Wema Bank Meets Central Bank of Nigeria’s Recapitalisation; Retains National Banking License

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has successfully met and surpassed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation requirements, reaffirming its status as a National bank. This achievement represents a critical milestone in the Bank’s growth journey, reflecting its ability to meet regulatory expectations and its deliberate strategy to scale sustainably, strengthen its balance sheet, and reinforce its position within Nigeria’s banking sector.

The milestone follows the Bank’s successful completion of a ₦150 billion Rights Issue and an additional ₦50 billion special placement in 2025, bringing its Total Qualifying Capital to ₦264.7 billion, well above the regulatory minimum. This achievement was concluded six months ahead of the CBN’s stipulated deadline, further reinforcing the Bank’s strong financial position, shareholder confidence, and long-term growth trajectory.

My birthday will now be celebrated on November 30th - Peter Okoye announces seperate birthday from the one shared with his twin brother, Paul Okoye

 Singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P of the now defunct group P-Square, has declared a separate birthday from the November 18, 1981 birthday he shares with his twin brother, Paul Okoye.

He made the announcement via his X handle today April 20. According to him, his birthday will now be celebrated on November 30th. 

 The move comes amidst the strained relationship with his twin brother, Paul Okoye and their older brother, Jude Okoye, following P-Square’s split years ago.

 

Adron Homes Powers Ibadan Cultural Festival, Strengthens Cultural Influence

 

Adron Homes and Properties Limited delivered a commanding performance at the grand finale of the 2026 Ibadan Cultural Festival, firmly establishing its dominance as Nigeria’s leading real estate brand. At the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, the company did not just sponsor the event, it took control of the narrative, transforming the cultural celebration into a powerful showcase of brand strength, innovation, and market authority.

With the presence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside a distinguished assembly of traditional rulers, high chiefs, and top government dignitaries, Adron Homes leveraged the high-profile platform to reinforce its influence at the intersection of culture, community, and modern development. The royal commendation from the Olubadan, who openly praised the company’s contribution, further cemented Adron’s growing stature as a key driver of cultural and socio-economic advancement.

Iran military command closes Strait of Hormuz

 

Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, April 18, hours after reopening it, Its military command said. 

On Friday, April 17, Tehran declared the strait open after a ceasefire was agreed in Lebanon to halt Israel’s war with Hezbollah 

The Strait usually carries a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas and with Iran opening it, oil prices plunged. 

After Iran reopened the waterway on Friday, President Donald Trump said the US blockade would remain in place “until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete”. 

Adron Homes Champions Cultural Heritage at Ibadan Cultural Festival 2026

 

All roads lead to the iconic Lekan Salami Stadium tomorrow as Adron Homes and Properties takes center stage in celebrating culture, history, and community at the grand finale of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2026.

In a bold demonstration of its commitment to preserving Nigeria’s socio-cultural heritage, Adron Homes is proudly sponsoring this year’s festival, reinforcing its role as a corporate institution that goes beyond real estate to actively supporting the traditions and identity of its host communities.

The Ibadan Cultural Festival, a time-honored celebration of the people, history, and legacy of Ibadanland, has once again drawn widespread attention, uniting sons and daughters of the ancient city alongside dignitaries, cultural custodians, and enthusiasts. As anticipation builds for tomorrow’s grand finale, the city is already aglow with excitement, color, and cultural pride.

World Athletics blocks Favour Ofili’s request to dump Nigeria for Turkey

 World Athletics has rejected Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili's application to switch her allegiance to Turkey. 

Ofili was hoping to represent the European country at the 2028 Olympics. 

In a document released on Thursday, April 16, the World Athletics Nationality Review Panel ruled that the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation would not be approved after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the request. 

South Africa Opposition Leader, Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years In prison

 Julius Malema has been sentenced to five years in prison by a South African court for illegally firing a firearm during a political rally.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader was convicted over a 2018 incident in which he discharged a semi-automatic rifle into the air during the party’s fifth anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape.

Delivering the ruling in East London, Magistrate Twanet Olivier said Malema had deliberately violated firearm laws. “It wasn’t… an impulsive act. It was the event of the evening,” she stated, rejecting arguments that the action was spontaneous.

Malema had been found guilty last year on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a weapon in a public space, and reckless endangerment. In his defence, he claimed the firearm was not his and said he fired the shots to energise the crowd.

Adron Homes Unveils Sallah Mega Promo with 30% Discount and Exciting Gift Rewards for Subscribers

 

As the festive spirit of Eid al-Adha (Sallah) approaches, Adron Homes & Properties, Nigeria’s leading real estate company, has announced a nationwide Sallah Mega Promo designed to reward subscribers with unbeatable discounts, flexible payment plans, and exciting gift items.

The limited-time promotional campaign aims to empower Nigerians to celebrate the season of sacrifice with both joy and long-term investment security by making property ownership more accessible and rewarding. Subscribers can enjoy a 30% discount on all plots across Adron estates nationwide, alongside a flexible payment plan of up to 36 months. In addition, clients can spread their initial deposit over four months, easing financial pressure while securing valuable real estate assets.

Wema Bank Releases Full Year 2025 Audited Financial Results …Declares ₦221.85bn Profit Before Tax, ₦1.25 Dividend, Total Assets hit ₦5 trillion mark.

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has released its FY 2025 Audited Financial Results, achieving record-breaking growth and unparalleled performance across several key metrics.

