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First Holdco, FCMB, Fidelity Bank drive 75% of NGX’s N500bn weekly trade

 

Stock market investors traded 17.498 billion shares worth N500.762 billion in 142,082 transactions this week on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.

 

This contrasts with 5.390 billion shares valued at N107.811 billion traded last week across 134,390 transactions.

 

As a result, the transaction value on the Exchange surged by 78.48 per cent.

 

The market opened for four days, as Tuesday was declared a public holiday to honour the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 15.771 billion shares worth N437.763 billion in 66,725 transactions.

 

This represented 90.13 per cent and 87.42 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

 

The ICT Industry followed, trading 325.134 million shares valued at N3.492 billion in 9,028 deals.

 

In third place was the Consumer Goods Industry, with 313.424 million shares worth N20.162 billion across 14,917 transactions.

 

First Holdco Plc, FCMB Group Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc accounted for 13.229 billion shares worth N367.498 billion.

 

These three equities represented 75.60 per cent of the turnover volume and 73.39 per cent of the value.

The NGX All-Share Index rose by 4.31 per cent to close at 131,585.66, while market capitalisation reached N83.241 trillion.

 

All other indices ended higher, except NGX Insurance, NGX ASeM, NGX Oil & Gas, NGX Growth and NGX Sovereign Bond.

 

These declined by 3.65 per cent, 9.56 per cent, 0.76 per cent, 4.80 per cent and 0.57 per cent, respectively.

 

Forty-nine equities recorded price gains during the week, lower than the 90 recorded the previous week.

Fifty-four equities lost value, up from 16 recorded last week, while 44 remained unchanged, compared to 41 previously.

 

Top gainers were Eunisell Interlinked Plc, BUA Cement, Associated Bus Company, Industrial and Medical Gases, and Secure Electronic Technology.

 

They gained N4.40, N29.40, N1.25, N8.45 and 21k respectively, representing increases of 32.59, 31.28, 28.41, 24.85 and 21.00 per cent.

 

Top losers included Academy Press, RT Briscoe, Cutix Plc, Caverton Offshore, and Champion Breweries Plc.

 

They lost N2.25, N1.00, 90k, N1.54 and N2.61 respectively during the week.

 

NAN

UN Secretary-General mourns Buhari, condoles with Nigeria

 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday, paid tribute to late former President Muhammadu Buhari and personally conveyed the UN’s solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria.

 

Guterres, during his visit to Nigeria House in New York, described Buhari as a leader whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria, Africa and global cooperation will stand as his enduring legacy.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Guterres signed the condolence register during his visit.

 

“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari.

 

“President Buhari will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to selfless service, his leadership in advancing peace and stability across the African region and his dedication to strengthening institutions in Nigeria.

 

“President Buhari was also a great supporter of the United Nations and a strong voice for multilateralism, solidarity and sustainable development around the world,” Guterres wrote in the register.

 

The UN chief concluded his condolence message, “In this moment of loss, our thoughts are with his family, the Government and the people of Nigeria.”

 

Speaking afterwards with NAN, the UN Chief reflected on his working relationship with Buhari and praised his lifetime of service.

 

“I had the privilege to work with President Buhari, and I will say, I am a great admirer of his extraordinary work.

 

“Not only in defence of the interest of his own country, Nigeria but in his commitment to the African continent, to sustainable development and very particularly to the United Nations and multilateralism,” he said

Speaking about Buhari’s contributions to West Africa’s peace and security, Guterres described the late Nigerian leader as a crucial stabilising figure for the region.

 

“I think President Buhari has been a leading personality in defending the interests of West Africa and in a very difficult context, in affirming Nigeria’s leadership,” he said.

 

The UN chief affirmed that Buhari’s contributions to West Africa’s peace and security “was of course very much appreciated,”.

 

Guterres extended the UN’s sympathy to Buhari’s family, the Nigerian government and people, assuring that the world remembers him as a true servant-leader whose legacy will inspire generations to come.

The Chargé d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Mr Syndoph Endoni, thanked Guterres for the condolence visit.

 

Endoni said the condolence visit highlighted Buhari’s standing as a statesman whose voice carried weight far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

 

Bola Asaju and the Head of Chancery of the Mission, Mr Razak Lawal, were among the officers who received the UN chief during his condolence visit.

