admin, Author at seemberg.com

All Posts in "admin"

Transcorp Hotels appoints Awele Elumelu as board chair

Transcorp Hotels Plc, the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has announced the appointment of Dr Awele Elumelu as Chair of the company, effective January 1, 2026.

The announcement was disclosed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday. Elumelu’s appointment follows the retirement of the current Chair, Emmanuel Nnorom, also effective from January 1, 2026.

Elumelu brings extensive leadership experience across healthcare, insurance, corporate governance, and philanthropy. She currently chairs Avon Healthcare Limited, Nigeria’s leading health insurance provider, and Avon Medical Practice, a fast-growing network of hospitals and clinics. She also chairs Heirs Insurance Brokers and is a founding Director of Heirs Holdings Limited.

A medical doctor with an MBBS from the University of Benin, Elumelu has clinical experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Her medical training has been complemented by executive education at prestigious institutions, including Harvard Business School, IMD Switzerland, and the London School of Economics.

Her commitment to social impact is reflected in her role as Trustee and Co-Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering young entrepreneurs.

Through the foundation, she has been instrumental in driving in driving gender inclusion and supporting over 24,000 young African men and women with seed capital, training, and mentorship. “I remain committed to driving gender inclusion and creating opportunities that empower young Africans to achieve their full potential,” Dr Awele Elumelu added

Commenting on the appointment, Group Chair of Transcorp Group, Tony Elumelu, said, “We are delighted to welcome Awele Elumelu as the Board Chair of Transcorp Hotels.

“Her distinguished track record perfectly aligns with our ambition to redefine hospitality through innovation, wellness integration, and responsible business practices. Her strategic insight will be invaluable, as we continue to elevate guest experiences and deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders.”

Elumelu’s appointment is expected to bring a new wave of strategic leadership to Transcorp Hotels, strengthening the company’s governance, operational efficiency, and commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector.

Analysts have noted that her diverse experience in healthcare, corporate management, and philanthropy positions her uniquely to lead initiatives that integrate wellness, customer satisfaction, and social impact into the company’s core operations.

With her leadership, Transcorp Hotels is poised to enhance its service offerings, expand its footprint in Nigeria and beyond, and maintain its position as one of the country’s premier hospitality brands. The transition also underscores Transcorp Group’s commitment to leveraging skilled and visionary leadership to drive sustainable growth and shareholder value.

by admin — December 17, 2025 in Business 0

Drivers benefit from UBA’s $100m Lagos vehicle scheme

United Bank for Africa has entered into a $100m partnership with the Lagos State Government and LagRide to finance vehicles for 3,500 ride-hailing drivers, a move aimed at transitioning drivers from renting cars to vehicle ownership.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UBA and LagRide on Tuesday in Ikeja, Lagos. Speaking at the ceremony, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Oliver Alawuba, said, “What we have today is the signing ceremony of a partnership among UBA Plc, LagRide, and the Lagos State Government. The purpose of this partnership is to finance up to 3,500 vehicles for Lag Ride drivers in Lagos State.

“What this means is that at least 3,500 drivers will transition from renting vehicles to owning their own cars within a period of four years. This represents real economic empowerment for drivers, and it also comes with structured training.

By providing proper training for drivers, we expect to see improved orderliness and better road conduct on Lagos roads. For Lagos passengers, this partnership will deliver a more secure and safer ride experience across the state.”

He added that the overall motivation for the initiative is to drive financial inclusion, growth, and progress for all stakeholders.

“Beyond the immediate benefits, the motivation behind this $100m investment is clear. Lagos deserves more. We must drive financial inclusion, empower people, and create employment opportunities for the teeming youth population in Lagos State and beyond.

“Another key component of this initiative is the introduction of CNG vehicles. These vehicles will run on clean energy, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment. There have been concerns about safety and insecurity around some ride services in Lagos, but the drivers under this programme are professionally trained, ensuring passengers enjoy a safe and secure experience with Lag Ride.”

