Diamond Bank Promotes 850 Employees

Diamond Bank has announced the promotion of over 850 employees of its workforce who have distinguished themselves in performance and in living the core values of the bank.

According to a statement issued by the bank tuesday, “these members of staff will be part of the talent pipeline in the coming years as they have distinguished themselves at the junior levels and therefore need to be encouraged and developed to take up critical positions in the future.”

BREAKING: Protesting Arik Air workers shut down Lagos operations

The  staff of Arik Air are currently staging a protest at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed airport over the airline’s failure to pay seven months salary arrears and other anti-labour practices.

The protesters displayed placards containing messages communicating their grievances. The National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers had in a joint statement on Monday ordered its members to commence the strike.

Buhari, Obasanjo to attend South-East Economic and Security Summit

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, and former President, Olusegun Obasnajo, will be leading other eminent personalities and delegates to attend the maiden South-East Economic & Security Summit - SEESS 2016 – holding at the Enugu State Government House, Independence Layout, Enugu on Thursday, 22nd December 2016.

The summit, which is an initiative of the South-East Economic & Security Summit (SEESS) Group - a non-governmental organization made up of top business, military, political, religious and community leaders from Nigeria’s southeast region - is aimed at addressing real issues affecting the peace and development of the southeast, proffering practical solutions and initiating a definitive course of action with pragmatic delineation of roles towards fast-paced economic and secure advancement of the region.

Diamond Bank Maintains Stable Growth in Q3 2016 ...Assets surge to N2.05trn

Diamond Bank on Friday released its Q3 2016 performance scorecard on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showcasing moderate growth in key financial parameters. 

For the nine months under review, the group recorded a growth of 16.9 per cent in total assets, which grew from N1.753 trillion in the same period last year to N2.05 trillion. This was driven mainly by the value of the local currency and growth in customer deposits, which surged 13.6 per cent from N1.233 billion as at the end of September 2015 to N1.401 billion in the current business year, demonstrating the Bank’s strong ability and network to generate cheap deposits from the retail and middle market segments. 

Senate Okays Reintroduction of Tolls on Federal roads

The Senate on Tuesday passed a motion seeking to revive collection of tolls on federal highways across the country.

It said collection of toll, from motorists was the only way to construct and maintain roads and enhance their efficiency.

Brazil Legend Carlos Alberto Dies at 72

Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto has died of a heart attack at the age of 72, former club Santos has announced.

Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of all time, Carlos Alberto is most fondly remembered for scoring the stunning fourth goal in Brazil’s 4-1 final win over Italy at Mexico 1970.

KPMG Survey Indicates 42% of Customers Use Online Banking Platforms

KPMG Nigeria has developed a retail customer satisfaction survey to improve the growth of banking in Nigeria and other countries in Africa .

The report also showed that 42 per cent of bank customers in Nigeria use online banking platforms to carry out transactions.

The firm explained that the report was part of its drive to chart a solid road map for the sector and stakeholders.

I pledge my service to God and Edo People - Obaseki

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 28 Edo Governorship elections, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has promised that he would govern the state with a deep sense of duty to God and the people of Edo when elected into office.

Obaseki, who is a fourth generation Christian of the Anglican faith, made the pledge at the Birthday Ceremony of Pastor Rex omosefe, the Head Pastor of Royal World Ministry, Benin City.

Emir Sanusi, Awosika, Utomi for Banking Sector Report Launch

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika, and renowned Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, will lead other prominent bankers, economists and management experts from within and outside the country to attend the launch of the 2016 Nigerian Banking Sector Report on Wednesday, September 21 at the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos.

Afrinvest to launch 2016 Banking Sector Report September 21

Ike Chioke

Leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, is set to unveil the 2016 edition of its annual Nigerian Banking Sector Report on Wednesday, 21st September at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Ike Chioke, Managing Director of Afrinvest, revealed that this year’s report, which is the 11th edition since its inception in 2006, is titled ‘Searching for Investor Confidence.’

According to him, “The 2016 Banking Sector Report chronicles developments within the global and domestic economy in relation to monetary and fiscal policy responses to shocks while also contextualizing the impact of policy decisions on domestic macroeconomic variables.

