News
UBA Sponsors Lagos International Trade Fair, Sixth Consecutive Year
….Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting African SMEs
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced that it will once again be sponsoring this year’s edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair(LITF).
This marks the sixth consecutive year, where UBA will be the official financial partner of this all-important event.
The LITF – which is the 38th edition – is organised annually by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and is scheduled to take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, between November 1st to 10th, 2024.
At a press briefing held at the Commerce House, Lagos on Wednesday, the Vice President, LCCI, Akinbo Akin Olugbade, applauded UBA for its continued support of the fair and SMEs in Africa.
While addressing key stakeholders, press-men and other partners at the event, he said, “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our reputable sponsor, UBA, for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of this fair. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we are truly appreciative of your partnership “
He took time to speak on the exceptional opportunities this year’s edition will offer to SMEs, business owners and advertisers, adding that these benefits include improved networking possibilities and promotion of international trade amongst others.
UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi, highlighted the bank’s strengthened commitment to supporting African businesses, announcing a substantial $6 billion loan facility dedicated to SME development.
He said, “Our six-year partnership with LCCI has been tremendously successful because our missions align perfectly,” said Ajayi. “We are focused on providing our customers with comprehensive market access and seamless transaction capabilities through our extensive retail presence and digital platforms which will be made available at the fair.”
Ajayi noted that the bank’s support will extend beyond traditional banking services, as they will offer direct customer engagement opportunities, payment collection and repatriation services for African exhibitors and advanced digital banking platforms for efficient transactions.
The collaboration between UBA and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to host the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair presents a major opportunity for SMEs to expand, connect, and explore new possibilities which could stimulate economic growth and play a key role in Nigeria achieving its $1 trillion economy mark
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.
News
Court Sets Feb 25 For El-Rufai’s Arraignment In DSS Cybercrime Case
The Department of State Services (DSS) will arraign former Governnor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, on February 25 over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court has fixed the date for the arraignment of the former Governor on a three-count criminal charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) after the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho assigned the case to her.
NAN earlier reported that the DSS, on Monday, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The charge, instituted by the Nigerian secret police, is marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026.
The service accused El-Rufai of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act (2024) and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003.)
In court, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.
The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
News
Maureen Badejo To Appear Before Federal High Court Tomorrow On Defamation, Cybercrime Charges
Maureen Omorinola Badejo is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 20, 2026, following charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberstalking, and related offences.
The charges arise from online publications made in November 2021, in which Ms. Badejo allegedly transmitted statements and videos on YouTube and Facebook concerning Apostle Johnson Suleman and his associate Dickson Omodiale Osajie.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that:
Ms. Badejo conspired with others to publish defamatory content against Apostle Suleman.
She allegedly portrayed him as a cultist, rapist, assassin, ritualist, and other criminal labels, knowing the claims to be false.
She is accused of sending false messages via computer networks intended to cause annoyance, hatred, intimidation, and injury to reputation.
Additional allegations state that defamatory statements were also made against Mr. Dickson Osajie, claiming involvement in crimes such as rape and ritual killing.
Authorities further allege that the publications caused fear for safety and threatened bodily harm to the complainants.
The offences cited fall under provisions of the Criminal Code Act (Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case follows a formal petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force by Mr. Osajie, who alleged persistent cyberstalking, harassment, invasion of privacy, threats to life, and dissemination of false information affecting himself, Apostle Suleman, and their families.
Statement from Maureen Badejo
Ms. Badejo maintains her readiness to face the court and present her defense, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system to ensure fairness and justice.
“I will appear in court as required and trust that the truth will prevail through due legal process,” she stated.
However Ms. Badejo is expected to be formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, where the charges will be read and she will enter her plea.
News
Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
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