Utd 3-2 Bayelsa Utd
Abia Warriors 2-1 Ikorodu City
Kano Pillars 2-1 Rivers Utd
Nasarawa Utd 3-0 Wolves

NPFL: Ahmed Musa bags winner for Kano Pillars, Rangers back on top

Former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), Barrister Ibrahim Kashim Mohammed, has expressed his interest in securing the gubernatorial ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 general elections. Ibrahim Kashim made this known while interacting with journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, stressing that his motivation is to have a better Bauchi […]

The Zamfara State Commissioner overseeing the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, has reaffirmed why the state government declared a state of emergency on education, saying the aim is to address critical challenges facing the sector. The commissioner further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector through a coordinated […]

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State Chapter, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, warning that Nigeria is fast becoming unsafe for citizens.

Speaking during a CAN council meeting held at the State Secretariat in Minna, the cleric, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said the nation has “nosedived into a state of fear” due to persistent insecurity challenges, economic hardship, and what he described as unfulfilled promises by leaders.

He further lamented the growing level of insecurity, citing reports of foreign nationals issuing travel advisories warning their citizens against visiting some states and even Abuja, the nation’s capital, over fears of possible attacks.

“Who is safe, and where in Nigeria can one boast of safety? If Nigerian military generals and senior security officers can be killed, then who cannot be killed?” he asked.

Bishop Yohanna also listed cases of kidnappings, abductions, killings, destruction of houses, and the burning of markets and farmlands, alleging that such incidents have continued to destabilise communities across the country.

He noted concerns over circulating reports and security alerts on social media and alleged internal security communications warning of possible attacks on Abuja and other states, including Niger State.

Referencing a leaked memo reportedly attributed to the Nigeria Customs Service on planned attacks on government facilities and military bases, he urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and prayerful.

“With or without certainty, the situation calls for vigilance, security awareness, and prayers for divine intervention. I believe that one day, good will triumph over evil,” he said.

The cleric called on President Bola Tinubu and Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to urgently strengthen security measures, warning that “there is no smoke without fire”.

He further cautioned that Nigeria’s situation would not improve unless citizens collectively change their ways, stressing that failure to do the right thing would continue to affect all sectors of national life.

Niger CAN chairman laments insecurity, says nobody safe in Nigeria

A male commuter died on Saturday, while two others—a male and a female—sustained injuries from gunshots fired by armed men in an unsuccessful kidnap attempt on the Ijebu Ode–Ibadan Road within Oyo State. Nigerian Tribune gathered that the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. when the commuters, coming from Ijebu Ode, had almost reached Onigambari […]

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has urged his team not to lose focus while celebrating their Premier League 2-1 victory against Arsenal on Sunday.

Guardiola, however, wants the Cityzens to focus their attention on their next game against Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday.

He stated this while speaking at his post-match press conference after City defeated the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium, thanks to Erling Haaland’s winner in the second half.

“We have to enjoy it (City’s win over Arsenal), celebrate it, take the good things, but don’t lose the focus,” Guardiola said.

“The focus is in three days, we go to Burnley.”

Man City is now three points behind Arsenal on the Premier League table with a game in hand.

EPL: Guardiola makes demand after Man City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged the strategic impact of the just concluded bank recapitalisation in Nigeria, saying the exercise is paying off. The Fund said the exercise embarked by the Olayemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was the right decision, given the ongoing volatility in global oil supply that requires banks to secure sufficient buffers in times of stress. A well recapitalized Nigeria banks are ready tools for fighting inflation and sustaining a two-year economic growth and stability projection for Nigeria by the IMF.

This year will emerge as one of the most remarkable in a decade. It has seen the emergence of stronger and more resilient banks, higher reserves estimated at $51bn by year-end and determination to achieve single digit inflation rate.

It is part of the long-term benefits of the critical economic reforms embarked by the fiscal and monetary authorities to strengthen the financial system and economy.

At the 2026 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in US, the Fund acknowledged the significant milestone created by the bank recapitalisation in Nigeria economy.

IMF endorsed Nigeria’s banking sector recapitalisation drive, noting that stronger capital buffers were already proving effective in cushioning the financial system against external shocks.

The Fund stressed that stronger fiscal positions remained essential for emerging markets to withstand volatile global capital flows and reduce vulnerability to sudden market shifts as seen with the ongoing oil prices volatility over Middle East crisis.

Speaking at the presentation of the Global Financial Stability Report at the Spring Meetings, IMF Financial Counsellor and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department, Tobias Adrian, said recapitalisation efforts tend to show their value most clearly during periods of stress.

He noted that building a well-capitalised banking system remains central to global financial stability, particularly as economies navigate heightened uncertainty.

He said: “Concerning bank recapitalisation, it is in times of stress where the value of bank capital really comes to the fore. So, what we are aiming at for global financial stability is a banking sector that is capitalised against adverse shocks.

Andrian added that the capital raised by Nigerian banks would be significantly helpful in times of stress, keeping them better capitalized against external shocks.

