News
Buhari appoints Attah Igala Varsity Chancellor in absentia
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Attah Igala as Chancellor of Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State in absentia.
The Attah Igala who is the traditional head of Igala Kingdom, a sixth largest tribe in Nigeria, currently has no one sitting on the throne as the last on the throne, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II died on 30th August, 2020.
In absentia, President Buhari appointed the Attah Igala alongside other 41 traditional rulers as Chancellors of Federal government’s owned ivory towers.
Meanwhile, the Attah Igala traditional stool race has become a subject of politicking with a high level of subtlety among politicians of Kogi East Senatorial flank.
The situation has degenerated to mischief and an armtwist of the age-long stool that should ordinarily be free of hitches from any quarter.
Meanwhile, in a statement released by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu indicated that Buhari appoints 42 traditional rulers as Varsity Chancellors and 27 other individuals as pro-chancellors of some Federal Universities and inter-university centres.
The Minister’s statement which was obtained by CAPITAL POST in Abuja noted that the decision was in line with the establishment of new Universities and also to replace deceased Chancellors.
He said, “Mr. President has, following the establishment of additional Universities, approved the appointment, reassignment of Chancellors to 43 federal universities.
“The exercise is intended to also replace deceased chancellors of some federal universities.
“As royal fathers, these Chancellors are expected to be the moral compass of the various Universities to which they are assigned.
They have been taken from their kingdoms and primary constituencies to other kingdoms and these appointments are expected to play a role in cementing relationships between communities in the country.”
The list are:
1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III. CON, JP. Ewi of Ado-Ekiti
2. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
HM Obi Ofala Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe. Obi of Onitsha
3. Alex Ekwueme University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
HRM Oba Aremu Gbadebo. Alake of Egbaland
4. Bayero University, Kano
HM, Oba Ewuare 11, Oba of Benin
5. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State
HRM King W.S. Joshua Igburugburu X, CON, Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom
6. Federal University Gashua, Yobe
HRM Professor Joseph Chike Edozien. CFR, Asagba of Asaba
7. Federal University, Gusau Zamfara
HRH Engr. Arc. Ezeogo Ewa Elechi. Isu-Oha I of Ohaisu Kingdom
8. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State
HM, Shekarau Angyu, Masa Ibi Kuyon 11, The Uka of Wukari
9. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammadu Abali Ibn Mohammed Idris, CON. The Emir of Fika
10. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
The Attah of Igala
11. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
HRE Ebidem Ekpo Okon Abasi OTU V. The Obong of Calabar
12. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
HRH, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Torungbuwa 11, Akarigho of Remoland
13. Federal University of Technology, Akure
HRH, Alhaji Umar Kabir Umah 11,Emir of Katagum
14. Federal University of Technology, Minna
HRM, Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Deji of Akure
15. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
King Dandeson Douglas Jaja jeki. Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom
16. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
Sir, Alh. (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa. The Ona of Abaji
17. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi
HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya. Obi of Obinugwu
18. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State
HRM, Igwe Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, Ogbunechendo, Ezema Olo Kingdom
19. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa
HRH, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, Emir of Lafia
20. Michael Okpara University of Agricultural Umudike
HRH Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III. Emir of Gombe
21. Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola
HRM Okuku (Dr.) Uwa Umoh Adiaka III, JP. Paramount Ruler/Ekporikpo of Obot
22. National Open University of Nigeria
HRH Agabaidu Elias Ikoyi Obekpa CON, FCTI, OCH’IDOMA IV.
23. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
HRM (Dr.) Da Jacob Gyang Buba Gbong Gwon Jos
24. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR. The Etsu Nupe
25. University of Abuja, Gwagwalada
HRH, Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu CFR, FNIOB, EMIR OF BAUCHI
26. University of Agriculture, Makurdi
Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR. The Emir of Ilorin
27. University of Benin
HRM Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, The Tor of Tiv
28. University of Calabar
HRH, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Kano
29. University of Ibadan
HE Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni. Sultan of Sokoto
30. University of Ilorin
HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) AbdulMumini Kabir Usman, CFR. Emir of Katsina
31. University of Jos
HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau
32. University of Lagos
Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi. The Shehu of Borno
33. University of Maiduguri
HRM, Oba (Dr.)Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, JP, CFR, LLD. Alafin of Oyo
34. University of Nigeria, Nsukka
HRM, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. The Ooni of Ife
35. University of Port-Harcourt
HRH, Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar. Emir of Gwandu
36. University of Uyo
HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje, CON. The Emir of Hadejia
37. Usamanu Danfodiyo University
Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Rilwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, CFR,mni. Oba of Lagos
38. University of Health Sciences
HRH. Alhaji Attahiru Mohammed Ahmed (CON), Emir of Zamfara
39. Nigerian Army University, Biu
HRM, Maj-Gen Felix Mujakpe (retd.), CFR, mni, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom
40. Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko, Delta State
HRM King Alfred Papapereye Diete – Spiff, OFR, The Amanyanabo of Twon Brass
41. Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru
Eze Dr. Eberechi N. Dick JP, Eze Udo 1 of Mgboko Ngwa, Amaiz
The Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Edison Ehie, has revealed how he was offered the sum of N5 billion to coordinate the impeachment of his principal, Siminalayi Fubara.
He stated this on the popular Channels Television on Sunday Politics, claiming that he has evidence stored on his phone to substantiate his claims.
The impeachment of the governor has been the desire of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers and a current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, hence, the claim, if substantiated would have been linked to the camp of the Minsiter, Nyesom Wike.
“I can also open my phone to show you, in the beginning of October 2023, when they approached me with a bribe of N5 billion. It is here in my phone.
“It was for impeachment. It’s here. I have it and I have printed it and distributed it, in case, in their evil imagination, they decide to attack me. I already have a son and a brother,” he said.
According to Ehie, the mouth watering offer was made while he was serving as the majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Reacting to claims that the embattled governor told him to bomb the State House of Assembly, he denied, saying that Fubara never told him to do so, while he challenged the former Head of Service prove evidence.
His denial was at the backdrop of claims by the former Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to Ehie at the Government House to organize the bombing of the House of Assembly complex to avoid impeachment of the governor.
Nwaeke however, said, he didn’t the amount of money in the bag that was handed over to the Ehie.
Dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated, Ehie said, “It is very important to clarify that I had no hand and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th of October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Ehie stated that he had instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against Nwaeke for criminal libel.
“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against him, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.
He further alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from him on the same day he resigned as head of service.
Rivers State has been in turmoil since Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended both the governor and his deputy.
Subsequently, on March 26, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspended all political officeholders in the state.
The Education Ministry said it is in contact with security and education officials and is coordinating with admins and parents.
A plane carrying a group of 150 Israeli students on a trip to Poland made an intermediate landing in Antalya, Turkey, the Education Ministry said on Monday.
The landing was made following concerns about a technical malfunction, and for reasons of caution, a decision was made to stop in accordance with aviation rules.
N12 reported that a bird had entered the plane’s engine during the flight.
The high school student delegation – from Ein Kerem High School in Jerusalem – was en route to Poland on a standard school trip to learn about the events of the Holocaust. They were accompanied by security personnel from the Shin Bet, as is customary for any delegation to Poland.
The Education Ministry said that they are in continuous contact with security and education officials and are in coordination with school administrations and parents.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. September 19, 2021. (credit: NATI SHOHAT/FLASH90)
It was reported that all the students “are feeling well, staying in a safe and protected area within the airport, and are closely accompanied by the teaching staff who are with them at all times.”
In addition, the ministry was informed that a replacement plane is on its way to them, and it is estimated that at 3:00 p.m., they will take off for Krakow to continue their educational journey.
Holocaust learning
Israeli school trips to Poland typically take place in the winter and the summer, and, according to Education Minister Yoav Kisch, aim to allow “students to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust, to be exposed to the atrocities that took place, and to prove the victory and resurrection over the attempt to destroy the Jewish people.”
In November 2023, the ministry announced it would cancel the winter Poland trips due to the rise of antisemitism worldwide in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war.
…Declares a total dividend of N2.10 per share
Lagos, Nigeria, March 29, 2025: Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, released its 2024 full-year Audited Financial Statements, reporting a 210% growth in Profit Before Tax to N385.2 billion.
According to the Bank’s results released on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Friday, 28 March 2025, Gross Earnings increased by 87.7% to N1,043.4bn, driven by 106.9% growth in interest and similar income to N950.6bn. The increase in Interest Income was led by a combination of improved yield on earnings assets and 51.6% expansion in earnings base to N6.3tn. This led to a Profit After Tax of N278.1 billion, representing a 179.6% annual growth.
Commenting on the results, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc said, “We are delighted with our 2024 full-year (FY) performance, which showed strong growth across key revenue lines, improved asset quality, and significant traction in our strategic business segments. Our impressive results led to a triple-digit increase (210.0%) in Profit Before Tax (PBT), rising from N124.3bn in 2023 to N385.2bn in 2024.”
A further review of the financial performance revealed that the bank’s net interest income increased by 127.1% to N629.8 billion, driven by a high-yield environment in 2024. To optimize its margin, the bank sustained its asset yields above funding cost by maintaining a high low-cost deposit profile at 92.6%. This led to an increase in its Net Interest Margin from 8.1% in 2023 FY to 12.0%.
Similarly, the bank continued to deepen its market share in both the corporate and retail segments, with customer deposits increasing by 47.9% from N4.0trn in 2023FY to N5.9trn. The increase was driven by strong double-digit growth across all deposit types. The Retail Banking Business gained significant traction with savings deposits increasing by 28.8% to N1.1trn, marking the 10th consecutive year of double-digit annual growth in savings deposits.
Despite the difficult economic terrain in 2024, the bank has continued to support the real sector of the economy by increasing its Net Loans & Advances from N3.1tn in 2023FY to N4.4tn in 2024FY.
“This remarkable performance demonstrates our capacity to deliver superior returns to our shareholders. In line with our commitment to them, we have declared a final dividend of N1.25 per share, bringing our total dividend for the 2024 financial year to N2.10 per share”, explained Onyeali-Ikpe.
Having consistently paid dividends since 2006, Fidelity Bank will pay investors a total dividend of N2.10 per share for the 2024 financial year, subject to shareholders’ approval at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 29 April 2024. The dividend will be paid on 29 April 2025 to shareholders whose names appear on the register of members as of 15 April 2025.
It will be recalled that the bank successfully completed the first phase of its capital raising exercise through a Public Offer and Rights Issue in 2024, which were oversubscribed by 237.92% and 137.73%, respectively. The positive result is a testament to the strength of the Bank’s franchise in the capital market. A total of N175.9bn was recognized as fresh capital in 2024 financial year from the exercise, which had a positive impact on its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) at 23.5%. The bank plans to conclude the second phase by Q3 2025, ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s deadline, which will further strengthen its capital base and reaffirm its attainment of Tier 1 Bank status in the Nigerian Banking Industry.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
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