Percy Panam Percy Paul, the renowned Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that he turned down a lucrative N7 billion record deal in 1995. In a now-viral interview from August 2024 with Emmanuel Iren, the 68-year-old songwriter recalled being at the peak of his ministry and success in the industry when he received the offer. Although Paul did not reveal the name of the record label, he said they, however, gave him one condition: he had to minimise his use of Jesus’ name in his songs. The singer said instead, they suggested alternative names like ‘Righteous One’ or ‘Greatest Lover’. The ace musician…
Author: Lilian Azuh
Elumelu Heirs Holdings Founder and Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, has been appointed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to its Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth, convened by IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva. Elumelu, Africa’s leading advocate of entrepreneurship and whose Foundation has funded, mentored and trained over 25,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015, champions entrepreneurship as the engine for the economic transformation of Africa. A self-made entrepreneur, Elumelu’s embracing of entrepreneurship is fundamental to his concept of Africapitalism, his belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development, making long-term investments,…
NLNG has kicked off the 2025 edition of its annual Science Quiz and Science Project Exhibition, with a sharp focus on advancing renewable energy innovations among secondary school students in Rivers State. The 2025 edition, which commenced on Wednesday, is designed to ignite creativity, problem-solving skills, and real-world applications of science and technology, aligning with global efforts to transition toward sustainable energy systems. Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, described the competition as a “call-to-action” for young innovators to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. “This initiative is more than just a quiz—it’s about…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, felicitates veteran Fuji musician and entertainer Adewale Ayuba on his 60th birthday, March 25. President Tinubu acknowledges Ayuba’s profound influence on Nigeria’s Fuji music genre, a cultural treasure that resonates with many. He also celebrates Ayuba’s legacy as one of the nation’s cherished musical icons. Since his debut as a Fuji singer at 17, Ayuba has established himself as the Bonsue Fuji King. Known affectionately as Mr. Johnson, he has remained a vital presence on the Nigerian social scene. In 1991, his album Bubble garnered numerous awards and topped the music charts for months. The…
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has received a delegation from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at its headquarters, Ijora-Olopa, in a strategic partnership bid to boost media visibility of LAWMA’s programmes and activities. NAN’s delegation, led by Mrs. Omowole Ifeyinwa, head of editorial operations, commended LAWMA for its dedication to maintaining environmental sustainability in Lagos State, stressing NAN’s keen interest in collaborating with the agency, to ensure accurate information dissemination of LAWMA’s initiatives. According to her, “This partnership will position the agency for global recognition and investment opportunities while fostering greater public awareness…
L-R: Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of NCSP, with Shi Qilin, Executive Secretary-General of Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, and his delegation, during a recent visit to the NCSP on boosting collaboration to scale up Nigeria’s digital economy, infrastructure development, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. As part of efforts to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) recently hosted a delegation from Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association. The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation between…
…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined…
Senator Chris Anyanwu has filed a suit against the former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, at the FCT High Court over alleged defamation. The suit filed on March 14, 2025, has Vintage Press Limited, owner of The Nation newspapers, as the second defendant. According to the court filings made available to newsmen on Thursday, Anyanwu (the claimant) averred that on the 2nd day of December, 2024, she launched her memoir, which was published in a book titled “Bold Leap” and that in an interview with The Nation newspaper on the 12th day of January, 2025, the 1st Defendant while…
The infrastructural transformation of Anambra State by Governor Charles Soludo has received commendation from Reuben Abati, a renowned Nigerian journalist, politician, and former Special Adviser on media to President Goodluck Jonathan, who was overwhelmed with the unprecedented achievements of the governor within a short time in office. Abati, who described Soludo as Mr. Solution, during a recent visit to Anambra, was taken round several projects, including the Solution Fun City, a sprawling multi-purpose entertainment centre, sitting on 27 acres of land in the heart of the state capital. According the veteran journalist, “the place looks like another version of Disneyland.…
Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, delivering significant growth across key performance indicators. The Bank’s impressive performance reflects effective management and pricing of its risk assets, as well as an optimized treasury portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leader in Nigeria’s banking industry. According to the audited financial results for the 2024 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the Bank recorded a double-digit year-on-year (YoY) growth of 86% in gross earnings, increasing from N2.13 trillion in 2023 to N3.97 trillion in 2024. This growth was driven by a…