The 2026 Ofala Festival, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, has commenced in Onitsha, Anambra State, with a vibrant youth carnival that celebrated the town’s rich cultural heritage and paid homage to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

Organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC) on Wednesday, the carnival brought the streets of Inland Town alive with colour, music and traditional displays, setting an exciting tone for the series of activities lined up for the annual celebration.

The procession featured cultural groups such as Otu Odu Onitsha, Egwu Odu and Agbalanze, whose members adorned elaborate traditional attire and entertained spectators with energetic dances. A major highlight was the appearance of young participants dressed to represent prominent traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife. Their elaborate costumes and performances underscored the importance of cultural preservation and the role of younger generations in sustaining Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

Following the street procession, participants converged on the old Ime Obi along St. Stephen Anglican Church Road, Onitsha, for fashion parades and competitions among the participating groups. The activities provided another platform for showcasing creativity, traditional fashion and community spirit, reinforcing the festival’s significance as a celebration of identity, heritage and unity.

The festival continues with the Iru Ofala on Friday, October 16, and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 17. Globacom will also host a Royal Banquet in honour of Igwe Achebe on Wednesday, October 21, at the Ime Obi, Onitsha. The celebrations will conclude with an Ofala Thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 25, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Globacom stated that its partnership with Ofala reflects the company’s belief that cultural heritage and connectivity are both vital to national development. According to the company, “Ofala is far more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration. Our sustained partnership with this magnificent institution reflects our belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are not competing imperatives; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation.

This is the spirit of Globacom’s clarion call, ‘Never Settle for Less’, which is to honour what is worthy, while continually striving for something greater”,which encourages Nigerians to celebrate enduring values while striving for greater achievements.

The post Onitsha Youth Carnival heralds Glo-sponsored Ofala festival  appeared first on Ivory NG.

Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed
“Banking on Her Tomorrow,” bringing together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across
Lagos for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.

Held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programme featured
sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social
relationships and interactions, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills for their personal,
educational and future career journeys.

The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.)
Adaora Umeoji, OON, reflects Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing the potential of young girls and
helping them make informed choices about their futures.

In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Umeoji urged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their
ambitions and remain focused and disciplined. Drawing on examples of young girls who have achieved
remarkable feats, she challenged them to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the
women they aspire to become.

“To all my amazing young ladies here today, each of you possesses gifts, talents, and ideas that are
capable of revolutionising the world. You can revolutionise the world with your ideas,” she said.

The GMD/CEO further encouraged the girls to explore their interests and resist societal limitations,
stressing the importance of taking ownership of their futures.

“Never allow gender or age to limit your goals. Whatever interests you today, explore it. Whatever you
choose to pursue in life, give it your best shot,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom,
encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their abilities to make a positive
difference in the lives of others.

Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the participants that challenges need
not define their futures and that their worth extends beyond academic results and external expectations.

“Every time you affirm the truth about who you are, you are building confidence. Every time the tide of life
goes out and you are still standing; you are building resilience. And every time you use your gifts for
another person, you are discovering your purpose,” Olori Atuwatse III said.

The programme featured interactive sessions led by accomplished professionals and personalities:
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, discussed
confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette.

Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed
responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries.

Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving,
responsible money management and investment, highlighting the importance of developing sound financial
habits early.

While Nigerian filmmaker, creative executive and educator, Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a
session on healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication.

The sessions encouraged active participation, giving the girls opportunities to ask questions and engage
with the speakers on issues relevant to their experiences and aspirations.

The programme also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners.

The participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by
Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the lively atmosphere. The event was hosted by Temi
Badru, public speaker, communications coach and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.

Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the
GMD/CEO’s vision for the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to sustaining its impact.

“The programme is the vision of our GMD/CEO, who conceived and championed it, demonstrating her
unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the girl child. Through her leadership, she has shown the
girls what is possible when a woman dares to lead. At Zenith Bank, our commitment to the girl child
extends beyond today, and we will continue to nurture their aspirations through this annual initiative,” she
said.