Adrian said: “Of course, it’s in times of stress where the value of bank capital really comes to the fore, right? So, what we are aiming at for global financial stability is a banking sector that is capitalized against adverse shocks. So yes, bank recapitalizations are very welcome and are paying off, particularly under times of stress”.

Also speaking at the presentation of the World Economic Outlook, IMF, Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department from the IMF, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, projected a two-year growth prospects for Nigeria, pegging growth for 2026 and 2027 at 4.1 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively.

He said the global economy disrupted with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, rising commodity prices, firmer inflation expectations, and tighter financial conditions, will grow at 3.1 per cent in 2026 and 3.2 per cent in 2027.

For Nigeria, he highlighted the impact of soaring oil prices on cost of living and the sensitivity of the inflation expectations.

He said that Nigeria’s policies need to be agile, carefully manage the trade-offs involved in ramping up defense spending, and lay the foundation for a sustained recovery.

He explained that after withstanding higher trade barriers and elevated uncertainty last year, global activity now faces a major test from the outbreak of war in the Middle East.

“Assuming that the conflict remains limited in duration and scope, global growth is projected to slow to 3.1 percent in 2026 and 3.2 percent in 2027. Global headline inflation is projected to rise modestly in 2026 before resuming its decline in 2027,” he said.

The IMF said although no central bank can influence global energy prices on its own, the markets are already pricing in higher policy rates.

However, provided inflation expectations remain well entered, central banks can afford to wait and watch for now, but they must be attentive to risks and communicate clearly their readiness to act decisively to maintain price stability.

In most cases, exchange rates should be allowed to adjust, allowing central banks to focus on their mandates.

Most countries don’t have that luxury anymore. Where support for the most vulnerable is needed, targeted and temporary measures should be deployed consistent with medium term plans to rebuild fiscal buffers and avoiding stimulating demand where inflation is rising.

Finally, the Fund explained that if financial conditions tighten sharply, as in our severe scenario, and global activity deteriorates markedly, monetary and fiscal policy should be ready to pivot to support the economy and safeguard the financial system alongside appropriate financial and liquidity policies.

The banking sector recapitalisation marks the most significant banking reform since 2005, modernising regulatory and risk management frameworks. The initiative reflects strong coordination among the CBN, the Ministry of Finance, and the capital markets.

With the recapitalisation exercise over, the next phase of ensuring a strong and virile financial system is building stricter credit-risk culture ensuring that raised funds are loaned creditably to key sectors- infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology among others.

That explains why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is championing the credit‑risk framework to enforces stronger governance, greater transparency, and firmer accountability across the financial sector.

This will enable the regulator to break the boom‑and‑bust cycle that has accompanied past recapitalisation efforts. Previous records, especially during the 2005 recapitalisation, showed that banks tended to lend more.

Speaking during a forum in Lagos, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the apex bank will be enforcing stronger governance, greater transparency, and firmer accountability to protect new capital raised by banks.

“Sustainable economic growth is unattainable without a resilient financial system. This recapitalisation ensures Nigerian banks can fund the scale of transactions needed to drive a $1tn economy.” Cardoso, said.

“The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks,” he added.

The CBN had, on March 28, 2024 announced a two-year bank recapitalisation exercise which commenced on April 1, 2024. The recapitalisation plan requires minimum capital of N500bn, N200bn and N50bn for commercial banks with international, national and regional licences respectively. There is also N20bn for national non-interest banks and N10bn for regional non-interest banks. The 24-month timeline for compliance ended on March 31, 2026.

Cardoso, said the apex bank will be enforcing stronger governance, greater transparency, and firmer accountability to protect raised funds.

The recapitalisation programme aims to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and lending capacity of Nigeria’s financial system, positioning it to support the Federal Government’s aspiration for a $1tn economy.

The exercise has also helped in building banks “fit for purpose” in a trillion-dollar economy, the sector can sustainably finance SMEs, export-oriented firms, and major infrastructure projects. The recapitalisation is expected to anchor financial inclusion and broaden access to credit nationwide.

The recapitalisation marks the most significant banking reform since 2005, modernising regulatory and risk management frameworks.

Banks that are yet to fully recapitalise remain functional and are in the process of recapitalisation.

At the end of the two-year recapitalisation project, the CBN confirmed that 33 banks raised combined N4.65tn.

In a statement, jointly signed by CBN Director, Banking Supervision Department, Olubukola A. Akinwunmi, and Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, described the exercise as successful, adding that 33 banks met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme.

They said: “Over the 24-month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65tn in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy. The programme recorded strong participation from both domestic and international investors, with 72.55 per cent of capital sourced locally and 27.45 per cent from international markets, reflecting sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector”.

Governor Cardoso commented: “The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks.”

Continuing, Cardoso said Nigeria’s banking system remains fundamentally sound and resilient, a cornerstone of our financial stability.

“At the same time, we remain vigilant to emerging risks, including cyber threats, credit-concentration pressures, and operational vulnerabilities. These are being addressed through strengthened risk-based supervision and our ongoing transition to Basel III, which will further bolster resilience, improve capital quality, and strengthen liquidity monitoring,” he said.

