Senator Natasha Resumption

NASS Clerk Replies Legal Counsel To Lawmaker On Suspension Tussle

The clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana has expressed disappointment concerning the letter received from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives accusing his office of overreach threatening legal and disciplinary action against the clerk. 

In a statement made available by the Director of Information Bullah Bi-Allah explained that while the office of the national assembly clerk respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress the Clerk has at all times acted within the lawful administrative limits and in faithful observance of due process.

Bi-Allah stated that the resumption of legislative duties by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely depended on a resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six-months suspension and not with the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Bi-Allah said the office of the clerk serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the senate in accordance with their resolutions, standing orders and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and does not possess the authority to review, reverse, or interpret the Senate's decisions; neither is it in a position to facilitate the resumption of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

The statement maintained that the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, insisting that no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. 

Sterling HoldCo Growth Momentum

Bank Builds On Upward Trajectory With Robust Q4, 2025 Outlook

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has sustained its growth momentum projecting gross earnings of N149.27 billion for the fourth quarter ending December 31st 2025.

 This projection builds on the Group’s performance in the first half of the year, when profit after tax rose by 157 percent, gross earnings climbed 39.7 percent to N212.61 billion and earnings per share rose to 89 kobo from 56 kobo.

These results highlight a strong 

year-to-date trajectory reinforcing profitability and boosting investor confidence in the Group’s long-term outlook.

According to the filing on the Nigerian Exchange, Sterling HoldCo expects interest 

income of N116.73 billion and interest expenses of N42.88 billion; resulting in net 

revenue from funds of N73.85 billion.

The Group also anticipates credit impairment charges of N16.84 billion with other income projected at N28.37 billion bringing net operating income to N85.37 billion.

Operating expenses are forecast at N67.24 billion, leaving a profit before tax of 

N18.13 billion. After accounting for a projected tax of N1.88 billion, profit after tax 

is estimated at N16.25 billion for the quarter.

Sterling’s cash flow outlook underscores the strength of its balance sheet.

The Group projects N13.56 billion in net cash generated from operating activities, 

alongside N266.16 billion in financing inflows and N187.93 billion in investing 

activities. 

This is expected to deliver a net increase of N91.79 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with the cash and bank balance closing at N549.90 billion by year-end, compared to N458.11 billion at the start of the quarter.

These forecasts build on the Group’s performance earlier in the year, reflecting the continuation of this momentum, supported by a disciplined focus on cost 

management, diversified income streams, and prudent balance sheet growth.

Beyond financial performance, the outlook highlights the Group’s capacity to 

channel its financial strength into broader impact. 

Sterling HoldCo is positioned to 

support key growth sectors of the Nigerian economy, invest in innovation, and 

continue creating value for shareholders, customers, and communities.

The Group noted that its ability to generate strong operating cashflows while 

maintaining significant liquidity positions provides a foundation for resilience. This 

strength ensures that Sterling HoldCo is not only positioned to deliver value to its 

shareholders but also equipped to deepen its participation in Nigeria’s growth 

sectors, drive innovation, and support broader economic progress.

These projections are forward-looking and based on current assumptions about 

market conditions and regulatory developments. Actual results may differ 

materially.

About Sterling Financial Holdings Company

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC is a leading Nigerian financial services group 

committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. 

As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources 

across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.

Lagos Police Command

 

Abimbola Adebisi Resumes As New PPRO

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi as the new Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command. 

Adebisi's appointment followed the elevation of the former PPRO Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force PPRO by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

SP Adebisi who holds a Bachelor of Arts in (Ed) in English Language and Literature from the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun state; a post graduate Diploma in Peace and Conflct Resolution and Masters of Arts (MA) in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria is expected to bring to bare a wealth of academic, professional and operational experience in discharging her responsibilities. 

Her past postings include serving as a Staff Officer to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations and as a Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Police Special Protection Unit( SPU).