 

Buhari ruled Nigeria as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and returned as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.

 

Buhari died on Sunday at a London hospital at the age of 82 and was buried in his hometown in Daura, Nigeria on Tuesday.

 

NAN

Four drown in Kano blocked waterway

 

The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the death of four people who drowned in a blocked waterway at Zangon Kaya in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of the state.

 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, on Friday in Kano.

 

He said the incident occurred on Friday afternoon.

 

He said, “We received an emergency call at about 13:48 hrs from one Rabiu Yusif that four people had fallen into a waterway blocked that had accumulated due to the railway line construction.

 

“We immediately sent our rescue team to the scene.

 

“Two of the victims entered the waterway to swim when they got trapped.”

 

Abdullahi said that another person entered the blocked drain to rescue them, but also got stuck, while the fourth person went in to help and also got trapped.

He further explained that with the arrival of the rescue team, the residents were able to pull out two of the victims, while the team recovered the other two.

 

Abdullahi said that the names of the victims were: Bashir Sani, 28, Nasirudden Tasi’u, 25, Usman Ubale, 26 and Yakubu Muhammed, 22.

 

“All the victims were rescued unconscious and were later confirmed dead.

 

“Their corpses were handed over to SP Abdulkadir Albasu of Dawanau Police Division,” he said.

 

Abdullahi said that the cause of the incident was as a ‘result of local swimming in a blocked sewer’.

 

NAN

Cuba scraps 60-year age limit for presidential candidates

 

Cuba had scrapped the maximum age limit of 60 for its presidential candidates as part of a constitutional reform approved on Friday by parliament.

 

The communist-ruled island’s restriction of two five-year presidential terms and minimum age of 35 for candidates were left unchanged.

 

The measure, approved by the Council of State, imposes no age limits on people “in the full exercise of their physical and mental faculties, with… loyalty and revolutionary trajectory,” national assembly president Esteban Lazo said.

 

Former president Raul Castro, who at age 94 still holds a seat in the assembly, was the first to vote for the reform that will be on the books for the 2028 presidential elections.

 

Cuba’s current president, 65-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, was elected in 2018 and then re-elected in 2023. No favoured successor has been publicly designated.

The inclusion of term and age limits in the 2019 constitution marked a radical shift after six decades in which Fidel Castro and his brother Raul were in power.

 

In 2016, Fidel had to hand over the reins to his brother due to health problems. He died later that year, after nearly half a century leading Cuba.

 

Raúl Castro officially became president in 2008, at the age of 76. In 2021, he retired as Communist Party first secretary, handing over power to Diaz-Canel.

 

The nation of nearly 10 million people is suffering its worst economic crisis in three decades, with shortages of all kinds of supplies, power outages, and unprecedented emigration.

 

AFP

Stolen jewellery: Patience Jonathan ex-aides’ lawyer laments as adjournment hits 42

 

A legal practitioner, Funmi Adedoyin, has decried the “delayed trial” of some former domestic workers of ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan, who remain in detention at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State over stolen jewellery.

 

She said the case was recently adjourned twice—on 25 and 26 June—due to the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court on 21 June in front of an eatery in Yenagoa, the state capital.

 

Saturday PUNCH reported in April that the case had been adjourned 40 times.

 

The defendants were arraigned before the court, sitting in Yenagoa, in 2019.

 

They were accused of stealing seven gold bangles and other pieces of jewellery, five Samsung air conditioners, two sets of upholstered chairs, and six Samsung flat-screen televisions, all valued at N200m.

 

They were also accused of conspiracy to commit murder, felony, armed robbery, burglary, and stealing, among other charges.

 

Those affected are Williams Alami, Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Achese, Sunday Reginald, Vivian Golden, Emeka Benson, Boma Oba, Salomi Wareboka, and Sahabi Lima.

 

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, Adedoyin lamented that the defendants had been languishing in prison for six years.

 

The lawyer expressed disappointment over the ongoing delays in the trial, emphasising the impact on the defendants’ pursuit of justice.

She noted, “We are not happy about these delays, and that is why we have been doing our best to carry on with the legal advocacy to ensure justice is upheld in the matter.