CBN Provides N1.9bn Loans to 12,405 Farmers

The Central Bank of Nigeria said it provided a total of N1.99bn to 12,405 farmers under its Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme during the second quarter of this year.

The ACGS is an initiative of the CBN set up to fast-track the development of the agricultural sector of the economy by providing credit facilities to farmers at a single digit interest rate.

It was aimed at enhancing national food security by increasing food supply and effecting lower agricultural product prices.

Wawrinka stuns Djokovic to clinch US Open

Stan Wawrinka became the oldest US Open men’s champion in 46 years when he defeated world number one Novak Djokovic to claim a third Grand Slam title on Sunday.

Wawrinka, the 31-year-old third seed, triumphed 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 after almost four hours of high intensity tennis.

Better Days Ahead, Obaseki Assures Edo Citizens, Congratulates Muslims

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 28 Edo gubernatorial elections, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, while congratulating the Muslim faithful across Nigeria on the Eid-el Kabir celebrations, has assured Edo people of better days ahead.

Obaseki, in his Eid-el kabir message, expressed optimism that Edo State and Nigeria in general will rise above the current economic challenges confronting her, and become a truly prosperous state where every citizen is empowered with opportunity to live life in its fullness.

Edo 2016: APC alleges plot by PDP to unleash mayhem, rig Elections

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to unleash violence and cause confusion in the state so as to pave way for them to rig the gubernatorial elections scheduled for September 10.

According to a statement released by the party, “no less than 500 militants from Delta are being mobilized to critical areas of Edo State to carry out this evil plan using the waterways. The primary targets are Edo-North using the River Niger to access areas around Agenebode; Edo-South, via the Osse River; and Edo Central, via Ilushi River.”

Diamond Bank Partners FG on IT Innovation Campaign and Start-Ups’ Incubation

L-R: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook; Yemi Osibanjo, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communication; and Chris Ogbechie, Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc, at the Aso Villa Demo Day Event held in Aso Villa , Abuja recently. 

Diamond Bank has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government in a renewed drive to unlock the huge creative potential of technology Start-Ups in Nigeria and stimulate massive growth and development in the information technology sector.

The project is part of the Bank’s commitment to drive and develop capacity in the IT segment of the economy, and help stimulate creative solutions amongst young IT entrepreneurs in the country. 

Obaseki Shines at Debate, Ize-Iyamu Fumbles

The flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 10 Edo governorship elections, Godwin Obaseki, emerged as the clear winner from the gubernatorial debate organized by Channels Television between the candidates in the governorship race - ahead of Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the factional candidate of the major opposition, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

According to those present in the audience, Obaseki was the most outstanding of the four runners in the 90-minute televised debate from Best Western Hotel, Benin City. He exuded confidence as he expertly responded to a series of questions ranging from how he would tackle the problem of insecurity in the state; plans to diversify and significantly boost the economy of Edo; and steps to tackle unemployment and create 200,000 jobs in 4 years.

Apple's MacBook Pros to Get Two Major Upgrades

Apple will soon offer all-new MacBook Pros that will come both with a Touch ID sensor for fingerprint security support, as well as an organic light-emitted diode (OLED) “touchbar” that will sit above the device’s keyboard, Apple-tracking site 9to5Mac is reporting, citing a source who claims to have knowledge of the company’s plans. The OLED touch bar would be a display strip above the keyboard, which would provide users quick access to a wide variety of functions and notifications, depending on user preference.

Obiano Apologizes Publicly To Peter Obi

Willie Obiano, Anambra State Governor, has publicly apologized to his predecessor, Mr Peter Obi, asking him to forgive any wrong done to him.

He Governor did this in the presence of thousands of former school mates and a large number of priests who were present to honour the late renowned teacher and principal known for discipline, love, forgiveness and unity.

Willie, who is an old student of the Christ the King College, Onitsha as well as his predecessor, made the open plea during the burial mass of their School Principal, Reverend Father Nicholas Tagbo, at the premises of their alma mater.

World heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury faces UK Anti-Doping charge

World heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been charged with a doping offence by the UK's anti-doping body.

Ukad revealed it suspended Fury on 24 June - the day the Briton announced he was pulling out his his rematch with Wladimir Klitschko because of injury.

