Economy
Foundation Sponsors 100 Students For NECO Examination In Edo
Foundation Sponsors 100 Students For NECO Examination In Edo
Foundation sponsors 100 students for NECO examination in Edo. Fortem Empowerment Foundation has sponsored 100 students from the Edo community for the National Examination Council (NECO) as part of efforts to increase access to education. The Founder and Managing Director of Fortem Foundation, Mrs Ann Usiagu-Muraina, said the initiative is part of the organisation’s commitment to youth empowerment.
She said, “Education is an important tool and a step to keep the youth constructively engaged, and also a springboard to launch them to greater heights.” The beneficiaries of the initiative were selected from several schools in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the Igbanke community in Edo State.
Also speaking, Mrs Evelyn Esohe Bioseh, Principal of Igbanke Mixed Secondary School, expressed appreciation on behalf of the school.
She said, “I extend our heartfelt appreciation to Fortem Empowerment Foundation and Chief Mrs Ann Usiagu-Muraina for this laudable gesture. It has given many indigent students the opportunity to write their school certificate exams without any stress.
“The parents are equally elated, and we pray that God will richly bless Chief Ann Usiagu-Muraina and the Foundation in return. As they have put smiles on the faces of many, God will continue to grant open doors in all their endeavours.”
A student beneficiary from Igbanke Mixed Secondary School, Mr Joseph Isioma Alonge, also commended the Foundation for the kind gesture.
“I sincerely want to use this opportunity to thank you for your constant support towards the NECO GCE exam, and I pray that God will continue to bless you in Jesus’ name. Indeed, it is a great opportunity for the less privileged, and for putting smiles on our faces, you will never lack happiness in your lives. Once again, God bless you all.”
On his part, the Principal of Omolua Secondary School, Igbanke, Mr Emokpae-Ogbebo Uwagboe, commended the initiative and expressed appreciation on behalf of the school’s management and students.
He said, “We sincerely express our profound gratitude to our esteemed sponsor for the generous support towards the enrolment of our students for the 2025 NECO GCE Examinations. Your benevolence has lifted a great burden off many families and given our students renewed hope, motivation and the opportunity to pursue academic excellence.
“This act of goodwill is a testament to your commitment to education, youth development and the progress of our community. We pray that God continues to bless and increase you on every side. Thank you for investing in the future of our children and the growth of Omolua Secondary School.”
Another student beneficiary from Omolua Secondary School, Miss Emokpae Rejoice Osakpamwen, also expressed her gratitude to the foundation.
She said, “I wish to sincerely appreciate our benevolent sponsor for graciously enrolling me and other students for the 2025 NECO GCE Examinations. Your kindness has lifted a great burden off our shoulders and given us the opportunity to pursue our academic dreams with renewed hope and confidence.

National Examinations Council
“Many of us would not have been able to register without your support, and for this we remain truly thankful. Your generosity has inspired us to study harder and make the most of this rare privilege. We pray that God will richly reward you and grant you greater success. Thank you for investing in our education and giving us a chance to shine. God bless you richly.”
In addition to sponsoring 100 students for the NECO GCE, Fortem Empowerment Foundation championed the establishment of an approved National Examinations Council (NECO) centre in Igbanke.
The centre, now located at Omolua Secondary School, Igbanke, enables beneficiaries and other candidates to take their examinations conveniently.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
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