Bank Merger

Union Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of the age-long and waxing stronger financial institutions in Nigeria has successful completes its merger with Titan Trust Bank Limited following a final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The milestone feat has concluded a process that began with the signing of a Share Sale Agreement in 2021 which positions Union Bank as an even stronger force within Nigeria’s financial services sector.

 Under the terms of the merger Union Bank has fully absorbed Titan Trust Bank’s operations and assets; the combined institution will continue to operate under the Union Bank brand while Titan Trust Bank ceases to exist as a separate entity.

With an expanded footprint of over 293 service centres and 937 ATMs nationwide, supported by strengthened digital channels,l Union Bank is poised to deliver enhanced value across retail, SME and corporate segments.

The merger combines Union Bank’s trusted heritage with Titan Trust’s agility and innovation, creating a platform for sustainable growth and broader financial inclusion.

Union Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mrs Yetunde Oni described the development as a pivotal moment in the 108-year journey of the bank and a launchpad for delivering greater value to our its customers.

Blending stability with innovation Union Bank is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Nigerians as well be their most trusted financial partner.

Also speaking on the transaction, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bayo Adeleke, said it is a new era of growth, collaboration and shared prosperity; which brings together the strengths of both institutions.

Adeleke emphasised the bank's commitment to creating lasting value for customers, shareholders and communities; while advancing Nigeria’s financial inclusion agenda.

The Bank has assured customers that there will be no disruption to existing services; as their account details remain unchanged and customers would continue to access a full suite of products and services seamlessly with an accelerated push towards enhanced digital solutions.

A strategic consolidation that strengthens Union Bank’s market position, unlocks operational synergies and underscores its ambition to deliver a modern, robust and inclusive banking experience for all.

Ogudu/Ifako Bridge Repairs

Lagos State Govt. Begins 2nd Phase Repair Works

The Lagos State Government has announced the resumption of the second phase of repair works on the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge (inbound Lagos Island) which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday September 3rd 2025.

This was disclosed Tuesday in a statement  signed by the Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi; who said the traffic advisory issued by the ministry has provided alternative routes for inbound motorists.

Vehicles heading to Oshodi from the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway or Toll Gate can make use of the Ojota Slip Road to connect Ikorodu Road (inward Anthony, by Taxi Park).

Motorists going to Victoria Island may link through Ojota Slip Road to Ikorodu Road (inward Anthony, by Town Planning Way) to  link Gbagada, to access the Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos Island.

Drivers from Ikeja and its environs can proceed via Maryland to Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, to make use of the Eko Bridge to Outer Marina.

The commissioner explained that the repair works followed a review of the traffic management plan to ease the congestion experienced during the first phase of the project.

Osiyemi appealed to motorists to cooperate with the Traffic Management Officers to maintain lane discipline while making use of the provided alternative routes.

The Commissioner for Transportation emphasised that the partial closure of the bridge had become necessary as part of the maintenance programme.

Osiyemi urged motorists to plan their journeys accordingly as well cooperate with officers on the ground to minimise delays during the repair works.

LASG Warns Against Incentives For Touts

The Lagos State Government has advised celebrities, influencers and the residents of the state not to give money to touts saying such gestures only worsen insecurity and environmental challenges.

State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab who stated this on Tuesday September 2, 2025 via a post on his "X" handle cautioned celebrities, influencers and other well-meaning Lagosians to desist from giving money to miscreants.

Wahab said: “Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness.”

He added that what many people regard as kindness often makes enforcement harder.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources remarks followed a video shared by a Lagos resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja on his X, showing touts and luxury car content creators running after a convoy believed to be conveying Afrobeats star Burna Boy along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

While the touts attempted to solicit money from the artiste others around were filming him for content but were prevented by the singer's security details from reaching his car.

The commissioner therefore maintained that the government is committed to addressing the menace urging residents to support his efforts by not enticing miscreants with money.

Sexual Assault

Jamaican-British Actor Michael Ward Faces Rape Charges

Jamaican born British actor Michael Ward has been charged with rape and sexual assault.

The 27 year old Top Boy and Eddington actor Ward; appeared at the Thames Magistrates' Court in London to face a two count rape charge and sexual assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault against a lady in January 2023.

In July 2025 Ward had denied all charges in a statement saying he had cooperated with police throughout their investigation.

He has been granted conditional bail and he is to appear at the Snaresbrook Crown Court come September 25th 2025.

Notting Hill Carnival 2025

The Jamboree: The Good, The Ugly Sides Of The Caribbean Carnival.

Though the 2025 edition of the Notting Hill Carnival; an annual Caribbean jamboree which is the largest street party in Europe might have come and gone.

The London street carnival which has been held on the streets of the Notting Hill area of Kensington since 1966 represents the "five disciplines of carnival": masquerade, calypso, soca, steelpan and sound systems.

The Notting Hill Carnival aimed at celebrating the uniqueness of the Caribbean culture which is being led by members of the British Caribbean community attracts millions of people globally; including Nigerians. And it's never a dull moment at the Naija corner of the carnival.

The annual jamboree also had its ugly side. 

Four people were reported to have been stabbed during the 2025 Notting Hill Carnival; the least knife attacks since 2017.

In 2017 there were 12 cases of stabbings; though non fatal. In 2018 there were seven knife attacks while in 2019 there were 18 cases of non fatal stabbings.

Not to forget, in 2022 there were seven cases of non fatal stabbings and 10 cases of knife attacks in 2023. While eight stabbings were reported in 2024.

Kashim Shettima @59

‎President Tinubu Lauds Vice President Shettima On His Birthday 

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on the occasion of his 59th birthday celebration.

In a statement the President lauded Vice President Shettima's courage, doggedness and tenacity to nation building.

Tinubu emphasised on the celebrant's  excellent service as Governor of Borno State for eight years and later as Senator representing Borno Central in the National Assembly; describing his leadership style as service to humanity and not a privilege.

The ‎President expressed his deep appreciation to Vice President Shettima's vibrancy loyalty partnership and support as his vice while acknowledging Shettima's passion for democracy good governance.and economic development.

MISS UNIVERSE NIGERIA 2025

 By Anu Awojobi          

Miss Anambra Onyinyechi Basil Emerges Winner Of "Miss Universe Nigeria" Beauty Pageant

Abia State born Nigerian beauty queen 

Onyinyechi Basil; representing "Miss Anambra" has emerged winner at the 2025 Miss Universe Nigeria beauty contest held Saturday August 30th in Lagos.

Onyinyechi alongside 21 other beauty queens slugged it out from the onset of the competition before advancing to the grand finale with 9 other contestants.