Storm Darragh Forced Everton vs Liverpool Match Postponement
The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park has been postponed on safety grounds because of severe weather caused by Storm Darragh.
An amber weather warning for strong winds was issued for Merseyside on Saturday morning amid disruptive conditions across the UK.
The game was called off after a meeting between both clubs and representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council.
“Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance,” an Everton statement read.
Liverpool said the decision was “due to the risk to safety in the local area”.
The match was due to kick off at 12:30 GMT and be the final league derby between the two teams at Goodison before Everton move into a new stadium in 2025.
Liverpool are seven points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with both those teams set to play on Sunday – at Tottenham and Fulham respectively.
Sean Dyche’s Everton are 15th in the top flight, five points clear of the relegation places.
The Toffees announced after the match’s postponement that they had donated food to local foodbanks and charitable causes across the city.
Items such as pies and sausage rolls had been prepared in anticipation for the 40,000 crowd that had been expected at Goodison Park.
Millions of people in parts of Wales and south-west England have been told to stay at home to avoid danger during the storm.
Forecasters have warned of winds of up to 90mph in some parts, while the Met Office issued its highest-level red warning to cover areas of western and southern Wales – where tens of thousands of homes are without power.
Fearless Oyo State Born Islamic Scholar Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello Passes on
Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, a well-known Islamic scholar and preacher, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was announced by Sheikh Akewugbagold Taofeek, an Ibadan-based cleric, in a Facebook post on Friday. Sheikh Akewugbagold prayed for Allah’s mercy on his soul.
The news of his passing has left the Muslim community in mourning. Born in 1940 in Ibadan, Sheikh Bello was deeply respected for his teachings and commitment to Islamic scholarship. His death was also confirmed by Alfa Aribidesi of At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’wah likewise his son, the popular Islamic singer Alhaji Basit Olarenwaju Alh Basit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello, also known as Aponle Anabi, who shared the news of the demise of the renowned scholar in a social media post on Friday.
Aponle Anobi posted crying emojis with a picture of the Sheikh but did not provide any other details.
Although the cause of his death is unknown, Sheikh Bello’s passing marks the end of an era for a leader who devoted his life to guiding and inspiring others. One of his followers described him as a father and mentor, expressing grief but accepting Allah’s will.
Details of his funeral have not been officially announced, but there are reports that he may be buried according to Islamic rites on Friday evening.
Adron Homes Leads Call for Innovation and Urbanization at Oyo State Real Estate Conference
The Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, delivered a powerful address at the maiden edition of the Oyo State Real Estate Conference, organized by the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Development, in collaboration with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Oyo State Chapter.
Themed “Positioning and Globalization of Oyo State Real Estate – Road to Urbanization,” the event, held in Ibadan, brought together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges in the state’s real estate sector.
In attendance were notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Housing and Urban Development, Honourable Akinsete Olakunle, the REDAN Oyo State Chapter Chairman, and other key players in the real estate and urban development sector. Their collective presence underscored the significance of the conference and its importance to the state’s growth and development.
In his keynote speech, Aare Emmanuelking lauded the organizers for their forward-thinking vision, emphasizing that the conference came at a critical time when globalization and urbanization are reshaping the real estate landscape in Nigeria.
“This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to Oyo State’s commitment to fostering growth and excellence in the real estate sector. At Adron Homes, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, not only as developers but as visionaries reshaping the future of real estate in Oyo State and beyond,” he stated.
Highlighting Adron Homes’ contributions to sustainable urbanization in Oyo State, Aare Emmanuelking detailed the company’s investments in strategic locations, including West Park and Gardens Aiyegun Oleyo, London Parks and Gardens Akufo, Moscow Parks and Gardens Moniya Iseyin Road, and several others. He noted that these projects were designed to not only provide quality, affordable housing but also create vibrant communities that align with the state’s vision and master plan.
“Real estate is not merely about building structures; it’s about creating communities, enabling aspirations, and unlocking the economic potential of our people,” he emphasized.
The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, commended Adron Homes and other stakeholders for their role in transforming the state’s real estate sector. He acknowledged the company’s unwavering commitment to affordable housing and sustainable development, calling it a model for other developers in Nigeria.
