Business
THISDAY is 30 Today, Commemoration, Awards for the Tough and Resilient on Jan 27

THISDAY, Nigeria’s foremost newspaper of record, is 30 years on the news stands today.
THISDAY first started publication as a weekly on January 22, 1995, before quickly transforming into a daily newspaper barely two months later.
In a statement, the paper said that to mark the occasion, it has already set out to honour some of the nation’s ‘Tough and Resilient’ persons and institutions in selected fields of endeavours on Monday, January 27.
The presentation of first awards is set to begin in Davos, Switzerland tomorrow.
In its three decades of trailblazing and robust journalism, THISDAY has without doubt shattered the myths and norms associated with newspaper production and publishing in the country.
Indeed, it has, in no small measure, changed the face of the newspapering industry during that period, including pioneering the now famous colour printing and back page columns.
Till date, THISDAY remains the preferred newspaper among the business, political and diplomatic elite, and has for many years been one of the most recognisable brands locally and internationally.
Thus, to celebrate this milestone, THISDAY recently invited nominations for various categories of nominees for its awards ceremony billed for next Monday, tagged: “When the Going Gets Tough… the Tough Gets Rewarded!” The awards will cover several categories, mostly for the ‘tough and resilient’, including the men and the women and the institutions rebuilding Nigeria and her democracy.
Some of the categories include ‘Titans of The Year’, for the men and women who through their vision, action, guts and courage have made a lasting impact on Nigeria.
One of the major recognitions, however, is the ‘Man of the Year’ award conceded to President Bola Tinubu, for having significantly influenced many of the major events that shaped 2024.
Another of such award categories already won is the ‘Woman of the Year’ by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the woman, who in many ways, influenced major events of2024, both in Nigeria and across the globe.
Other categories are, ‘Bank of the Year’, for the bank, which has used innovation, technology and inclusion for growth in earnings and shareholder value as well as ‘Banker of the Year’, for the banker whose leadership and impact has changed the banking landscape for good.
Business
FedEx founder and former boss Fred Smith dies aged 80
Born in 1944, Mr Smith started FedEx with 389 staff and 14 small planes that carried 186 packages from Memphis to 25 cities within the US.

Image credit: Getty Images
Fred Smith, founder of the US parcel delivery giant Federal Express, has died at the age of 80, the company has announced.
Mr Smith founded the firm in 1973 having previously served in the US Marine Corps.
He ran the company as CEO until 2022.”Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company.
He was the heart and soul of FedEx,” current boss Raj Subramaniam wrote in a memo to staff.
Born in 1944, Mr Smith started FedEx with 389 staff and 14 small planes that carried 186 packages from Memphis to 25 cities within the US.
(BBC)
Business
BREAKING: NNPC Spokesman, Soneye resigns

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is expected to name a new spokesperson soon, following the resignation of the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO), Olufemi Soneye.
In a statement made available to the press in Abuja on Saturday, Soneye thanked his former employer and colleagues for their support during his tenure as CCCO.
He stated that his decision to step down was to enable him to devote more time to his family and attend to personal responsibilities that require his closer presence.
The statement read: “Dear Esteemed Colleagues, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the unwavering support, professionalism, and genuine commitment you’ve shown in helping to shape and amplify the NNPC Ltd story over the past 20 months.
“Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable.
“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd.
I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals—both within and outside the organization—with whom I have worked.
“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.”
Soneye was appointed as NNPCL’s spokesman in October 2023, following a company-wide reorganisation that saw him replace Garba Muhammad.When contacted by Tribune Online, Soneye confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, my bro! E ku weekend.”
Business
DR Congo: Heineken Forced to Withdraw Staff as Rebels Seize Facilities

Heineken has lost operational control and withdrawn its staff from facilities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CNN on Saturday quoted that the Dutch brewer announced on Friday.
In March, the company had suspended operations in three eastern cities, citing safety concerns after breweries were damaged and depots raided during clashes between government forces and rebels.
On Friday, Heineken said the situation had worsened. Armed groups have taken control of its sites in Bukavu and Goma—eastern Congo’s largest cities—as well as surrounding areas.
“The conditions required to operate responsibly and safely are no longer present and as of 12th June 2025, we have lost operational control,” it said in a statement.
Heineken’s local unit, Bralima, continues to operate in parts of the country not affected by the fighting. The company said it is monitoring developments closely.
Heineken owns four breweries in the DRC, producing its namesake beer along with local brands such as Primus. It previously said its Bukavu facilities employed about 1,000 people directly and indirectly.
“Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees,” Friday’s statement read.
Reuters also reported, “We have withdrawn all remaining staff from these sites and we have continued to support them financially.”
Nearly 14 per cent of Heineken’s total revenue comes from its Middle East and Africa operations, with Congo—home to over 100 million people—a significant market.
Before the suspension, operations in Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira represented roughly one-third of Heineken’s business in the country.
Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified in 2025, with the M23 rebel group making major territorial gains, sparking fears of broader regional instability.
Congo accuses Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons—allegations Rwanda has consistently denied.
-
Crime3 days ago
BREAKING: Police arrest most vicious hired killer in Lagos History, Olori Esho (Photos)
-
Crime3 days ago
Suspected Herdsmen Attack Taraba Communities, Destroy 62 Houses
-
Business3 days ago
DR Congo: Heineken Forced to Withdraw Staff as Rebels Seize Facilities
-
News2 days ago
Nigeria: There’s Fire on the Mountain, and no one is a runnin’
-
International2 days ago
BREAKING: US bombs nuclear sites in Iran
-
Business2 days ago
BREAKING: NNPC Spokesman, Soneye resigns
-
International22 hours ago
US asks China to stop Iran from closing Strait of Hormuz
-
International14 hours ago
See the 9 countries with the most nuclear weapons