All Posts in "Month: July 2026"

Don’t allow any police officer search your phone – FCT CP

Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, has charged Abuja residents not to allow any police officer search their phone upon arrest.

Sanusi gave this charge on Monday while addressing newsmen in Abuja, stressing that no police officer has the right to search people’s phones.

He asked FCT residents to quickly raise an alarm when faced with such a situation, assuring that the FCT police operatives would immediately rise to salvage the situation.

“Don’t allow any police officers to search your phone and we’re saying this due to the abuse and extortive tendencies of some of our officers.

“It has been instructed that nobody should search any phone, especially when you just arrest somebody on the road and you start searching the person’s phone, suspecting that he is an internet fraudster.

“This does not negate the fact that phones are also being used to commit crime. But of course, before such a thing can happen, the person must have committed the crime, must have been properly arrested and brought to the station, then when trying to uncover some evidence, you can search to see whether the phone or other items are being used to perpetuate the crime.

“But for you to just stop anybody on the road and say bring your phone, let me search, is not legal.

“If any policeman stops you on the road, according to the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police, which we are bound to obey to the last of it, don’t open your phone, resist and ask other people to help you call the police. You will see our men there,” he said.

admin by — July 21, 2026 in News 0
WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons camp swells as Okoronkwo, Alozie, Kanu arrive

Esther Okoronkwo, Michelle Alozie, and Uchenna Kanu have joined the Super Falcons camp in Casablanca, DAILY POST reports.

The arrival of the trio  increased the number of  players in camp to 22 as the Super Falcons intensify preparations ahead of the competition.

Three more players including Gift Monday, Deborah Abiodun,  and Folashade Ijamilusi are expected to arrive  the team’s Hotel Marriott base later today.

The Super Falcons started their final preparations for the competition last week Monday.

Justine Madugu’s side will hit Rabat, where they will play all their group games this weekend.

The Super Falcons will begin their title defence against the Scorchers of Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium, Rabat on Tuesday, 28 July.

admin by — July 21, 2026 in News 0
Investors gain N1.755tn as NGX extends bullish run

NGXThe Nigerian equities market opened the trading week on a strong footing, extending its bullish momentum as overall market capitalisation advanced by N1.755tn, reflecting sustained investor confidence and continued buying interest in large-cap stocks.

The benchmark All-Share Index gained 2,721.83 points, representing an appreciation of 1.12 per cent to close at 246,183.96 points. Consequently, total market capitalisation rose significantly to settle at N158.812tn.

The session’s performance was primarily anchored by price gains across large and medium-capitalised stocks, including BUA Cement, Guinness Nigeria, First HoldCo, Nigerian Exchange Group, and Custodian Investment.

Despite the surge in market valuation, overall investor sentiment was slightly negative, with 31 decliners narrowly outpacing 29 gainers. Custodian Investment and NEM Insurance emerged as the session’s top price performers, each rising by the maximum daily limit of 10.00 per cent to close at N75.90 and N30.80 per share, respectively

BUA Cement followed with a 9.98 per cent advance to close at N303.10 per share, while First HoldCo rose 9.95 per cent to N105.50, and FTN Cocoa Processors appreciated  9.94 per cent to settle at N9.29 per share.

On the losing side, Sunu Assurance topped the decliners’ chart after shedding 10.00 per cent to close at N3.60 per share. Tripple Gee & Company followed with a 9.77 per cent decline to N3.51, while ABC Transport dropped by 9.62 per cent to N7.05. Abbey Mortgage Bank also lost 9.00 per cent to close at N9.10, while Wapic Insurance depreciated 7.69 per cent to settle at N2.40 per share.

Activity on the trading floor improved notably as the total volume traded increased 24.17 per cent to 851.634 million units, valued at N49.595bn across 56,873 deals. Transactions in the shares of First HoldCo led the volume chart, accounting for 203.938 million shares worth N21.515bn.

admin by — July 21, 2026 in Business 0
Imo Exco approves N26.9bn Judges’ quarters, CBT centres, smart signage initiative  