 

“We want them to get justice on time, as we have had over 40 adjournments already in the matter. We will continue to support them.”

 

Adedoyin assured that the group would not back down until justice was served.

 

She said, “We hope with these advocacies, the case will go on and the people will get justice.”

 

Speaking about the recent adjournments, Adedoyin stated, “The case has not been going on. The last time it was supposed to come up was 26 and 27 June. The court did not sit because of the matter in Bayelsa State where a judge was kidnapped. It is an act of solidarity. Till now, we have not been able to get a date. In the last two adjournments, the matter did not go on.”

The sister of one of the detainees, Gladys Achese, decried the imprisonment of her sister and the prolonged trial of the defendants.

 

She said, “We are sad. The case is just dragging. They didn’t go to court throughout last month. Hopefully, if they go this month, they will not go at all in August because there will be a break.

 

“So, we do not know when the next court session will open. Time is not waiting. We do not know the next approach to take. It is frustrating.”

What to do if blackmailer threatens to release your nudes

 

The digital age has brought incredible opportunities and new forms of danger.

 

One such threat is sextortion, a form of blackmail where someone threatens to release another person’s nude or explicit photos unless their demands are met, often involving money or more images.

 

In Nigeria, where laws on privacy and cybercrime continue to evolve, victims often face not only fear and shame but also a lack of clear recourse.

 

Experts, however, are unanimous: never give in to the blackmail. Here are five expert-backed steps to take immediately if someone threatens to leak your nude photos:

 

Do not panic or pay the blackmailer

 

The instinct to panic or comply is common, but counterproductive. Experts warn that giving in rarely stops the cycle.

 

“Once a blackmailer knows you’re willing to give in, they keep coming back,” says Selena Onuoha, human rights lawyer. “Paying won’t protect your dignity; it often makes things worse.”

 

She urged victims to stay calm, gather their thoughts, and focus on documenting the threat instead of reacting impulsively.

 

Secure all evidence immediately

 

Take screenshots of all communication, from chats, emails, DMs, and back them up, advised Onuoha.

 

She also advised the victim to note the time, date, platform, and, if possible, the username or contact information of the blackmailer.

 

“Digital evidence is key,” explains Mr Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. “Without it, law enforcement will have difficulty tracing the source and establishing a case.”

 

Also, save links, file metadata, or anything that shows the blackmail attempt.

 

Report to law enforcement or cybercrime authorities.

In Nigeria, THE Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 criminalises threats, extortion, and invasion of privacy. Victims can report to the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Cybercrime Reporting Portal on https://report.ncc.gov.ng.

 

“We’ve seen a rise in digital blackmail, especially among young people,” says ASP Olufemi Ajisafe (retd.). “Victims should not keep silent. The earlier we are informed, the easier it is to intervene.”

 

Get legal, mental health support

 

Onuoha advised victims to involve a lawyer to help draft a cease-and-desist letter or advise them on court options if necessary.

 

She said, “Many legal aid groups also offer free support. Equally important is mental well-being.”

 

“Victims of sextortion suffer intense shame, depression, and suicidal thoughts,” warns Dr Usen Essien, renowned psychologist and researcher based in Akwa Ibom.

 

He added, “Talking to a therapist can help restore control and reduce emotional harm.”

 

Local NGOs, such as Stand to End Rape and Mirabel Centre, provide counselling and victim support services.

 

Educate yourself and take preventive steps

 

While victims are never to blame, awareness is critical. Never send nudes under pressure. Use platforms that allow content to vanish or encrypt messages, but even then, be cautious.

 

Also, check if your photos have been leaked using tools like Google Reverse Image Search, PhotoDNA (used by platforms like Facebook to block explicit content). Also, enable two-factor authentication on all social media accounts and report impersonators or suspicious activity immediately.

 

Essien noted that shame and silence are what predators count on. But he stressed that victims were not alone, and help was available.

 

“The most powerful thing a victim can do is speak up,” he added. “Let the law and the system work for you.”

 

If you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, call the National Human Rights Commission Hotline or visit your nearest police station’s cybercrime desk.