Alawuba maintained that interest in this model is already growing, with several states expressing interest.

“Our focus is to get it right in Lagos first, and others will follow. The repayment structure for this facility has been designed to allow a smooth transition from renting to ownership. The tenure is long enough to ensure ease of payment and sustainable ownership, making this a long-term empowerment programme,” he asserted.

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman of LagRide, Diane Chen, said, “From today, we are moving from a system where people merely walk up to a platform to one that offers empowerment, structure, and success to the owner of the car. That is a significant change for the consumer, for the driver, and for the rider.

“For riders, the major change is that we will bring in more capital and more vehicles, which will translate into better service delivery. In terms of maintenance, CIG Motors, a well-established company in Nigeria with over ten years of experience, will be responsible. GAC Motor is a well-known brand across the country, and with workshops spread nationwide, we are able to provide and guarantee proper maintenance so that all vehicles remain functional and safe on the road.”

Chen also disclosed that Lag Ride was open to partnerships beyond UBA and the banking sector.

“Beyond UBA and the banks or financial institutions involved, we welcome partnerships with different stakeholders. Our goal is to make this success story inclusive and to carry more people along on this journey,” she said.

One of the drivers at the ceremony, Dorothy Etim, spoke to journalists about her experience.

She said, “Being the only woman standing here today, this moment feels like a dream come true for me. I have been in the e-hailing space for seven years, and I have been with LagRide for six months. I gave my dedication and my all because I knew it was a learning process, and today I am seeing the reward. I am extremely happy about this initiative and grateful that UBA has been able to make this happen for us.

“As a matter of fact, this is my second time benefiting from a bank. Four years ago, I was also empowered by a bank, and through that support, I was able to grow a network of female drivers from twenty-one women to five hundred nationwide. We even created a group specifically for women drivers. I was also able to encourage many of my riders to take up this same occupation.

“I am a very proud female driver. I have been around, I have navigated the challenges, and I want to encourage every other woman out there, determination is key. There are so many people sitting idle, and I want to encourage them that today, you can come on board and start driving. There is nothing like financial independence.

by admin — December 17, 2025 in Business 0

First HoldCo divests from FBNQuest Merchant Bank

The Board of First HoldCo Plc (First HoldCo) has completed its divestment from its merchant banking subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to the EverQuest Group.

This strategic decision positions the company to optimise resource allocation and further reinforce its commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions.

The proceeds from this divestment will be utilised to strengthen the capital base of the Group’s flagship subsidiary, FirstBank. In line with the strategic objectives, the Group is also investing in technology-driven innovations to enhance customer engagement, improve service delivery, and redefine the overall client experience.

The divestment from the merchant banking subsidiary is a strategic initiative to optimise capital efficiency and concentrate efforts on key growth sectors within the Group. Through reallocating resources to strengthen commercial banking operations while deepening offerings across subsidiaries, FirstHoldCo is enhancing its ability to innovate, provide exceptional customer value, and achieve sustainable returns for shareholders.

After this divestment, the First HoldCo Group still has the following subsidiaries in its fold; FirstBank, FirstCap, First Asset Management, First Trustees, First Securities Brokers and First Insurance Brokers.

Speaking on the divestment, the Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Mr Femi Otedola, CON stated that “This divestment is fully consistent with our long-term strategy to enhance the Group’s performance and create additional value for both shareholders and stakeholders. It represents a strategic action that positions us for improved returns and sustainable growth.”

While providing further context on the positive impact of the divestment, the Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, Wale Oyedeji said “By divesting from the merchant banking, we are reallocating resources to strengthen our commercial banking operations and drive growth across the Group. This strategic decision enables us to concentrate on executing our objectives more effectively and reinforces our commitment towards market leadership.”