Dr. Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and
encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their aspirations with
determination.

The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and
girls through programmes including its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s
Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-
Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses through business support and
access to credit at discounted rates.

Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending this commitment to a younger generation,
equipping girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute
meaningfully to their communities and society.

The post Zenith Bank empowers 300 schoolgirls through maiden girl-child empowerment programme appeared first on Ivory NG.

Nigeria recorded the world’s largest increase in multidimensional poverty, with 17.9 million additional people falling into poverty between 2021 and 2024, according to the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index.

The report, published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, showed a reversal of Nigeria’s progress in poverty reduction between 2018 and 2021.

Nigeria recorded a higher increase than Afghanistan, where 5.3 million additional people became multidimensionally poor during its latest assessment period.

“In absolute terms, the largest increase in the number of poor people is seen in Nigeria… 17.9 million people became multidimensionally poor,” the report stated.

The index measures deprivation beyond income, including access to healthcare, education, electricity, clean water, sanitation, adequate housing and nutrition.

According to the report’s harmonised comparison, Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty rate rose from 33 per cent in 2021 to 38.7 per cent in 2024, while the number of affected people increased from 72.21 million to 90.07 million.

A separate 2024 national estimate put the number of multidimensionally poor Nigerians at 113.32 million, representing 48.7 per cent of the population. The figure uses a different estimation method and is not directly comparable with the historical comparison.

The report identified Kebbi, Yobe and Sokoto among the states with the highest poverty burdens, while Lagos recorded the lowest Multidimensional Poverty Index value.

Globally, 1.2 billion people were living in acute multidimensional poverty, including 617 million children under 18.
The findings highlight Nigeria’s challenge in achieving the United Nations’ goal of reducing poverty in all its forms by at least half by 2030.

The post 7.9m Nigerians fall into multidimensional poverty in 3 years of Tinubu’s administration – UN appeared first on Ivory NG.

First Tirad Global Resources Ltd and its majority shareholder have sued First City Monument Bank (FCMB) over an alleged unauthorised disclosure of the former’s bank statement to a third party.

First Tirad and Funmilola Soyebo, its largest shareholder and sole signatory to the bank account, are the first and second claimants in the suit. The duo are demanding the sum of N5 billion in damages.

According to the statement of claim, First Tirad maintained a corporate account with the FCMB, with the second claimant listed as the sole authorised signatory.

The claimants alleged that the bank disclosed the company’s account statement to a third party who had no authority or mandate to obtain the financial records.

According to the claimants, the incident occurred on April 8, 2026, when the third party allegedly contacted a former FCMB account officer, identified as Taofeeq Are, through WhatsApp to request the company’s account statement covering January 1 to April 8, 2026.

The claimants alleged that Are subsequently contacted a serving FCMB account officer, identified as Olutunde Oyasola, who generated the statement and sent screenshots to him.

They further alleged that the screenshots were subsequently forwarded to the third party through WhatsApp.

The claimants argued that the transaction was unauthorised and amounted to a breach of the bank’s obligation to protect customers’ financial and commercial information.

They also alleged that the statement contained sensitive information, including details of a rent payment, which exposed the second claimant’s residential address and personal information.

The claimants said the disclosure compromised the confidentiality of the company’s financial records and raised concerns about the security of the second claimant’s personal information.

In a letter dated July 8 and addressed to the managing partner of Moroom Africa, FCMB said it investigated a complaint concerning the disclosure of information relating to an account belonging to First Tirad Global Resources Ltd. The letter identified Soyebo as the account’s sole authorised signatory.

According to the bank, its investigation established that on April 8, 2026, Hammed Adebayo, a co-director of First Tirad, contacted Taofeeq Are, a former FCMB account officer, through WhatsApp to request the company’s account statement covering January 1 to April 8, 2026.

The bank said Are subsequently contacted Olutunde Oyasola, a serving FCMB account officer, and requested his assistance in processing the request.