Key figures include the doubling of the Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) from ₦102.5bn in FY 2024 to ₦221.9bn, an impressive 116.4% increase. Profit After Tax (PAT) also surged by 125.4% from FY 2024’s ₦86.2bn to ₦194.5bn. Total assets also reached the 5 trillion mark, with the attainment of ₦5.07tn, a 41.5% increase from FY 2024’s ₦3.59tn, reflecting a growingly resilient balance sheet. Gross earnings increased by 52.8% to ₦660.6 billion from ₦432.3 billion in FY 2024, a feat driven largely by a 62.7% growth in interest income, reflecting improved yields on earning assets and growth in the loan book. 

Tanzania president slashes convoy, orders officials to travel by bus over fuel crisis

 Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan has reduced her convoy and ordered government officials to travel in a single bus during official trips to reduce fuel consumption amid shortages caused by the war between the US, Israel, and Iran.

 

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for officials on Wednesday, April 8. Hassan said that during her official trips, only her core convoy, including her escort, police, and a backup vehicle, would remain in the official motorcade.

Wema Bank Unveils New Jingle for ALAT: The Evolution

Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.

Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.

Pepsi withdraws all Wireless Festival funding after rapper Kanye West backlash

 Pepsi has withdrawn its sponsorship of Wireless Festival following backlash over Kanye West being announced as the headline act.

The decision comes amid growing criticism of the rapper’s inclusion in the festival lineup, with concerns raised over his past controversial statements and actions.

A spokesperson confirmed the move, stating: “Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival.” The withdrawal is significant, as the company has been a major partner of the festival since 2015, with the 2026 edition previously branded as “Pepsi presents Wireless.”

Beauty Meets Glamour as Olaide Ogunyemi Opens New Studio in Mushin

 

Popular Nollywood actress and professional makeup artiste, Olaide Ogunyemi Oluwayemisi aka Damilola, has expanded her footprint in the beauty industry with the grand opening of her new makeup studio in Lagos.

The talented thespian, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of @Dobc_makeovers_andmore, officially unveiled the ultra-modern beauty space last Thursday, April 2, 2026, in a colourful ceremony filled with glamour, fashion, and pageantry.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Welcomes President Tinubu to Gateway International Airport Commissioning in Iperu-Remo

In a momentous occasion that underscores the rapid infrastructural advancement of Ogun State, renowned real estate mogul and philanthropist, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, warmly received the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the official commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, located in Iperu-Remo.

The landmark event, held under the visionary leadership of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, marks a significant stride in the state’s economic transformation agenda, positioning Ogun as a key hub for aviation, commerce, and investment in Nigeria.

Governor Mutfwang defends staying in an armoured vehicle to speak to Jos residents after Palm Sunday attack that claimed 28 lives

 Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau state, has defended his use of an armoured personnel carrier during a visit to Angwan Rukuba in Jos north, following a deadly attack, saying his actions were misrepresented on social media.

The governor visited the community after suspected bandits killed about 28 people and injured several others, arriving with a heavy security presence that included an armoured vehicle from which he initially addressed residents.

Videos from the scene quickly circulated online, sparking criticism and claims that he acted out of fear, but Mutfwang rejected that interpretation. Speaking during a television interview, he said security protocol guided the decision, not personal fear.

“The security personnel have a duty to protect me, and if they assess that the situation they perceived was hostile, they had a duty to protect me,” he said. Mutfwang explained that he had been in Abuja for official engagements when he received news of the attack and immediately returned to the state.

Three teenagers arrested for allegedly sh00ting 14-year-old boy to death in broad daylight in London

 

A 14-year-old boy has been shot dead in broad daylight in south-east London, with three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police were called to reports of a shooting on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich at around 3.40pm on Thursday. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. Two boys aged 14 and 16, along with an 18-year-old man, have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody as investigations continue.

Adron Homes Celebrates Visionary Chairman, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, at 51

The management and staff of Adron Homes and Properties Limited have joined family, friends, associates, and well-wishers across the globe to celebrate their Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, as he marks his 51st birthday.

In a statement released by the company, the milestone was described as a celebration of an exceptional leader whose vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance have not only transformed Adron Homes into a household name in Nigeria’s real estate sector but have also redefined affordable housing across the country.

President Tinubu postpones Ogun trip, heads to Plateau over k!llings

 President Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Ogun State and will instead travel to Jos, Plateau State, to commiserate with families of those k!lled by suspected terrorists in Angwan Rukuba community on Sunday, March 30. 

Over 40 persons have been confirmed de@d after gunmen attacked the community on Palm Sunday.

The decision to travel to Plateau was contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,On Wednesday, April 1.

The President was earlier scheduled to visit Iperu, Ogun State, on Thursday to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport. The statement reads

''I have postponed my trip to Iperu, Ogun State. My first duty at this moment is to stand with the people of Plateau.

Police arrest football fan following alleged racist abuse aimed at Sunderland star Lutsharel Geertruida

 A 45-year-old man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse during last month’s Tyne-Wear derby.

 

The game between Newcastle United and Sunderland was stopped after Black Cats player Lutsharel Geertruida reported a racist slur directed at him from someone in the crowd.

 

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped the contest for three minutes, in accordance with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. 

 

On Wednesday, Northumbria Police confirmed that a 45-year-old man from the Gateshead area was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence and has been released on bail pending further investigation.

The pause in play continued for a lengthy period, and referee Anthony Taylor called Newcastle captain Kieran Trippier over to the dugout to discuss matters with both managers and TV production staff. 

Adron Homes Elevates Cultural Pride as Dignitaries Grace 39th Lisabi Festival in Abeokuta

 

The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in a grand display of culture, history, and unity as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged at the iconic Ake Palace Ground for the 39th edition of the Lisabi Festival, an annual celebration deeply rooted in the Egba people's heritage.

The event, proudly supported by Adron Homes and Properties Limited, witnessed an impressive parade of distinguished personalities, traditional rulers, government officials, business leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, all captured in vibrant pictures that tell the story of a people united by history and pride.