As we progress beyond this important milestone, First HoldCo Plc looks forward to the opportunities enabled by this divestment. The enhancement of our commercial banking services represents not only an operational advancement but also reaffirms our commitment to adapting with our clients and delivering customised financial solutions in today’s evolving market landscape.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in Business 0

Why Buhari refused to name successor — Ex-DSS DG, Yusuf Bichi

Fresh revelation has emerged on why former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to publicly support a successor ahead of the 2022 presidential election.

The explanation is contained in a newly released book that explores Buhari’s leadership approach, security mindset, and management of power within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Titled “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari”, the book was unveiled in Abuja and provides behind-the-scenes accounts of critical decisions taken during Buhari’s presidency.

Authored by Dr Charles Omole, Director General of the Institute for Police and Security Policy Research (IPSPR), the 600-page work compiles reflections from senior officials who closely worked with the former president.

A key revelation came from the former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, who addressed the long-running debate over Buhari’s refusal to anoint a preferred candidate during the APC presidential primary.

According to Bichi, Buhari intentionally avoided endorsing any aspirant to safeguard lives and maintain internal party cohesion.

He disclosed that intelligence reports at the time indicated that openly backing a candidate could expose such an individual to grave security risks amid an intense and highly competitive political atmosphere.

Bichi noted that Buhari’s silence was often misinterpreted as a lack of interest, but it was actually a deliberate, security-driven strategy aimed at preventing internal crisis and possible disintegration within the ruling party.

He noted that the former president believed that publicly naming a successor would heighten rivalries, increase hostility, and potentially place the endorsed individual in physical danger.

“In those months, knives were out; politically and, as security professionals know too well, sometimes literally,” Bichi stated in the book.

He added that Buhari chose to absorb criticism rather than risk destabilising the party or endangering human life.

The former DSS chief said Buhari felt that allowing the primary process to play out freely helped distribute political risk among aspirants and prevented the concentration of hostility on one individual.

The book presentation which attracted a high-profile audience at the Presidential Villa, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gambian President Adama Barrow, governors, ministers, diplomats, traditional rulers, and members of Buhari’s family.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

AMAC Poll: SDP chairmanship candidate to stop double taxation

The Igbo Community Association said the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, has vowed to stop double taxation in part of Abuja if elected as Chairman of the Ambuja Municipal Area Council in the 2026 polls.

The association’s President-General, Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, disclosed this during a conference in Abuja on Monday.

According to him, MC Tagwaye has also pledged to curb what he described as needless demolition in AMAC upon his election during the polls.

“We studied his manifestos. Among other things is his desire to stop double taxation in AMAC.

‘Needless demolition will be curbed legally with a human face. These two affect common residents in the FCT. This is sufficient for us not just because we are Igbo but because we are residents in the FCT,” he said.

Ellis-Ezenekwe called on AMAC residents to rally behind Simon’s candidacy come 21st February, 2026.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

Gov Mbah swears in 13 new Permanent Secretaries

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Monday sworn in 13 newly appointed permanent secretaries, charging them to align with his administration’s delivery-oriented governance model.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Mr Chigbogu Nnaji, Mrs Phoebe Edeh, Mr Philip Arum, Mr Jeremiah Egbonwonu and Mrs Ifeoma Igwe.

Others were Mrs Ngozi Egbo, Mrs Nkiru Ede-Ogunnaike, Mrs Pamela Ikpa, Mr Canice Ngene, Mr Anyaora Okereke, Mrs Adaobi Nwodo, Mr Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, and Paul Nwabuisi.

According to the governor, there would be no honeymoon period for them in office.

He noted that the appointments were strictly merit-based, having emerged from a rigorous and transparent selection process, while also filling existing vacancies in the civil service to promote equality, inclusion and fairness.

Governor Mbah also reminded them that so much responsibility accompanied their elevation, pointing out that the reward for hard work was more work.

“I believe you worked very hard to get to this level in your career, and you went through a very rigorous process to be selected.