The conference provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, with industry leaders like Aare Emmanuelking contributing valuable insights on innovation, opportunities, and the best practices for positioning Oyo State as a real estate leader.
As the event concluded, Aare Emmanuelking reiterated Adron Homes’ commitment to collaborating with REDAN and the Oyo State Government to build a brighter, more sustainable future for the people of Oyo State. He expressed optimism that this inaugural conference would pave the way for impactful engagements in the years to come.
ZENITH BANK WINS COVETED BANK OF THE YEAR AWARD IN THE BANKER AWARDS 2024
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. The award, which was announced by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, during the awards ceremony held in London on December 4, 2024, is in recognition of the bank’s strong management, sound business model and strategy, and approach to sustainability and ESG banking practices.
The Banker’s ‘Bank of the Year’ accolade is among the most coveted and widely regarded award in the banking industry. Often contested by the world’s leading financial institutions, the winners span across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.
Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said “We are delighted and honored to have been recognized as the Bank of the Year, Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. This award is a testament to the unwavering trust and loyalty of our esteemed customers, the unparalleled leadership and guidance of the Board and Management as well as the hard work and dedication of our staff. It also reflects our bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering excellent services to our customers and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. We will continue to invest in innovative technologies, expand our range of products and services, and maintain our commitment to exceptional customer service in order to sustain our position as Nigeria’s Number One Bank.” She lauded the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary role in laying the foundation for a reputable, dominant and globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders.
In November 2024, Zenith Bank commissioned its Paris Branch following the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). This is part of the bank’s global expansion strategy, and its commitment to serving clients wherever their businesses are around the world.
Zenith Bank has continued to earn numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions. These include being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for four years from 2020 to 2024 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 as well as Bank of the Year, 2023 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
Dignitaries to Grace Kamorudeen Yusuf’s Ogun State City Boy Movement Empowerment and Youth Summit
The Ogun State City Boy Movement, led by Kamorudeen Olawale Yusuf, Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Duties, is set to host a landmark empowerment program and youth summit in Abẹ́òkúta, the state capital, on Saturday, December 21, 2024. The event underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment and education, aligning with his administration’s agenda to drive economic growth and entrepreneurship.
₦45 Million in Empowerment Grants
The summit, the first of its kind, will feature an empowerment initiative worth ₦45 million to support young entrepreneurs and business owners. Highlights include:
₦500,000 grants for 50 medium-scale entrepreneurs.
₦200,000 grants for 100 small-scale business owners.
Funding for three innovative tech ideas that provide creative solutions for social impact.
Additionally, 30 market women across Ogun State will receive ₦200,000 each, and scholarships will be awarded to students as part of the movement’s broader commitment to education and economic growth.
Key Guests and Speakers
The event will attract a host of dignitaries, including:
Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, as the Special Guest of Honour.
Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communication and Digital Economy.
Other notable speakers include Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN; Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz of ITF; and Miss Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership.
Comprehensive Agenda
The summit will feature panel sessions focusing on key sectors such as MSMEs, technology, agriculture, and the creative economy. These discussions aim to equip participants with tools and insights to drive economic transformation in Ogun State.
Educational Impact
In addition to the empowerment program, the City Boy Movement has taken steps to improve education in the state. Classroom furniture was donated to six primary schools across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. Each school received 50 sets of tables and chairs, accommodating a total of 900 students and significantly enhancing the learning environment.
For youth entrepreneurs and stakeholders, the summit offers a rare opportunity to secure funding, gain insights from industry leaders, and network with influential figures in government and business.
This event not only marks a step toward empowering Ogun State’s youth but also highlights the City Boy Movement’s dedication to fostering long-term economic and social development.
Aristos Band releases ‘Battalion Praise’ thanksgiving medley
Aristos Band, a multiple award-winning music group, has released its much anticipated medley titled ‘Battalion Praise’.
‘Battalion Praise’ is a gospel rendition of melodious thanksgiving medley that cuts across different Nigerian tribes. It features a large ensemble of African percussions and sound that transports the listeners and audience into an atmosphere of euphoric praise to the Almighty.
The inspirational medley is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.
Aristos band was founded in 2008 by Sammy Sodeke, popularly known as “Sammy Sho” a veteran Keyboardist, Saxophonist, music producer/instructor who has played and directed music from within and outside the shores of Nigeria with vast experience in live music entertainment and music management.