Wema Bank’s Digital Bank, ALAT, Emerges Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at Euromoney Awards 2025

 

Wema Bank’s Digital Bank, ALAT, Emerges Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at Euromoney Awards 202

 

 

In recognition of its position as a digital pioneer in the African banking landscape, Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, a trailblazing digital platform pioneered by Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and most innovative bank, Wema Bank, has been awarded Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Awards 2025.

 

Euromoney is a leading provider of competitive intelligence and benchmarking insight for the global banking and finance industry, trusted for over 50 years to deliver data-led analysis that informs strategy, validates performance, and supports decision-making at the executive level. The Euromoney Awards, pioneered by Euromoney, are regarded as the ultimate accolade in banking; the industry-leading stamp of approval that banks across the globe work yearlong to achieve. Recognised as Nigeria’s leading financial institution in digital innovation, Wema Bank’s revolutionary digital bank, ALAT, was awarded Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank at the Euromoney Awards 2025 held at The Peninsula London Hotel in London on Thursday, 17th July, 2025.

 

Since its launch on May 2nd 2017, ALAT has bridged the gaps in delivery of financial services to Nigerians within Nigeria and globally, evolving remarkably into a holistic hub of lifestyle and financial solutions for Nigerian adults of all ages and from all walks of life. From simply being the first fully digital bank in Africa, ALAT has evolved remarkably into a digital platform with an ecosystem of dynamic financial solutions tailored to provide seamless, reliable, and convenient service for all. With ALAT, basic financial services like transfers, airtime & data purchases, bill payments and loans are placed at the fingertips of users, in addition to a wide range of advanced financial services and solutions that merge banking with lifestyle.

 

From in-app local and international flight bookings to tailored personal and group savings options, investments and stocks, movie and event tickets, deals and discounts on a limitless pool of products and services, 24/7 health consultation, and a suite of customised loan options for salary earners and non-salary earners; ALAT changed the game, redefining banking and financial services in a world where digital has become the future. In view of ALAT’s groundbreaking role in blazing the trail for FinTechs in Africa and its intentionally-curated wealth of features and offerings designed to meet the needs of Nigerians in Nigeria and the diaspora, it is evident that the Bank is undeniably deserving of the recognition and accolade.

 

Underscoring Wema Bank’s commitment in shaping the future of banking through impactful innovations like ALAT, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, expressed appreciation to the Euromoney Awards for recognising the Bank’s impact on the proliferation of digital innovation in Africa, reiterating the Bank’s commitment to its sustainability vision of developing digital solutions for societal impact. Receiving the award, Oseni commented, “The world is moving fast and so is the permeation of ‘digital’ into the most critical aspects of our lives. 80 years ago when Wema Bank was established, typewriters were the extent of banking technology. Today, we have pioneered a fully digital bank, and possess technology advanced enough to power over 150 FinTechs. In ten years, one can only imagine what this fast-paced digital economy will bring. One thing is clear, any business, venture or institution that will remain relevant by the end of the next decade, must leverage digital technology today. This is why Wema Bank is so driven when it comes to digital. Innovation and empowerment”.

 

“As a Bank, our stance is clear. Wema Bank will never relent in empowering lives through innovation and developing digital solutions for societal impact. We will continue to pioneer innovation, empower innovators and bridge the gap between traditional and digital, leveraging the opportunities of the digital world to generate meaningful impact on lives and businesses in Nigeria, Africa and across the world. We have remained resilient in this commitment since 1945 and this award tells us that the world is feeling our impact. We are honoured by this recognition, and I take this opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Euromoney Awards. We take this as a challenge to keep up the good work, go harder, and continue going above and beyond in shaping the future of banking through digital innovation. Here’s to 80 years of impact and a future of limitless possibilities with Wema Bank”. Oseni concluded.

 

Wema Bank continues to raise the bar in financial services, placing Nigeria on the global map for banking and digital innovation. Since 1945, the Bank has spearheaded a positive transformation in Africa’s banking and financial landscape, proving that Nigerian-owned businesses have the capacity to last and stand the test of time. As the Bank celebrated its 80th anniversary on May 2nd 2025, its futuristic digital platform, ALAT simultaneously clocked 8, marking 8 years of digital transformation.

 

The world continues to watch in anticipation as Wema Bank leads the movement in digital innovation, shaping the future of banking in Africa.