“So, it is well deserved. But let me also remind you that the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

Alleged bandit ties: Remove Matawalle or face nationwide protest — NANS issues ultimatum

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has demanded the immediate removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following allegations linking him to banditry, describing the claims as “shocking and deeply troubling.”

In a statement signed by the President of the NANS Headquarters Senate, Usman Adamu Nagwaza, on Monday, the student body said Nigerians deserved transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.

The association said it was committed to fighting corruption and ensuring government officials were held responsible for their actions, stressing that the public must be protected from abuse of power.

NANS expressed concern over Matawalle’s alleged relationship with bandits, calling it a “serious breach of trust” that questioned his integrity and suitability to remain in office.

The statement highlighted that the allegations were particularly disturbing given the minister’s role in defending the nation against security threats.

“His alleged relationship with bandits is a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the Nigerian people and undermines the government’s efforts to combat insecurity,” the association said.

NANS demanded Matawalle’s removal pending a full investigation, insisting such action was necessary to ensure a fair and unhindered inquiry, prevent further damage to national security, and restore public confidence.

The student body warned that the minister’s alleged ties to criminals could embolden banditry and worsen the displacement of innocent Nigerians.

It also issued a one-week ultimatum for his removal, threatening to mobilise students nationwide to block major highways if the government failed to act.

The association further urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively, warning that Nigerians would not tolerate corruption or complicity with terrorists.

“It is essential that the government takes decisive action to address these allegations. The rule of law must be upheld, and all wrongdoing punished,” NANS stated.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

Fire guts Gombe timber market, gov orders probe, pledges support

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has ordered an immediate investigation and emergency relief measures following a fire outbreak that destroyed parts of the popular Gombe timber market, known as Kasuwar Katako, along the Railway Station area of the state capital.

The inferno, which occurred on Monday night after traders had closed for the day, razed several shops and goods, leaving many traders counting heavy losses.

In a statement issued by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, the governor described the incident as painful and distressing, noting that it had disrupted the livelihoods of many hardworking residents who depend on the market for survival.

Yahaya expressed sympathy with affected traders and business owners, assuring them of the state government’s support at what he described as a difficult moment

“We assure them that the government stands firmly with them at this difficult moment,” the governor said.

He directed the Gombe State Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to immediately assess the extent of the damage, investigate the cause of the fire and provide urgent relief to victims to cushion the impact of their losses.

The governor commended the Gombe State Fire Service, personnel from Gombe State University, the Federal Fire Service, private tanker operators, security agencies and the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their swift intervention, which he said helped to prevent the fire from spreading further.

While urging victims to remain calm, Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening fire prevention and response mechanisms across the state, including plans to establish a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fire service office.

The statement also noted that the governor was briefed on an accident involving one of the firefighting trucks during the operation, expressing concern for those affected and praying for their quick recovery.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

PSC opens portal for 50,000 constables recruitment

The Police Service Commission has launched a nationwide recruitment drive for 50,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at strengthening community policing and enhancing internal security across the country.

In a statement on Monday, the Sokoto State Police Command announced that the online application portal opened on Monday, December 15, 2025, in line with a Presidential directive to expand the Force’s manpower.

The commission stressed that the recruitment exercise is entirely free of charge and cautioned applicants against using unauthorized individuals or websites.

Prospective candidates must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number, and be medically, physically, and psychologically fit. Applicants must also be free from criminal convictions or financial embarrassment and meet all other requirements outlined on the official recruitment portal

The recruitment covers two cadres: General Duty and Specialists. For the General Duty cadre, applicants must be aged 18 to 25, possess a minimum of five credits in WAEC, SSCE, or NECO (in not more than two sittings), including English Language and Mathematics, and meet the minimum height of 1.67 metres for males and 1.64 metres for females.

Specialists must be aged 18 to 28, hold at least four relevant credits, and possess recognised qualifications or trade test certificates with a minimum of three years’ practical experience in fields such as medical services, ICT, engineering, driving, and motor mechanics.

