VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.

He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.

Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.

The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.

The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.

VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.

Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.

He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.

The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.

FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr

Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties

By: Michael Mike

A new wave of multi-million-pound investments by Nigerian and British firms is set to create hundreds of jobs in both countries, reinforcing growing economic ties and positioning Nigeria as an emerging driver of global innovation and capital.

The investment push comes ahead of the state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom, where both nations are expected to consolidate gains under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), a framework aimed at boosting cooperation across key sectors.

At the centre of the development is an aggressive expansion by Nigerian banks and fintech companies into the UK market, alongside renewed commitments by British firms to scale operations in Nigeria.

In a major boost to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, Twinings Ovaltine has unveiled a £24 million production facility in Lagos—its first on the African continent. The plant is projected to create over 100 direct jobs while strengthening export capacity across West Africa.

Nigeria’s financial institutions are also increasing their global footprint. Zenith Bank has launched a new branch in Manchester, with plans to generate dozens of jobs and deepen trade links between Africa and the UK. The bank is also considering a future listing on the London Stock Exchange as part of its long-term expansion strategy.

Likewise, Fidelity Bank is expanding its UK presence following the rebranding of Union Bank UK to FidBank UK, with plans to significantly grow its workforce and capital base. Other players such as FCMB are leveraging the UK as a strategic hub to roll out cross-border payment platforms aimed at facilitating trade between Africa and the global market.

The fintech sector is driving a substantial share of the new investments. LemFi has committed £100 million over five years, designating London as its global headquarters, while Moniepoint plans to expand its UK workforce to 100 employees by 2026. Digital bank Kuda Bank is also scaling up its UK operations as it eyes broader international growth.

Beyond finance and technology, the creative industry is emerging as another pillar of collaboration. EbonyLife is set to establish EbonyLife Place London, a move expected to create new jobs while amplifying African storytelling on a global stage.

Officials say the growing investment flows highlight increasing confidence in both economies. UK authorities point to the country’s stable regulatory environment and access to global capital, while Nigeria’s expanding digital and creative sectors continue to attract international interest.

Education and skills development are also receiving attention, with new partnerships between institutions such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos focusing on cutting-edge fields including artificial intelligence, digital technology, and healthcare innovation.

With bilateral trade now estimated at £8.1 billion annually, analysts say the latest round of investments signals a shift in UK–Nigeria relations—from traditional trade to a more dynamic partnership driven by innovation, talent, and shared economic ambition.

The coming days are expected to yield further announcements as both governments seek to unlock new opportunities capable of delivering long-term growth and job creation for their citizens.

Nigeria–UK Investment Surge to Generate Jobs, Deepen Economic Ties