 ….As Uzodimma inaugurates new Commissioner
The Imo State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved projects worth about N26.9 billion, including the construction of judges’ quarters, new computer-based test (CBT) centres and a smart digital signage initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure across the state.
Briefing Government House correspondents after the council meeting held on Monday 20th July, 2026 at the New EXCO Chambers Government House Owerri, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Declan Emelumba, announced that a new Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Longiers Anyanwu was sworn in by Governor Hope Uzodimma and assigned the agriculture portfolio, succeeding Chief Cosmos Maduba.
Emelumba further disclosed that EXCO approved N25 billion for the construction of 40 duplexes as judges’ quarters, complete with recreational facilities. “The project is designed to provide a conducive living environment for judicial officers,” he said.
He also briefed that the council approved N1.9 billion for the establishment of four CBT centres in Oru Zone to improve access to JAMB and other computer-based examinations, noting that N900 million would be released immediately to commence work at pilot centres in Bishop Okoye Secondary School and Community Secondary School, Omuma.
The council further approved the establishment of Imo Signage Asset Management Limited to regulate and deploy smart digital billboards through a public-private partnership.
Adding his voice, the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, said the initiative would be financed by private investors “at no cost to the Imo State Government,” adding that Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled infrastructure would support a modern, digitally managed signage ecosystem.
EXCO also directed immediate action to curb the erosion threatening the Otamiri River.
Responding after his swearing in as a Commissioner, Chief Longiers Anyanwu thanked the Governor for finding him worthy to join the league of the APC winning team in the State and pledged to key into the program of the government and make contributions that will be impactful to Imo people
admin by — July 21, 2026 in News 0
Data on trial: Why MTN chose transparency over corporate silence 

In an era where customer complaints about data consumption often play out on social media, MTN Nigeria took an unusual step. Rather than issue another statement, the company opened its doors andc invited critics, customers, influencers and journalists to interrogate its operations at the Data On Trial in Lagos.
The session offered a rare glimpse into the realities behind Nigeria’s digital economy. MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr Karl Toriola, acknowledged public concerns and encouraged participants to ask difficult questions. “Give it to us as hard as you can. Ask us the most difficult questions, don’t hold back,” he said. The company used the platform to explain how factors such as automatic cloud backups, video streaming and app settings contribute significantly to data consumption, issues many users often overlook.
Beyond addressing consumer concerns, MTN shed light on the scale of investment required to keep Nigeria connected. Toriola disclosed that the company invested close to ₦1 trillion in network infrastructure last year and plans to exceed that figure this year. He explained that these investments support network expansion, improved capacity and service delivery for millions of Nigerians across the country.
Nigeria Business Directory
The session also highlighted MTN’s commitment to accountability. Company executives explained that MTN’s billing systems are independently audited and reviewed by regulators to ensure accuracy and fairness. “What we are saying authoritatively is we will never deliberately shortchange you on the consumption of your data,” Toriola stated, reaffirming the company’s position on customer trust and transparency.
More than a defence of its network, Data On Trial reflected a company willing to engage openly with the people it serves. At a time when digital connectivity has become central to everyday life, MTN’s decision to answer tough questions in public signalled a broader commitment to transparency, customer education and continuous investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
admin by — July 21, 2026 in Business 0
H1 2026: First HoldCo records PBT of N653.5 bn

First HoldCo Plc on Monday reported a record ₦653.54 billion profit before tax for the first half of 2026, representing an 83.5 per cent increase from ₦356.15 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, as stronger earnings and improved operational efficiency reinforced investor confidence.
The banking group’s profit after tax climbed to ₦526.13 billion, while operating profit rose to ₦651.98 billion, reflecting higher non-interest income, lower credit impairment charges and continued improvements in operational performance
The financial results also showed steady balance sheet growth. Total assets increased to ₦30.65 trillion, customer deposits rose to ₦21.93 trillion, and loans to customers expanded to ₦9.51 trillion, highlighting the group’s growing capacity to support businesses and economic activity.
Investors responded positively to the impressive performance, pushing First HoldCo’s share price up 10 per cent during trading after the results were released.
Group Chairman Femi Otedola described the results as another significant milestone in the company’s ongoing transformation.
“This is a major milestone in our transformation journey,” Otedola said.
Management said the strong performance reflected deliberate efforts to strengthen the group’s balance sheet, improve asset quality and position the business for sustainable long-term growth.
“The performance reflects our efforts to strengthen the balance sheet, improve asset quality and position the group for long-term growth,” the company said.
The latest earnings extend a period of steady progress for First HoldCo, formerly FBN Holdings, following governance reforms, business restructuring and renewed strategic investment.
The group has also been strengthening its operations as Nigeria’s banking industry adapts to higher capital requirements introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Although banks continue to navigate inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility and evolving regulatory conditions, First HoldCo’s latest results underscore its resilience and strengthen its position among Nigeria’s leading financial institutions.
admin by — July 21, 2026 in Business 0
Sovereign Trust Insurance Pays N2.7bn Claims, Strengthens Capital Through Rights Issue