Dogara Gave $25,000 to each Rep, says Jibrin

Former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, on Wednesday alleged that the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, handed out $25,000 to lawmakers so that they could pass a vote of confidence on the speaker.

Jibrin claimed that Dogara opened a register at his Asokoro guest house where each member who signed was handed the cash.

NIDF set to pay 37th coupon to investors

Investors in the Nigerian International Debt Fund (NIDF) – an NSE listed mutual fund that invests in fixed income securities of Federal and State Governments - will get N3.32 per note as the Fund Managers, Afrinvest Asset Management Limited (AAML), commence payment of the interim coupon for the 2016 financial year on July 28, 2016.

This represents the 37th coupon since the creation of the Fund in 1997.

Dr. Dre Accused Of Pulling Gun On Road Raged Motorcyclist

Dr. Dre got into it with a motorcyclist outside his home today in Malibu, California when the biker pulled in front of his home and cussed out the West Coast legend when he was asked to leave, reports TMZ.

The N.W.A rapper-producer reportedly pulled out his phone to record the incident and the man called 911, claiming someone pulled a gun on him, according to the celebrity news site.

Verizon buys Yahoo’s core Business for $5bn in Digital ad push

US internet firm Yahoo has being acquired by American telecoms giant Verizon Communications for nearly $5bn (£3.8bn) in cash.

Yahoo will be combined with AOL, another faded internet star, which Verizon bought last year.

Not included in the deal: Yahoo’s 15% stake in Chinese retailing giant Alibaba, worth $32 billion, and its 36% stake in Yahoo Japan, worth about $8 billion. When the transaction closes — which is expected in the first quarter of 2017 — Yahoo will change its name and become a publicly traded investment company, the company said.

Afrinvest Makes New Appointments

Leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, has announced the appointment of Elkin Pianim as a Director of the firm while Michael Chu’di Ejekam has been named a Director for its broker-dealer subsidiary, Afrinvest Securities Limited (ASL).

A Ghanaian national, Pianim’s appointment further reflects the pan-African outlook of Afrinvest, which also has Ms. Fatumata Soukouna, a Liberian national on the board of ASL and Dr. Fidelis Nde-Che, a Cameroonian, as Chairman of its Board of Directors.

11 Dead as Commercial Bus Explodes in Lagos

About 11 persons have been confirmed dead on Thursday after a commercial bus with 14 passengers on board went up in flames on the Otedola Bridge in the Berger area of Lagos.

It was learnt that the deceased comprised eight males and three females while three persons were rescued from the wreckage alive.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu now Chairperson, Senate Committee on Environment as Saraki Reshuffles Senate Chairmen.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Thursday reshuffled the leadership of senate committees.

Amongst the members reshuffled are Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who previously chaired the Committee on Women Affairs. She is now the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Environment.

While former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population, Kabiru Marafa, will now operate as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum.

The Senate President made the announcement shortly before the Senate adjourned on Thursday.

view other members reshuffled after the cut

We are in Talks with the Niger, Delta Militants - Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said that his administration is talking to Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region.

Speaking at a farewell audience with Mr. Michael Zinner, the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria at the State House, President Buhari said that government is studying the instruments of the Amnesty Programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered.

Gucci Mane's "Everybody Looking" Album is Here

The full-length album is the first from Gucci since his early release from prison in May and his confidence around the project has been sky-high. He called it “Album Of The Year” on Instagram recently, and collaborator Mike WiLL Made-It echoed the praise, describing it as the best he’s heard since 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin.

Gucci’s been generous with verses ahead of the official release, starting with “First Day Out Tha Feds” just after gaining his freedom and then following it up with “Waybach,” “Back On Road,” “No Sleep,” “Pussy Print,” and a slew of guest appearances for the likes of Kanye West and Migos.

The Game & Los Angeles Police Department Initiate #StopTheViolence Campaign

The Game continues on his movement to put an end to inner-city violence with the promotion of unity in a new public service announcement featuring Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck.

In a 48-second PSA clip posted to the LAPD‘s official Twitter account, the police chief recited some staggering statistics about the L.A. community.