“Regrettably, Mr. Olutunde Oyasola generated the account statement and shared screenshots of the same with Mr. Taofeeq Are, who thereafter forwarded it to Mr. Hammed Adebayo through WhatsApp,” the letter reads.

FCMB acknowledged that the disclosure was wholly unauthorised and inconsistent with its internal policies, data protection obligations, and ethical standards.

“Under no circumstances should customer account information be disclosed to any person who lacks the requisite mandate or authorization to receive such information, irrespective of any relationship the person may have with the customer or signatory to the account,” the bank said.

The financial institution said it treats breaches of customer confidentiality with the utmost seriousness.

The bank said it had taken “appropriate disciplinary measures” against the employee involved and implemented additional controls to reinforce compliance with its data protection, information security and customer confidentiality requirements. These measures are aimed at preventing any recurrence of similar incidents,” the letter said.

“The Bank deeply regrets this unfortunate occurrence and unreservedly apologizes to your client for the distress, concern, and inconvenience it may have caused.”

In their court filings, the claimants said the disclosure compromised their confidential financial and commercial information.

They said the account statement was released without their knowledge, consent or authorisation and that the recipient had no mandate to obtain the records through the bank.

The second claimant also said the statement contained details of a rent payment that exposed her residential address and other personal information.

The claimants argued that the disclosure amounted to a breach of confidentiality and raised concerns about the security of their financial and personal information.

They are asking the court to declare that FCMB’s disclosure of the account statement was unlawful and breached its duty of confidentiality to First Tirad Global Resources Ltd.

They are also seeking a declaration that the disclosure violated applicable privacy and data protection obligations.

In addition, the claimants want the court to hold the bank liable for negligence and the acts or omissions of its employees in connection with the incident.

They are demanding N5 billion in general, aggravated and/or exemplary damages for breach of confidentiality, negligence, breach of contractual and statutory obligations, invasion of privacy, and the consequential losses and business exposure they claimed to have suffered.

The claimants are also seeking an order restraining FCMB from further disclosing, disseminating or using the disputed account statement, alongside an order directing the bank to pay the cost of the action.

They said the court should also declare that the subsequent exhibition and reliance on the statement in court proceedings caused additional prejudice and injury to their interests.

The court is yet to determine the claims or make a ruling on the dispute.

The post Customer drags FCMB to court over unauthorised disclosure of bank statement, demands N5bn in damages appeared first on Ivory NG.

Alpha Morgan Bank Limited has announced the relocation of its Head Office from 44 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, to 52 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, marking a new chapter in the Bank’s growth and nationwide expansion.

The move follows significant milestones, including the expansion of its branch network across several cities. Within its first 10 months of operations, the Bank recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₦1.9 billion and exceeded its capitalisation threshold, reflecting strong early momentum.

Beyond financial performance, Alpha Morgan Bank continues to invest in people through inclusive recruitment, support communities through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, and promote economic knowledge sharing through the quarterly Alpha Morgan Economic Review webinar with Bismarck Rewane.

Commenting on the relocation, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ade Buraimo, said: “The relocation of our Head Office from Adetokunbo Ademola, Abuja to Adetokunbo Ademola, Lagos is unique and exciting, representing an important step in our growth journey. Our achievements so far reflect the dedication of our people, the trust of our customers and our commitment to building a strong, accessible and sustainable financial institution.’’

He also thanked the regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their continued support to the Bank and expressed appreciation to the board, management and entire staff for the journey so far.

The bank remains committed to strengthening its nationwide presence, deepening customer relationships and creating lasting value for the communities it serves.

The post Alpha Morgan bank relocates head office to Lagos, marks new chapter of growth  appeared first on Ivory NG.

The post ARISE TV suspends Prof. Anthony Kila over fake academic credentials appeared first on Ivory NG.

Theophilus Moses, the traditional ruler of Moko-Ama, a community in Sangana, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, within the Akassa Kingdom is dead.