The CBN boss disclosed that with just four months to the conclusion of the recapitalisation exercise, the process remains firmly on track.

“As we strengthen the capacity of our banks, stress-testing this year confirms that Nigeria’s banking sector remains fundamentally robust. Key financial soundness indicators overwhelmingly satisfied prudential benchmarks during the year,” Cardoso added.

He said the apex bank is reinforcing operational discipline to ensure the financial system serves all Nigerians reliably.

“Our starting point was a comprehensive, end‑to‑end review of the entire cash lifecycle: from production, to transportation, to distribution, and eventual access by consumers. This holistic assessment enabled us to address root causes rather than symptoms”.

“As a result, we recalibrated our cash‑printing models, issued guidelines on the optimal ATM‑to‑card ratio, strengthened requirements for CBN approval before ATM or branch closures, enforced sanctions on banks whose ATMs fail to dispense cash, and intensified supervision of payment agents and POS operators nationwide,” he said.

The CBN said a limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks. All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.

President, Bank customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), Dr. Uju Ogubunka, said the exercise, presented opportunity for the lenders to provide cheaper loans, expand their operations and provide improved services to customers.

“The banks have raised significant funds to shore up their capital bases. Now, we expect them to improve on service quality and shun excess charges,” he said.

Also speaking, President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, agreed with Ogubunka on the need for low interest loans.

Gwadabe said: “We need cheaper loans. Big capital should reflect on cheaper and more affordable loans. Also, banks should lend for longer terms, and projects that support the economy.

He said that more capital will increase banks’ buffers and hasten Nigeria’s path to achieving $1tn economy.

“Now they have bigger capital, we expect the banks to come out and compete with other global banks. The Nigerian banks need to compete favourably at international stage,” he said.

Continuing, Gwadabe said the era of high lending rates should also be over. “ We expect the interest charged by banks on loans to reflect international standards. We equally want the banks to de-risk agriculture to improve food security,” he said.

CBN-led Bank Recapitalisation Prepares Nigeria Economy For Growth, Stability – IMF is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Famous Afrobeat singer, Davido, has stated that he doesn’t want any of his kids to work in the entertainment sector.

Davido who made the disclosure while speaking in a viral interview with ‘Breakfast Club’, disclosed that his children will work in his father, Deji Adeleke’s companies .

The singer attributed the decision to his past struggles before breakthrough in the industry, noting that working in his father’s companies will make life easier for them.

Narrating how his father’s refusal to support his music career before breakthrough “killed his joy”, Davido noted that he would still support any of his children that choose to go into entertainment industry.

Interviewer: “Do you want your kids to be in this industry or would you prefer your kids to work with grandpa?”

Davido answered “Omo, go and work with my dad. Every Christmas, my dad takes all the grandkids with him. And I could just see that upon all the things he has including multiple private jets and all that, his happiness is him seeing his grandchildren.

“And my father is single. So I just saw his happiness and I’m like meh, this is like what life is all about. My dad not wanting me in the entertainment really killed my joy until he saw that this boy is really adamant about doing this. I wouldn’t want to do that to my kids as well. My daughter is already singing and dancing,” he said.

“My kids will work in my father’s companies, not in entertainment industry’ – Davido

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has praised security agencies for rescuing passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, reiterating his administration’s resolve to curb insecurity across the state.

The governor made this known on Sunday, April 19, 2026, when he received the freed victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi shortly after their release.

Reacting to the development, Alia commended the Commissioner of Police and other operatives for their “efforts and determination” in ensuring the safe return of the victims.

He revealed that the abduction occurred on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, adding that security personnel had since worked relentlessly to secure their freedom.

“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor said, noting that similar rescue missions had been carried out in areas such as Katsina-Ala, Utonkon, and other affected communities.

Giving a breakdown of the incident, the governor explained that 18 passengers were in the vehicle, with 15 taken by the kidnappers. One person escaped the same day, another the next morning, while the remaining 13 were eventually rescued through joint efforts of security operatives and local residents.

He added that eight of the victims were students on their way to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

The governor appealed to JAMB to consider special arrangements that would allow the affected candidates to take their exams, assuring them of government support.

Alia also disclosed that seven suspected kidnappers, described as armed bandits, had been arrested and are currently in police custody.

While applauding the synergy between state and federal security forces, he maintained that his administration would not tolerate threats to peace in Benue.

“We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he stated.

He further directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure that the rescued victims receive urgent medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and encouraged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.

Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all the abducted passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations.

According to him, the mission involved a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, local vigilante groups, and other stakeholders, acting on the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

He explained that the final group of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers within the forest.

The commissioner added that seven suspects connected to the crime have been identified and detained, while investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices.

He also revealed that security forces have stepped up clearance operations in identified hotspots, including the Amla Forest and surrounding areas, to dismantle criminal hideouts and enhance safety, particularly as the farming season approaches.

Reassuring residents, he emphasized that security agencies remain fully engaged and will continue joint operations to eliminate banditry and related crimes across the state.

Gov Alia receives rescued Benue Links passengers, vows security crackdown