“Last year in the city of Los Angeles, almost a thousand people were shot,” Beck says. “Almost 300 of them died. 80 percent of the victims, and 80 percent of the shooters, were young men of color.”

Cam'ron To Drop "Killa Season 2" This Fall

Cam'ron's new album 'This fall' will be the return of Killa Season, according to a photo uploaded to the official Cam’ron Facebook page on Tuesday (July 19).

The post doesn’t provide too many details other than a name and a time frame for its release.

Cam mentioned a November release for a new album titled Killa Pink in a Forbes interview a few months ago, but the messaging now seems to indicate that we’re getting Killa Season 2.

Rapper 50 Cent's "Power" Granted Two More Seasons

50 Cent is being rewarded handsomely after the Season 3 premiere of “Power” broke the Starz record for the most-watched episode of an original series in the network’s history. The show is slated for 10 episodes of the third season and then will air Seasons 4 and 5, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sunday’s Season 3 premiere brought 2.2 million viewers to the subscription cable channel, setting a new benchmark and following the footsteps of the Season 2 premiere, which set the record at the time with 1.43 million people tuning in. This is the first season “Power” is being aired on Sunday instead of Saturday.

Didi Akinyelure, Nigerian Business journalist wins BBC World News award

Nigeria’s  business journalist with CNBC Africa, Didi Akinyelure, has won the  BBC World News Komla Dumor Award.

The award, instituted in 2015 in honour of Komla Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News, who died aged 41 in 2014, seeks to “celebrate African journalism and reward exceptional talent,” BBC says.

African Union fails to elect new leader

African heads of state meeting in Kigali failed on Monday to elect a new head of the African Union and will try again in January, an official said.

Current AU Commission President Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was due to stand down but leaders were unable to agree on a successor to lead the executive branch of the continental body during its 27th summit meeting, being held in the Rwandan capital.

Taylor Swift may Sue Kanye West Over Recorded Phone Call

Taylor Swift is not only angry  at Kanye West for taping a phone call in which the two discussed the emcee’s “Famous” lyrics, she’s willing to see him prosecuted for it.

TMZ reported on Monday that the pop-country star threatened the rapper with criminal prosecution months ago for allegedly secretly recording their conversation. That’s illegal in the state of California, where West was reportedly located for his end of the telephone discussion.

NFF names Le Guen new Eagles Head coach, to be Assisted by Salisu Yusuf

The Technical and Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation yesterday named Frenchman, Paul Le Guen as the new Super Eagles head coach, subject to agreement on personal terms. Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, a member of the technical committee, Paul Bassey said Le Guen is to be assisted by Salisu Yusuf and Imama Amapakabo. 

Hadiza Bala Usman assumes Office as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

Bring Back Our Girls group advocate,  Hadiza Bala Usman assumed office as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) today July 18th. Her appointment was announced on July 12th. Bala said she will ensure that the affairs of the Authority are conducted with full accountability, good governance and zero tolerance for corruption.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Seeks Protection from Police

Senator Oluremi Tinubu , former first Lady and currently a Senator of Lagos State has written to the police for protection. See letter after the cut.....

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate hits 16.5%, Highest point since 2005

Vanguard reports that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measuring inflation in the Nigerian economy has risen to its highest point of 16.5 per cent since 2005. Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that inflation for the month of June spiked to its highest point since October 2005 — 11 years. 

Thousands of police officers suspended over Turkey coup attempt

AP

Turkish officials say that nearly 8,000 police officers have been suspended, reportedly on suspicion of having links to the failed coup attempt at the weekend.

Some 6,000 members of the judiciary and military, including generals, have been detained in connection with the coup.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to purge state bodies of the "virus" that caused the revolt. The EU's foreign policy chief says the rule of law in Turkey needs protection. The Turkish government claims cleric Fethullah Gulen was behind the plot.

45 Millionaires Emerge in DiamondXtra Mid-Year Draws

Diamond Bank Plc has added 45 Nigerians to the list of millionaires in the country at its DiamondXtra June Mid-Year and June Monthly Draws. 

In a release made available to the press, 14 customers emerged millionaires at the Bank’s June Monthly draw while another set of 30 customers were made millionaires through its Mid-Year live draw that held at the Ikeja Military Cantonment, Lagos. 