The PSC noted that the application portal will remain open for six weeks, closing at 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official portal at npfapplication.psc.gov.ng. Multiple applications or attempts to influence the process will result in immediate disqualification.

The Sokoto State Police Command urged eligible Nigerians to seize the opportunity to serve the nation and contribute to improved security, assuring that the recruitment process will be transparent and merit-based.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in News 0

NPA reports 1,085% export container surge in Q3

The Nigerian Ports Authority said it has recorded a 1,085 per cent surge in export-laden containers as total cargo throughput rose to 33.52 million metric tonnes in the third quarter of 2025.

In a statement on Monday, the NPA stressed that the figure is one of its strongest quarterly performances in recent years.

The statement explained that operational data released by the authority over the weekend showed that cargo handled during the period increased by 16.2 per cent, up from 28.84 million metric tonnes recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024, reflecting rising trade activity across Nigeria’s ports.

It added that container operations were a significant contributor to the improved performance. “The NPA recorded a dramatic 1,085 per cent surge in export-laden containers as total cargo throughput rose to 33.52 million metric tonnes in the third quarter of 2025. Total container traffic climbed by 18.9 per cent to 546,931 twenty-foot equivalent units in Q3 2025, compared with 460,038 TEUs in Q3 2024.

“Within this, import-laden containers rose by 33.1 per cent to 268,713 TEUs, from 201,839 TEUs a year earlier, while export-laden containers surged to 69,039 TEUs, from just 5,812 TEUs in the same period of 2024,” the statement read in part.

It highlighted that the sharp rise in export containers also led to a 21.5 per cent reduction in empty container traffic, signalling improved balance between imports and exports and stronger non-oil export activity.

“Ship traffic equally recorded notable growth during the quarter. The number of vessel calls increased by 8.4 per cent to 1,074 ships, from 991 vessels in Q3 2024. At the same time, the total gross registered tonnage jumped by 18 per cent to 42.64 million, compared with 36.13 million recorded a year earlier, indicating that Nigerian ports are increasingly handling larger vessels,” it added.

A breakdown of the number of ship calls along the port locations revealed that Tincan Port topped the chart at 22.7 per cent, followed by Apapa Port at 22.2 per cent, while Onne and Lekki Ports followed with 18.9 per cent and 18.4 per cent respectively, “while Calabar Port contributed the least at 2.1 per cent.”

The analysis of ship calls by size of ship revealed that Lekki Port received the largest size ships with an average gross registered tonnage of 57,244, followed by Onne Port with an average of 51,276 GRT.

“Apapa and Tincan Island Port received ships of average GRT of 35,556 and 34,400 respectively, while the average size of boats calling at Delta Ports was 18,677 tonnes,” it added.

Similarly, a breakdown of cargo throughput by port showed that Lekki Port emerged as the dominant growth driver, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total cargo handled in Q3 2025.

The report mentioned that Onne Port contributed 17 per cent, followed by Apapa Port with 15.1 per cent and Tincan Island Port with 10 per cent, while Calabar Port recorded the lowest share.

The report pointed out that a further analysis along the cargo type revealed that liquid bulk accounted for the highest share at 53.8 per cent, followed by containerised cargo, which contributed 26.6 per cent, while dry bulk and other general cargo contributed 11.3 per cent and 8.2 per cent respectively.

Speaking on the figures, the Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the strong performance to the Federal Government’s export-focused economic reforms and improved investor confidence, noting that the results reflect growing efficiency across all pilotage districts.

He added that ongoing port modernisation, the deployment of export processing terminals, and the expansion of digital systems such as the electronic truck call-up platform have helped reduce bottlenecks, improve turnaround time, and position Nigeria’s ports to play a more strategic role in regional trade.

Nigeria has seen consistent growth in containerised exports, with significant increases reported in recent years.

by admin — December 16, 2025 in Business 0