BATTALION PRAISE IS available on all streaming platforms.
Full video on YouTube @aristosband
Aristos Band…The Life of The Party
Trouble in GTBank Utopia as Aggrieved Customers Vows to Dump the Problematic Bank Despite Last Minutes Appreciation
…Bank Accused of Withholding Funds to Prevent Customer Migration
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is facing a potential mass exodus of customers, despite issuing a recent statement of appreciation and apology for disruptions caused by its ongoing system upgrade. The bank’s reassurances appear to have done little to pacify frustrated depositors whose financial activities have been severely disrupted.
In a statement shared on November 27 across its social media platforms, GTBank expressed gratitude to its customers for their patience during the transition to a new core banking system. The bank apologized for the service disruptions and pledged to deliver a seamless banking experience moving forward.
However, many of the bank’s customers remain unconvinced. Some believe the apology is merely a public relations move, with unresolved issues such as unrefunded deductions and unprocessed transfers still plaguing users.
One disgruntled customer, speaking to Society Gazette, described the statement as insincere, stating:
“How can you appreciate me when the core issues remain unresolved? My corporate account has been severely affected. Illegally deducted funds have not been refunded, and a transfer I made nearly two months ago is still pending. Instead of addressing these problems, GTBank chooses to issue hollow words of appreciation.”
Unresolved Issues Spark Widespread Frustration
Findings suggest that GTBank’s system upgrade has yet to fully stabilize, with numerous customers’ still awaiting refunds for hanging transactions and illegal deductions. Allegations have emerged that the bank is intentionally delaying refunds to deter customers from migrating to other financial institutions.
According to insiders, the delay in resolving customer grievances may be linked to fears within GTBank’s management that a swift resolution would accelerate the anticipated mass departure of dissatisfied clients.
Internal Challenges at GTBank
Sources disclosed that GTBank’s recent challenges stem partly from a depletion of its IT workforce. Over the past few years, many of the bank’s IT experts have left the shores of the country for better opportunities with the bank choosing not to immediately replacing them, leaving the department understaffed. This has reportedly contributed to the chaotic rollout of the new core banking system.
To address the crisis, GTBank, we reliably gathered had outsourced the system upgrade to Indian IT specialists who had been battling with it and that the bank only has recently hired new set of young personnel to bolster its struggling IT team. Despite these efforts, the transition has been fraught with setbacks, leading to customer dissatisfaction and reputational damage.
What Lies Ahead for GTBank?
As frustration among its customer base continues to mount, GTBank faces an uphill battle to minimize the number of affected customers that are bound to move their critical banking services away from the bank, though some will definitely stick with the bank provided they were able to stabilize operations. To win those who are still undecided the bank must prioritize resolving pending issues, such as refunding affected customers and ensuring smooth transactions, to stem the tide of discontent.
With a competitive banking landscape and alternatives readily available, GTBank was exposed to the risks of losing some of its long-standing customers.
This crisis serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of customer trust and the potential repercussions of failing to deliver on promises in a digital-first banking environment.
Adron Games 2024 Postponed Due to Security Concern
Adron Homes wishes to announce the cancellation of the much-anticipated Adron Games 2024.
This decision, was made in the best interest of all participants, stakeholders, and the broader community. The postponement is necessitated by heightened security concerns in certain regions that could potentially jeopardize the safety of staff, attendees and participants.
As an organization that is committed to the well-being of its staffs, partners and everyone involved, priority is designated to safety and security above all else. Also, the organization is taking this opportunity to rethink and restructure its sporting initiatives to ensure public inclusivity
and as part of efforts to enhance and expand the impact of its wellness programs, the Adron Games will evolve into a broader, more inclusive sporting initiative.
This transformation will foster collaboration, unity, and healthy competition among a wider array of participants, and will embody the same spirit of excellence, teamwork, and wellness that the Adron Games has championed over the years.
We deeply regret any inconvenience this decision may cause and hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued staff, participants, partners, ambassadors and supporters for their understanding and continued trust in Adron Homes.
Adron Homes remains committed to inspiring excellence and fostering community engagement through corporate wellness initiatives such as Adron Games at all times.