She was the Police Public Relations Liaison officer at the SPU,Force Headquarters in Abuja before her appointment. 

Fidelity Food Bank Gesture

Two Thousand Residents Of Anambra State Receive Food Items

Leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the Fidelity Food Bank Initiative to the people of Anambra State; providing essential food supplies to over 2,000 vulnerable residents in Awka, the state capital.

A two-day outreach held at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Catholic Diocese, Awka and at the Emmaus House, in the Anglican Diocese of Awka. 

This warm gesture saw the distribution of relief materials to the elderly, widows and other vulnerable members of the community.

While speaking during the distribution exercise, Fidelity Bank Plc's Regional Head in Awka, Dr. Nosa Orumwense, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to addressing hunger and improving the welfare of communities across Nigeria.

The Fidelity Food Bank was launched as part of commitment to the well-being of its host communities, hence the bank is delighted to bring the initiative to Anambra State in collaboration with its partners to ensure the most vulnerable in the society receive support during these difficult times.

 Lauding the bank’s efforts Rev. Father Levi Ukor, the Director, Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Catholic Diocese of Awka, highlighted the importance of collaborations in tackling hunger.

“We are truly excited to partner with Fidelity Bank on this noble cause. Hunger remains a pressing issue for many households and the bank’s decision to provide food support to this large number of vulnerable people shows genuine compassion and social responsibility,” Rev. Father Ukor noted.

L-R: Chairman, Awka South Local Government Area, Chinedu Okafor; Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Reverend Charles Ndubuisi; Regional Bank Head, Awka, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nosa Orumwense; and Team Lead, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; at the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event held in Awka, Anambra State recently.

The Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese described food as a basic necessity of life urging other corporate organisations to emulate Fidelity Bank in addressing the plight of the poor.

Similarly, Chinedu Okafor, Chairman, Awka South Local Government Area, applauded the bank’s intervention and support to the community.

Okafor explained that Fidelity Bank’s intervention could not have come at a better time for the people of Awka as several residents are faced with difficult economic realities. 

Okafor said the gesture brings real relief to families in need and expressed appreciation for the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community; pledging our administration’s continued support for initiatives that improve the welfare of our people. 

The beneficiaries also expressed gratitude for the bank’s gesture; saying the foodstuff will go a long way in supporting their family. 

The Fidelity Food Bank Initiative is one of several community-focused programs through which the bank demonstrates its commitment to improving the quality of life for Nigerians, while fostering sustainable development in its host communities. Since its launch in April 2023, the initiative has witnessed the distribution of over 250,000 food packs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, reaching more than 300 communities nationwide.

Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect FNITCC

Fidelity Bank Deepens Push for Non-Oil Exports

Nigeria’s diversification drive has gathered momentum in recent years as government initiatives push to reduce dependence on crude oil and strengthen non-oil sectors as engines of growth.

From the Central Bank of Nigeria’s RT200 programme to incentives offered by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) the country has implemented policies designed to encourage exporters, boost foreign exchange inflows, and integrate local enterprises into global value chains.

Sterling Bank "SeaBaaS" Initiative

Bank Celebrates Zero Downtime, Surpasses 2 Billion Transactions

Nigeria's Number one Best Workplace in Banking and recognised as Africa’s most agile financial institution Sterling Bank Limited has marked the first anniversary of its SeaBaas initiative; a revolutionary core banking system designed and built in Africa.

SeaBaaS launched in 2024, is a system which leverages on advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to deliver enhanced customer experiences, greater operational efficiency, zero downtime, and scalability. 

DNA TEST

 By Anu Awojobi 

Lagos Court Orders Paternity Test On Late "Mohbad's" Son

A Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ikorodu has ordered the conduct of two Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) tests to determine the paternity of Liam Aloba; the son of the late Nigerian rapper songwriter Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad.

Magistrate Adefisoye Sonuga on Tuesday September 2, 2025 issued the order while ruling on an application filed by Joseph Aloba; the late singer’s father.