 

 

ABOUT WEMA BANK

 

Established on May 2nd, 1945, Wema Bank is Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative, and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT. Commemorating a remarkable 80 years of impact and a future of possibilities, Wema Bank celebrated its 80th anniversary on May 2nd 2025 alongside the 8th anniversary of ALAT by Wema.

 

The publicly quoted Nigerian company has successfully built a legacy of trust, resilience and banking excellence that has won it the loyalty of its customers for 8 decades and counting. The Bank has remained innovative in delivering value to its stakeholders, constantly introducing products and services tailored to the needs of its customers at every stage of their lives.

 

Wema Bank is a proud partner to more than one million individuals, families, and businesses across Nigeria, helping them achieve their personal and financial goals.

 

Since its establishment in 1945, Wema Bank has built a legacy of pioneering innovation and empowering innovation to thrive, connecting traditional with digital and introducing several digital gamechangers and industry-firsts that have redefined standards across various industries and verticals.

 

From launching Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, in 2017, Wema Bank went on to launch the ALAT For Business App, a business-focused version of ALAT; CoopHub App, a-first-of-its-kind digital solution designed to empower cooperatives for optimal productivity; Wema Phygital, a self-service implementation adding a digital touch to the physical experience in Wema Bank’s branches; ALATPay, an end-to-end payment gateway that provides instant settlement for business transactions; and the ALAT Xplore App, Nigeria’s first fully licensed banking app for teenagers, among others.

New US Consul General Rick Swart arrives in Lagos

 

The United States Mission in Nigeria has announced the arrival of its new Consul General in Lagos, Rick Swart.

 

Swart, who arrived on Wednesday, will represent the US government across 17 states in southern Nigeria.

 

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday by the Public Diplomacy Section, US Consulate General Lagos.

 

Swart is expected to oversee efforts aimed at deepening trade, strengthening ties with Nigerians, and advancing key U.S.-Nigeria priorities in the region.

 

“I am honoured to serve in Nigeria. I am excited about the opportunity to travel across the region, meet the people, experience the culture, while advancing the shared goals of making our two countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Swart was quoted as saying.

 

He succeeds JoEllen Gorg who had served in an interim capacity since November 2024, following the departure of Will Stevens.

Swart praised Gorg’s efforts, saying, “I thank JoEllen for her remarkable leadership and for the outstanding work she has done to promote our close partnership with the Nigerian people in the region.

 

“I look forward to working closely with Ambassador Mills and the team at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, to further advance the shared objectives between Nigeria and the United States.”

 

A career diplomat, Swart was previously Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Chad.

 

His past assignments have taken him to Congo, Burundi, Iraq, Geneva, London, Manila, and Dubai, among others.

 

He also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali before joining the State Department in 2002.

Akwa Ibom CJ frees mentally challenged girl, 122 other inmates

 

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, on Friday, announced the release of 123 inmates, including an 18-year-old mentally challenged girl said to have been eating foam and other objects while in custody.

 

Obot granted freedom to the inmates during the second quarter of 2025 tour of the Medium Security Custodial Centres, which began on Monday and ended on Friday at the Uyo Correctional Centre.

 

Of the 123 released inmates, four were from the Ikot Abasi custodial centre; 17 from the Eket centre; 29 from the Ikot Ekpene centre; while 73 regained their freedom at the Uyo Custodial Centre.

 

A total of 62 inmates were released on health grounds, including cases of anaemia, scabies, and tuberculosis.

 

“I released you on health grounds, go and sin no more and shun all acts that might bring you back here again. The mentally challenged girl should be taken to the psychiatric hospital in Eket for proper examination and treatment,” the CJ said.

 

Worried about the spread of diseases in the centres, the CJ instructed that the dormitory where all the sick inmates were camped be properly sanitised and that no new inmates should be placed there in the meantime to prevent further spread of infections.

 

She observed that most of the offenders had committed minor offences and had overstayed in custody beyond the duration they would have served if convicted.

 

Obot expressed displeasure over the number of inmates awaiting trial, some without any charges filed against them, and noted that several had stayed longer than the maximum sentence they might have received if convicted.

 

One such case was that of Etieno Okon, who was 15 years old when he was detained. He had been in custody for five years without trial on a cultism charge and was released alongside his father.