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has reinforced its financial resilience with the payment of more than N2.7 billion in claims during the first half of 2026, while successfully completing its Rights Issue to strengthen its capital base for future growth.
The insurer said claims worth over N2.7 billion were settled across its various business lines as of June 30, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to prompt claims payment and customer satisfaction.
According to the company, the volume of claims paid reflects its sound underwriting standards, operational efficiency and strong financial position, which has been affirmed by global credit rating agency GCR.
The claims settlement comes shortly after the successful conclusion of the company’s Rights Issue, which recorded strong participation from existing shareholders. The company said the positive response underscores investors’ confidence in its corporate governance, growth strategy and long-term prospects.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Dr. Lucas Durojaiye, described prompt claims settlement as one of the clearest indicators of an insurer’s financial strength and credibility.
“Our promise to policyholders goes beyond selling insurance policies. We remain committed to honouring our obligations promptly and efficiently while continuing to build a stronger and more resilient organisation for all our stakeholders,” he said.
The company noted that proceeds from the Rights Issue have further strengthened its capital base, enhancing its underwriting capacity and positioning it to pursue business expansion while creating greater value for shareholders, customers and other stakeholders.
Sovereign Trust Insurance added that with a stronger financial foundation and a clearly defined growth strategy, it remains focused on deepening customer confidence, driving innovation and consolidating its position as one of Nigeria’s leading non-life insurance companies.
admin by — July 21, 2026 in Business 0
2027: Hatred for Tinubu unprecedented, North not supporting him – Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Dele Momodu, has said the level of hatred against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election is unprecedented.

Momodu disclosed this while speaking on Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election, stressing that he no longer has the support of the North.

In an interview with media personality, Rufai Oseni, the former presidential candidate said Tinubu first needs to win the mandatory 25 percent.

Momodu also noted that Tinubu must also win a minimum of 25 states to emerge as the winner of the presidential election.

He said: “What he needs to win is first to do 25 percent which is mandatory. It’s about the overall majority, once he can meet that target of minimum 25 states, I don’t see how he won’t get it this time. The hatred for Tinubu is unprecedented.

“The majority of the people are opposed to him right now, including people within his own party.

“The last time he won because he was able to do well courtesy of the support from the North, now he doesn’t have that support, and he doesn’t have it in the South.

“Osun state where he comes from, his ancestral home rejected him last time, and I know they will reject him again.”

admin by — July 20, 2026 in News 0
APC chairman holds closed door meeting with Barau, NDC senator

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has held a closed door meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, and Senator Rufai Hanga in Kano State.

Yilwatda made this known in a statement on Sunday, saying the meeting was marked by frank, constructive and cordial discussions centred on the unity and continued progress of Kano State.

He said “I had the pleasure of meeting with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, alongside Senator Rufai Hanga, one of the foremost leaders of the NDC in Kano State.

“Our engagement was marked by frank, constructive, and cordial discussions centred on the unity and continued progress of Kano State.

“As leaders, we have a collective responsibility to foster dialogue, build consensus where possible, and strengthen the foundations of our democracy. Nigeria’s future will be brighter when we continue to place the interests of our citizens above partisan divides and work together for the common good.”

admin by — July 20, 2026 in News 0
World Cup 2026: ‘Same way we’ll beat Tinubu in 2027 polls’ – Sowore congratulates Spain

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, has congratulated Spain for beating Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday.

In a post on his verified X handle, Sowore said it will be the same way to beat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

DAILY POST reports that Spain won the 2026 World Cup following a 1-0 win over defending champions Argentina on Sunday.

Recall that the Spanish national football team, La Roja, won their first World Cup in 2010.

“It happened as I predicted it. The World Cup final I foretold… came to pass. Spain defeats Argentina.

“The same way we will defeat Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Congrats, Spain,” he wrote.

admin by — July 20, 2026 in News 0