Access Holding Plans N365bn Capital Raise with Emphasis on Tech Adoption
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Access Holding Plans N365bn Capital Raise with Emphasis on Tech Adoption

Access Holdings, the parent company of Nigeria's largest bank, Access Bank, has announced its intention to conduct a fully digital N365bn rights issue to bolster its capital base and support future growth initiatives in the financial sector. The company aims to raise funds through equity, quasi-equity, and debt issuances, with a target of up to $1.5bn in total capital. At the second Annual General Meeting of the Holdco, chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede highlighted the significant role of digital technology in the upcoming capital-raising exercise. Aig-Imoukhuede emphasized the transformative impact of digital technology on the bank's fundraising strategy, citing the shift towards a more accessible and efficient process for shareholders. He noted the evolution fro...
Expert Urges Federal Government to Enhance Healthcare Partnership with Private Sector
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Expert Urges Federal Government to Enhance Healthcare Partnership with Private Sector

Dr. Christopher Otabor, an orthopaedic surgeon and Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, emphasized the importance of the Federal Government strengthening its collaboration with the private sector to enhance healthcare services and address the issue of out-of-school children in the country. During a courtesy visit to Delu Yakubu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Abuja, Otabor highlighted the need for closer cooperation between the government and private entities. He also mentioned the ongoing partnership between the office of the SSA to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and his hospital in efforts to support out-of-school children and provide accessible medical services to ...
Appreciation for the efforts of Tinubu and others in securing monarch’s release
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Appreciation for the efforts of Tinubu and others in securing monarch’s release

The release of the traditional ruler of the Ewu Kingdom in Delta State, Clement Ikolo, by the Nigerian Army is a significant development. He was arrested in connection with the unfortunate killing of 17 soldiers in the state. The Defence Headquarters had declared the traditional ruler, along with seven others, wanted for their alleged involvement in the attack on soldiers in the Okuama community on March 14, 2024. The slain soldiers were on a peacekeeping mission addressing the ethnic conflicts between Okuama and Okoloba communities when they were ambushed and murdered by unidentified gunmen. Ikolo regained his freedom on Friday, with Senator Ede Dafinone, representing his district, serving as surety during a briefing at the Army Headquarters conducted by Ma...
20,000 barrels per day production achieved at OML 85 by NNPC and First E&P
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20,000 barrels per day production achieved at OML 85 by NNPC and First E&P

Oil production has commenced at the Madu Field, also known as Oil Mining Lease 85, a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited. The field, situated in shallow waters offshore Bayelsa State and operated by First E&P, is expected to produce an average of 20,000 barrels per day, as per a statement by NNPC's spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye. NNPC highlighted that the achievement underscores the effort of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to maximize oil and gas production from the nation's assets by creating a conducive environment for investors. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, lauded the commencement of oil production at the Madu Field as a significant m...
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Sickle Cell Disease and Its Association with Hearing Loss
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Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells, characterized by abnormal hemoglobin. This leads to the sickle-like shape of red blood cells, causing blockages in blood vessels. The consequences include pain, anemia, fatigue, and organ damage. While the primary manifestations of sickle cell disease typically involve hematological and vascular complications, recent attention has been drawn to its potential impact on auditory function. Hearing loss severity can vary among individuals living with sickle cell disease, ranging from mild to severe and can occur gradually or suddenly. In this column, we delve into the mechanisms through which sickle cell disease could contribute to hearing impairment and the implications of this connection. Vascular Com...
Mayorkun Takes Legal Action Against TikTok Influencer Nicki DaBarbie for Defamation
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Mayorkun Takes Legal Action Against TikTok Influencer Nicki DaBarbie for Defamation

Popular singer and songwriter Adewale Emmanuel, known as Mayorkun, has filed a N1 billion lawsuit against TikTok Influencer Precious Kingsley, also known as Nicki DaBarbie. Nicki DaBarbie recently accused Mayorkun and singer Skiibii of involvement in occult practices, alleging they tried to exploit her. She claimed to have escaped through prayer. In a video posted on her Instagram reels, the influencer, supposedly at Skiibii's residence, mentioned that legal action would be taken against her if she revealed details of their encounter. She also expressed concerns about being portrayed as drug-addicted while at the hospital and threatened with shutting down her social media accounts. Sharing her experience, Nicki DaBarbie wrote, “They will go to great lengths to d...
The Resurrection of the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival by the Governor of Taraba State
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The Resurrection of the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival by the Governor of Taraba State

In a momentous occasion, the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival has been officially reinstated by the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, marking a revival after a hiatus of 14 years. Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival Announced through an official statement on the state government’s X platform, the revival of the festival was met with great enthusiasm. Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival Exciting images from the festival were shared by the state government, with a caption that read, “Governor Kefas breathes new life into the Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival, breaking a 14-year silence. Nwonyo International Fishing and Cultural Festival “The festival kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at th...
NCAA to Investigate Nigerian Passengers’ 14-Hour Flight Delay in Paris
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NCAA to Investigate Nigerian Passengers’ 14-Hour Flight Delay in Paris

An investigation by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has been launched into the prolonged flight delay experienced by passengers of Air France in Paris on Friday. The delay, lasting over 14 hours, led to frustration among passengers, who accused the airline of disrespectful and discriminatory treatment. Passengers bound for Nigeria, still stranded at the Paris airport at the time of this report, expressed their grievances in an online video obtained by NewsNow. The video portrays scenes of discontent among passengers enduring the extended delay. In response, Air France reportedly offered €15 vouchers to each passenger as compensation. Many Nigerian passengers, who had traveled to Paris from Canada, th...
FBN Holdings decides to cancel its extraordinary meeting for N300 billion capital raise
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FBN Holdings decides to cancel its extraordinary meeting for N300 billion capital raise

The plan by FBN Holdings for an Extraordinary General Meeting to secure approval from shareholders for a N300 billion capital raise has been called off. An announcement made on Friday and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited stated that the special meeting has been cancelled without providing specific reasons. “The earlier planned Extraordinary General Meeting of FBN Holdings Plc (the “Company”), which was set to be conducted virtually on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10 a.m to discuss and approve a Capital raise of up to N300 billion and other related matters, has now been cancelled,” as mentioned in the statement. Just last week, FBN Holdings, in a previous notification about the Extraordinary General Meeting submitted to the NGX, revealed its intention to s...
Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Auto Crashes in Kano and Kaduna States
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Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Auto Crashes in Kano and Kaduna States

Recent road accidents at Gaya Junction in Kano State and Tashar Yari in Kaduna State have resulted in the loss of 18 lives. The incidents have spurred the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu, to denounce the use of substandard tires and reckless speeding by drivers across Nigerian roads. In a statement released by the corps spokesperson, Jonas Agwu, on Friday, Biu urged motorists to prioritize safety and adhere to traffic regulations. Reports submitted to the Corps Marshal indicate that the crash at Gaya Junction, involving a Toyota Hiace bus and a Hijet bus with license plates KTG 190 XB and KTG 501YG respectively, was attributed to speeding and a tire burst. This collision resulted ...