 

She charged prosecutors to ensure that no one is denied justice and urged them to respect the fundamental rights of the accused.

The Chief Judge commended all Judges, Magistrates, court officials, and the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, for their commitment and steadfastness throughout the three-day exercise.

 

She prayed that God Almighty would grant the released sick inmates speedy recovery and sustain those still in custody.

 

The CJ also donated the sum of ₦300,000 to the centre to assist in transporting the freed inmates back to their various destinations.

 

She emphasised the importance of hygiene management in custodial centres and called on correctional officers to ensure sanitary conditions are maintained to reduce the spread of communicable diseases.

Highlighting the significance of jail delivery in safeguarding justice and human rights, the CJ noted that the exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure no person is unjustly detained without due process.

 

“This exercise aligns with the constitutional mandate of the judiciary to ensure that no person is unjustly detained without due process.”

 

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, thanked the Chief Judge for her visit and the goodwill extended to the custodial centres in the state.

 

Okonkwo highlighted some challenges confronting the centres, including dilapidated facilities and a lack of logistics to convey inmates to court on time.

 

He appealed to the Chief Judge to facilitate the approval of pending requests to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for the provision of operational vehicles, repair of existing ones, and the supply of beddings, especially critical during the current cold season.

Oyebanji, Obanikoro, others hail Adeyeye’s NPA board appointment

 

Political heavyweights and captains of industry have applauded the appointment of a former Minister of Works, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority by President Bola Tinubu.

 

They paid tributes to the ex-minister at an event held in his honour in Abuja on Thursday night.

 

Among those who graced the occasion were Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; former Ekiti Governors, Ayodele Fayose and Segun Oni; and a former Nasarawa Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura.

 

Also present were Chairman of the South West Development Commission, Senator Olu Adetumbi;

NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, Senator Iyiola Omisore; a former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe; and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, among others.

 

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, hailing from the same Ekiti State as the appointee, described Adeyeye as a resilient and loyal ally of President Tinubu.

 

“If anyone had told me it would take this long for Senator Adeyeye to be appointed, I would have said it’s impossible.

 

“He was among the first to champion this movement and stuck with it through thick and thin. That’s why this moment is not just a personal victory for him—it’s symbolic of loyalty finally being rewarded”, Bamidele said.

 

He urged NPA management to embrace the new board chairman, noting Adeyeye’s leadership strength and experience.

 

“Let me be clear. Senator Adeyeye is not just in office—he is in power. He has earned it. Work with him openly and transparently, and you’ll get the best from him”, he added.

 

The Former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, echoed Bamidele’s sentiments.

 

“You threw yourself into the SWAGA business when it wasn’t popular. When Asiwaju was taken with reservations, you took yourself into SWAGA, you criss-crossed the entire South West for Tinubu.

 

“The appointment you got is well deserved. I am happy that you have been recognised, and there is no doubt that bigger recognition will come. This is a precursor to what will come.”

 

Oyebanji described Adeyeye’s appointment as an honour to Ekiti State.

He said, “The President gave this position to Ekiti, and he could not have chosen better. Senator Adeyeye is loyal, intelligent, and deeply experienced.

“From his time as a Minister, a Senator, and a university council chairman, he brings the right mix of discipline, wisdom, and patriotism.”

 

He praised the unity displayed by Ekiti political leaders across party lines in honouring Adeyeye.

 

“I am lucky to be surrounded by four former governors who are all backing me. That has never happened in our state’s history.

 

“This new unity is the strength behind our progress,” he said, referencing the presence of Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose.

 

In his remarks, Adeyeye expressed gratitude to Tinubu for fulfilling his promise.

 

“He told me not to worry, that he had plans for me. And he kept that promise.

 

“The President promised a quality board, and he delivered. We are ready to work together as a family and move the Port Authority forward.”

 

He also assured Oyebanji of his full backing ahead of the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.

 

“We’re not just supporting you, Mr. Governor. We’re going to win by a landslide.

 

“There is no opposition. The former governors, the people—they’re all behind you.”

 

Adeyeye called for an end to politics of bitterness and emphasised the importance of sustaining the prevailing peace in the state.

 

He further assured NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, of a harmonious working relationship with his team.

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