He reportedly died as a result of complications from liposuction, a form of cosmetic surgery on October 9.

He was aged 64.

He was crowned Amadabo of Moko-Ama in 2016, a position he reportedly described as a divine calling. Beyond his traditional responsibilities, he held leadership positions within the Ijaw community, including serving as chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

As chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, Theophilus advocated unity among royal houses and supported efforts to establish a written constitution for the council, according to reports on his death.

His leadership also extended to community development, with tributes describing him as an advocate of peace, unity and development in the Niger Delta.

As of the time of filing this report, no verified statement from the monarch’s family or palace authorities confirming the precise circumstances of his death had been established from the available sources.

The post Theophilus Moses, Bayelsa traditional ruler dies after complications from cosmetic surgery appeared first on Ivory NG.

The post Apostle Suleman acquires another private jet appeared first on Ivory NG.

The ancient city of Onitsha is set to welcome another landmark celebration of its cultural heritage as the 2026 Ofala Festival gets underway, with Globacom continuing its longstanding association with the revered royal institution as official sponsor.

Marking the 25th Ofala of the reign of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the festival brings together tradition, community and contemporary aspirations under the theme “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru: Strive and Advance, From Resilience to Progress.”

With the partnership now spanning more than 15 years, the telecommunications giant’s continued involvement underscores its commitment to supporting cultural institutions that preserve identity while creating space for communities to engage with the future.

Rooted in the royal traditions of Onitsha, Ofala has grown from a sacred rite of renewal into a major cultural celebration that showcases the community’s heritage, creativity and collective aspirations. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to connect generations while keeping tradition firmly within the present.

Among the major activities lined up for the 2026 celebration are the Obi’s sacred period of seclusion and ceremonial emergence, the Medical, Health and Wellbeing Community Outreach, the international Oreze Art Exhibition, the Youth Carnival and the climax of Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala.

For Globacom, the relationship with Ofala reflects its belief that heritage and progress are complementary forces. The company’s “Never Settle for Less” philosophy similarly speaks to honouring strong foundations while continually seeking greater possibilities and advancing beyond existing limits.

Through its continued support, Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications company is reinforcing its role in initiatives that celebrate cultural identity, strengthen communities and promote a more connected society.

As Onitsha prepares to celebrate its heritage once again, Ofala 2026 offers a reminder that progress does not require a people to leave their roots behind but can be built on the strength of where they come from.

The post GLO brings heritage, progress to Ofala 2026 appeared first on Ivory NG.

Billionaire businessman, Sayuu Dantata is about to lose three of his prized possession over his inability to pay import duty on them.

The possession, three aircraft – a 2011 Beechcraft King Air 350i with serial number FL-750; a 2013 Gulfstream G550 with serial number 5455 and a 2018 Robinson R66 helicopter – are being withheld by Nigerian Customs Service over N2.31 billion unpaid import duty.

To this end, the Nigeria Customs is seeking a final order for the seizure, condemnation and forfeiture of the aircraft under sections 245 and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The agency wants ownership and possession of the aircraft on behalf of the federal government, with authority to sell or otherwise dispose of them. According to the court filing, the NCS arrived at the N2,312,946,260 duty claim using a five percent duty rate. On that basis, the agency’s calculation puts the combined value of the three aircraft at about N46.3 billion.

The NCS alleged that the aircraft were brought into Nigeria without the required declaration, permit, approval or payment of import duty. The service also alleged that the respondents misrepresented or failed to declare the actual purpose and status of the aircraft when they were brought into the country. The NCS said the forfeiture order was necessary to prevent the aircraft from being taken out of Nigeria and thereby frustrate enforcement.

Dantata who is the founder of MRS Holdings, a downstream petroleum group is also a half-brother of Aliko Dangote and a member of the Dantata business family in Kano. The matter has been adjourned until October 22, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The post Is Sayuu Dantata Broke? appeared first on Ivory NG.