News
Gabonese President Confers Prestigious Honours on Tony Elumelu
I am truly humbled by this honour. It is a reflection not just of my personal journey, but of a shared belief – that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent
•Gabonese President Oligui Nguema, in a handshake with Tony Elumelu.
The President of the Republic of Gabon, His Excellency, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, has conferred the nation’s prestigious national honours – the Commander in the National Order of Gabonese Merit – on the Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu.
The distinguished award recognises Elumelu’s enduring contribution to Africa’s economic development, particularly his impact on youth entrepreneurship and infrastructure growth in Gabon and across the continent.
The recognition was conferred on him at the presidential palace in Libreville on Monday.
Oligui Nguema, who was recently sworn in as the newly elected President of the oil-rich country, praised Elumelu’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa
‘Tony Elumelu is not only a visionary entrepreneur but also a committed friend of our nation Gabon.
Through his Foundation and the UBA Group, he has consistently shown that investing in Africa is not just good business – it is the key to our shared future.
Today, we honour a man whose actions continue to empower young Africans and inspire nations.”
While acknowledging the recognition, Elumelu, who has made several high-level visits to Gabon in recent months, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda.
“I am truly humbled by this honour. It is a reflection not just of my personal journey, but of a shared belief – that African-led solutions, African entrepreneurs, and African institutions will shape the future of this continent.
“Gabon holds enormous potential, and I am proud that the Tony Elumelu Foundation and UBA Group can play a role in unlocking it,” Elumelu said.
News
Jega loses wife, Hajiya Hadiza
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
The Special Adviser to the President on Livestock Development, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has lost his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Jega.
Hajia Hadiza passed on yesterday and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President at the janazah (Islamic funeral rites) yesterday at the National Mosque in Abuja, conveyed the President’s heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.
President Tinubu described the late Hajiya Hadiza as a woman of uncommon grace and strength, noting that she played a pivotal role as a steady support system to her husband throughout his years of public service, including his tenure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President also applauded her contributions to education and community development, highlighting her quiet but impactful influence in advancing social causes.
News
Atiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has hired a Washington-based lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., to strengthen his reputational standing in the United States.
The PUNCH reported that the details of the deal are contained in documents filed with the U.S. Department of Justice, which show that the agreement was signed on March 9 and 10, 2026, by the firm’s managing partner, Karl Von Batten, and Nigerian politician Fabiyi Oladimeji on behalf of the former vice president.
According to the filing sighted on the Department of Justice ’s website on Sunday, the contract is aimed at shaping perceptions of Atiku within U.S. policy circles and countering narratives linked to the Nigerian government.
One of the objectives of the engagement is to “counterbalance” the Nigerian government’s “lobbying narratives” in the United States, while also working to “advance understanding” of Atiku’s “leadership posture and policy vision” among policymakers.
Under the arrangement, the firm is expected to facilitate meetings between the former vice-president and U.S. government officials, including members of Congress, as well as provide advisory services on policy positioning and engagement strategy.
“These activities include lobbying and government affairs engagement with Members of Congress, congressional staff, and executive branch officials concerning issues related to democratic governance, regional stability, economic development, and U.S. engagement with Nigeria and the broader West African region,” part of the contract reads.
The firm will also undertake “promotion, perception management, and public relations activities designed to enhance understanding among U.S. policymakers and relevant stakeholders” of Atiku’s positions.
News
Kaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that an explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in Mando area of Kaduna State today wasn’t a bomb explosion, but a CNG-powered luxury bus that ruptured after its gas tank was overfilled.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday with the loud blast drawing attention from commuters, traders, and nearby residents, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3:00a.m. on Sunday at the premises of Silver Luxury Travel, a bus company operating at Mando Garage, Kaduna.
He said detectives were immediately deployed to the scene after a loud sound was reported, and that the vehicle has been safely evacuated, while normal business activities have since resumed at the motor park.
He noted that no casualties or loss of property were recorded, and normal activities had since resumed in the area.
-
Crime2 days agoThree Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
-
Politics2 days agoOnyejeocha resigns as Minister of State for Labour
-
News18 hours agoKaduna Mando Garage Explosion Not Bomb- Police
-
Politics2 days agoLabour Party to hold presidential primary April 28
-
Politics2 days agoNo force can defeat Tinubu in 2027 –Umahi
-
News17 hours agoAtiku hires US lobbying firm for $1.2m to boost image – Report
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Lagos Fire Service Successfully Contains Two Overnight Fire Incidents iin Lagos
-
News2 days agoNigerian Army Debunks Claims of Attack on Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Residence and Sokoto Catholic Cathedral