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday debated the 2025 appropriation bill of N3.005 trillion presented to the lawmakers by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last Thursday.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the plenary, committed the bill to a joint committee on appropriation and finance for review with a mandate to report back in one month.
Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, provided an overview of the proposed spending with a breakdown of items in the estimate.
While raising concerns over the projection of N408 billion deficit financing in the budget, Olumoh, who noted that loans are good when used for the actual purposes, added: “We have to be cautious about it. We need to have a sustainable and pragmatic way of financing our budget so that we don’t rely solely on loans.
“So I would suggest that we look at a realistic budget and ways to finance it using alternatives like the Public Private Partnership models.
“I also want to implore my colleagues that for the purpose of the 2025 budget, we need to properly scrutinise it to prevent wastage.”
He commended the government for its intentions as stipulated in the budget estimate.
Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasumu called for a careful review of the budget to enable comparative analysis and feasibility.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) noted the absence of allocations for electricity infrastructure and climate change initiatives while suggesting a five-year retrospective analysis of deficit funding.
His colleague, Hon. Femi Sheed, stressed the importance of linking borrowing to critical infrastructure like electricity while ensuring revenue efficiency and addressing potential financial leakages.
On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot highlighted the omission of food security measures in the proposal while urging the inclusion of initiatives to meet citizens’ needs.
Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu told the lawmakers that the budget aims to achieve a 59% capital expenditure and 41% recurrent expenditure ratio with a deficit financing to be sourced through external and internal loans and bonds.
Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 Concludes with Hackathon Winners Awarded ₦77.5M in Cash Prizes
L-R: Founder/Director, Nistad Limited, Ada Jabaru; Director-General/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua; Partner, Africa, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte, Jania Okwechime; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Global Expert on AI, Danilo McGarry; Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist, Robin Speculand; and the Honourable Commissioner for Science, Innovation & Technology, Lagos State, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake during the Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 held at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.
The Fourth Edition of the Zenith Bank organized Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI,” concluded on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event culminated in a highly competitive hackathon, where 10 finalists emerged from over 1,700 contestants to share a total prize pool of ₦77.5 million.
Hackathon Highlights and Winners
Grand Prize Winner: JumpnPass, a self-checkout technology transforming Africa’s retail sector, claimed the top prize of ₦25 million. In addition, they earned a six-week mentorship and incubation program running from December 2024 to February 2025.
First Runner-Up: CreditChek, leveraging AI and open banking for income and credit history verification, secured ₦20 million alongside a mentorship program.
Second Runner-Up: Salad Africa, which integrates credit products for digital platforms, won ₦15 million and mentorship support.
Other Finalists: Regxta, CashAfrica, Middleman, Messenger, Pocketfood, Famasi Africa, and Kitovu each received ₦2.5 million.
Zenith Bank’s Commitment to Innovation
In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, praised Founder and Chairman Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, for his vision in establishing the Zenith Tech Fair. She emphasized the importance of nurturing young innovators, stating,
“This initiative aims to produce the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs. With 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, this economic asset must be harnessed effectively.”
Dr. Umeoji highlighted innovation as a critical driver for sustaining institutions, stressing that companies failing to innovate risk obsolescence.
Lagos State Governor Advocates Global Business Outlook
His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, underscored the importance of global competitiveness, stating, “We must enhance our products and services to serve not just local but global markets. Platforms like Zenith Tech Fair reassure us of the government’s readiness to support innovative ideas.”
Event Features and Presentations
The fair launched Zenith Bank’s EazyByZenith, a digital wallet aimed at driving financial inclusion. It also showcased cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Financial Intelligence.
Keynote Speaker: Robin Speculand, a global authority on digital strategy, delivered a keynote address titled “Banking Transformation in a Digital World.”
Panel Discussions: Led by Wole Odeyele from Microsoft Inc., the panel featured top industry experts such as Funke Opeke, Dr. Auwal Adam Sa’ad, and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote.
Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition
The Zenith Bank startup pitch competition fosters innovation across sectors like Embedded Finance, HealthTech, Agritech, and Fintech. The program provides Nigerian startups a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas and access resources to scale their businesses.
The Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 was hailed as a resounding success, setting the stage for an even bigger Fifth Edition in 2025.