The event which was witnessed by industry stakeholders, customers, potential customers, shareholders, journalists, the general public, management of the Bank and top military officers, saw some military officers winning and carting away various cash prizes. 

Edo Governorship Elections: Business Community Rally Support for Obaseki

The governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag-bearer in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, received a major boost yesterday, as friends and business associates hosted a fundraiser in his honour at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Themed ‘An Evening With GO’, the event, which was well attended by top business leaders, captains of industry, party leaders and government functionaries, also served as the formal launch of ‘The Essential GO’ book – a testimonial biography on the life and passion of Godwin Obaseki.

Government Steals through Agriculture Projects - Olusegun Obasanjo

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo former Nigerian President on Saturday said government had the role of helping agricultural development through policy making and incentive.

But he noted that government direct involvement in production had been discovered to be a channel for stealing.

Obasanjo said this in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, at the first eminent persons business lecture organised by the University of Ibadan’s School of Business and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture.

Former Jay-Z Record Label Mate Memphis Bleek Files For Bankruptcy

The Brooklyn, New York rapper supposedly claimed only $100 in cash in his assets when he filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in March. (This article was first published today [July 13, 2016] and is as follows.) 

Rapper Memphis Bleek has only $100 in cash to his name, according to a report from Bossip.

The website reports that Bleek filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy back in March of this year.

Ikpeazu’s Continuous Stay in Office is Illegal, Says Keyamo

Lagos based lawyer, Festus Keyamo, has said the continuous stay in office of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State despite being sacked by a Federal High Court in Abuja was an aberration.

Keyamo said Ikpeazu ceased to be governor the day Justice Okon Abang delivered the judgment sacking him from office.

News New British prime minister announces Brexit cabinet

New British prime minister, Theresa May was to spend her first full day fleshing out her government on Thursday, after taking office pledging a fresh start as Britain heads towards the EU exit door.

May has rung the changes in appointing her first six ministers, including the surprise nomination of Brexit campaign figurehead Boris Johnson as foreign secretary and other “Leave” campaigners filling posts.

Now she is set to name the new ministers in charge of the important health, education, Scotland, work and business briefs.

Ex Burundi minister Hafsa Mossi shot dead

Hafsa Mossi former Burundian government minister and spokeswoman was shot dead in the capital Bujumbura on Wednesday,July 13, 2016 police said.

“Hon. Mossi assassinated 10.30 in Gihosha”, in the east of Bujumbura by, “two criminals in a vehicle,” police spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye said on Twitter.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Active 'Water-resistant' Fails Test

BBC reports that a  Samsung smartphone advertised as being water-resistant has failed a water immersion test by a leading product review site.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active stopped working after being put in a tank that simulated the effect of being about 5ft (1.5m) underwater.

Consumer Reports repeated its test on a second model, which was also damaged.

Samsung said it was possible defective devices were "not as watertight" as they should have been.

When removed after half an hour, the first phone's display was non-responsive and marred by green lines. Bubbles had also formed in its two camera lenses.

View Photo and Video of Man who Murdered Nigerian Migrant in Italy

His name is Amedeo Mancini. He  was arrested by the Italian police on suspicion of killing Nigerian asylum seeker, Emmanuel Chidi Namdi who was attacked in the small town of Fermo after coming to his wife’s defence. View video after the cut

Leicester Set to announce the Signing of Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow

Leicester City are to finalise the £18million signing of Ahmed Musa from CSKA Moscow after he arrived for a medical.

The deal for the 23-year-old Nigeria international will be announced at the weekend and he hopes to join up with his new team-mates for their training camp in Austria next week.

Musa will be Leicester’s fourth summer signing, after Ron-Robert Zieler, Luis Hernandez and Nampalys Mendy.

No Nigerian Bank is in Distress - CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria has debunked  claims that some banks in Nigeria are distressed. 

In a statement issued and  signed today July 6, 2016, by its acting Director of Corporate Communications, the apex bank stated that neither Skye Bank which it took over its management few days ago nor any other bank in Nigeria, was distressed. The bank in the statement assured Nigerians of the safety of their deposits in any Nigerian bank and advised against panic withdrawals. The statement read: