Business
Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions Mourns Passage of Herbert Wigwe and Others

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions Mourns The Passage of Herbert Wigwe and Others
In his words:
I am devastated by the sad news of the helicopter crash in California, United States of America, that claimed the life of my dear friend, brother and professional colleague, Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, his lovely wife of many years, son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC, alongside two others.
Herbert Wigwe’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark in the business world, particularly banking and financial services industry . His passion, dedication, and innovative spirit have inspired many, and his legacy will be remembered far beyond his years.
A fearless and accomplished accountant and businessman, Herbert exemplified commitment to causes of public good and national development, evident in initiatives like the Wigwe University project and numerous philanthropic gestures across Nigeria and beyond. This is a national tragedy of monumental proportion.
Having maintained a personal relationship with Herbert since our days at Guaranty Trust Bank in 1991, I witnessed his extraordinary goal-driven professionalism. He reached the pinnacle of his career in the banking industry and business, leaving an indelible mark on the generation of accomplished bankers who cut their teeth at Guaranty Trust Bank.
As we come to terms with this devastating loss, we share in the grief of Access Holdings PLC, the families, friends, and colleagues of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably difficult time. May the memories of Herbert Wigwe and all those who died in the helicopter crash comfort and strengthen all those who knew and loved them. Ameen. Let us remember their contributions and honor their lives by continuing to uphold the values they believed in.
And in this time of sorrow, and as we navigate this dark moment, let our resolve in Almighty God remain unwavered. God bless.
Business
BREAKING: Goodnews, as Nigeria’s inflation rate nosedives to 23.7%

Nigeria’s inflation dropped to 23.7 percent in April, from 24.23 percent in March 2025.
The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, disclosed this in its April Consumer Price Index and inflation data released on Thursday.
The figure showed that Nigeria’s inflation cooled off by 1.86 percent on a month-on-month basis.
Similarly, the food inflation rate in April stood at 21.26 percent.
“In April 2025, the headline inflation rate eased to 23.71 percent relative to the March 2025 headline inflation rate of 24.23 percent.
“The MoM headline inflation rate in April 2025 was 1.86 percent.
The food inflation rate was 21.26 percent (YoY),” NBS wrote on its X account on Thursday.
The latest CPI data comes ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting slated for May 19 and 20, 2025.
Recall that Nigeria’s inflation rose to 24.23 percent in March for the first time after CPI rebase in January 2025.
In February, the CBN MPC paused interest rate hikes after inflation dropped.
Business
Lagos Attracts $200m Investment from Abu Dhabi -Ambrose-Medebem
The investment is also aimed at boosting ICT innovation and healthcare facilities.

Lagos State Government said it has attracted over $200 million in partnership deal with the Abu Dhabi Ports aimed at developing critical infrastructure and logistics within the Lekki corridor.
The investment is also aimed at boosting ICT innovation and healthcare facilities.
The State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said this during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the 2nd year in office of the second term of the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Alausa, Ikeja.
The State government recently held a roundtable investment forum as part of measures to boost its economy.
The Commissioner revealed that, “As a result of the Lagos Investment Roundtable, numerous Expressions of Interest from local and foreign investors are under active discussion.”
Business
Nigeria First Policy: Customs Championing Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles Procurements
In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient.”

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has assured members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) that the Service would champion the procurements of locally assembled vehicles from the auto manufacturers inline with the government’s Nigeria First Policy Directive.
CGC Adeniyi gave the assurance when he inspected vehicles produced by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at the Service’s headquarters, Maitama, Abuja.
After the inspection, the CGC commended the association for turning up in full strength and expressed satisfaction with the quality of the vehicles.
He remarked, “In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient.”
“What gives me joy is that in all the vehicles I have seen today, there is an imprint of Nigeria, which shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr President’s policy is on the right course,” he added.
He further praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy initiative in the automobile industry.
He pledged that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to patronise and support the sector for the growth and well-being of the nation’s industrial economy.
In response, Ilekuba Anslem Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Cedric Masters Group, commended the CGC for his unwavering support for the automobile industry.
Also, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nord Automobile Limited, praised the CGC.
“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles.
With Mr President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy,” he said.
He assured the CGC that the company would not abandon its vehicles after sales.Similarly, Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the company’s commitment to delivering the best to the Service.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event included representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria.
-
International3 days ago
Global Oil Market Report – May 2025 by IEA
-
News3 days ago
Former South Africa Rugby winger Hendricks dies at 37
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Actress Jumoke George’s missing daughter, Adeola, found in Mali
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Davido: If I wasn’t doing music, I will definitely be in journalism
-
International3 days ago
Former Mauritanian president jailed for 15 years following appeal
-
Sports3 days ago
U-20 AFCON: South Africa defeat Flying Eagles 1-0 to reach final
-
Politics2 days ago
Presidents after Obasanjo to blame for growing Boko Haram menace – Atiku
-
Politics2 days ago
Nigerians reject reps’ proposal for compulsory voting