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LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Appoints New Directors

LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Gets CBN Approval to Appoint Eight New Directors

Living Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has secured approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to appoint eight new directors to its board. This strategic move aims to strengthen the bank’s leadership structure and drive its long-term growth and expansion plans. In a statement released by the bank, the newly appointed directors include two executive directors, three non-executive directors, and three independent non-executive directors. Their collective expertise spans across banking, law, accounting, public administration, and strategic management, positioning the bank for enhanced operational efficiency and market competitiveness. New Executive Directors New Non-Executive Directors New Independent Non-Executive Directors Strategic Impact of the Appointments According to the statement, the appointments reflect LivingTrust Mortgage Bank’s commitment to enhancing its governance structure and driving operational excellence. The new board members’ diverse expertise and experience are expected to position the bank for sustainable growth and increased market presence in Nigeria’s financial sector. The bank’s management expressed confidence that the newly constituted board will strengthen its mortgage services, deepen customer engagement, and drive financial performance. “These appointments are strategic and align with our long-term growth objectives,” the statement read. “We are confident that the collective expertise of our new board members will enhance our capacity to deliver innovative mortgage solutions and create value for our stakeholders.”

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‘Excessive’ – Soyinka Criticizes Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

Excessive’, Soyinka Faults Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as “excessive” and a dangerous overreach of executive power. Soyinka’s criticism follows the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly by President Tinubu. The President also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator — a decision that has sparked widespread controversy and backlash. Soyinka’s Response In a statement released on Sunday, Soyinka argued that Tinubu’s action was disproportionate and undemocratic, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria. “I find the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State excessive and unjustified,” Soyinka said. “Political conflicts are not new in Nigeria, but resolving them through measures that sideline constitutional order and democratic processes is deeply troubling.” Soyinka stressed that Nigeria’s constitution provides clear guidelines for handling political disputes and that appointing a sole administrator undermines the will of the people and the integrity of the electoral process. “The solution to a political crisis cannot be the removal of an elected governor and the appointment of an unelected administrator,” Soyinka stated. “It is an insult to the democratic process and a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.” Violation of Democratic Principles Soyinka warned that Tinubu’s action threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He argued that the crisis in Rivers State should have been resolved through dialogue and political engagement rather than executive force. “Democracy is not about the absence of conflict but about the ability to resolve conflict through dialogue, compromise, and adherence to the rule of law,” Soyinka said. “By bypassing these principles, the President has weakened the democratic structure.” Legal and Political Backlash Soyinka’s statement aligns with the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has also declared the state of emergency unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe argued that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator and called for Fubara’s immediate reinstatement. Soyinka echoed these concerns, warning that the President’s action could trigger a constitutional crisis and further destabilize the political environment in Rivers State and beyond. “The danger of this action is not limited to Rivers State,” Soyinka said. “If left unchecked, it could become a template for resolving political disputes across the country — through executive overreach rather than democratic engagement.” Call for Reversal Soyinka urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and work towards a political solution that respects the constitutional rights of Rivers State’s elected officials and citizens. “The path forward is not through imposition but through negotiation and respect for democratic norms,” he stated. “Governor Fubara’s mandate comes from the people, and any attempt to undermine that mandate must be resisted.” Conclusion Soyinka’s remarks have added weight to the growing opposition to the state of emergency in Rivers State. His call for dialogue and political resolution reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic stability and the potential for executive overreach to undermine constitutional governance.

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Tinubu Should Restore Fubara, Administrator Unconstitutional – NBA

Tinubu Should Reinstate Fubara, Administrator Appointment Unconstitutional – NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reaffirmed its stance that the removal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional. The association has called on the President to reverse the decision and restore Fubara to office. On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. He subsequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator. Speaking on Sunday Politics, NBA President Afam Osigwe condemned the President’s action, insisting that the constitution does not recognize the appointment of a sole administrator. “That is our position and what we expect the President to do — restore Fubara to power, as his removal was unconstitutional,” Osigwe stated. “We do not recognize a sole administrator as the legitimate authority in Rivers State because the appointment itself is unconstitutional.” Osigwe also questioned the legitimacy of the oath of office taken by Ibas. “When I saw him taking the oath, I wondered what kind of oath it was because it’s not one recognized by the constitution,” he said. He compared the President’s response to using a sledgehammer to treat a headache, calling the measures “overreaching, excessive, undemocratic, and above all, unconstitutional.” According to Osigwe, the problem in Rivers State is political and requires a political solution. No Constitutional Gap Some have argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution provides a basis for the President’s action, but Osigwe firmly rejected this claim. “I do not believe Section 305 is unclear; I believe we are simply refusing to apply it correctly,” he said. Although the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency in Rivers State, Osigwe argued that this does not validate the President’s actions. “The National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing,” he asserted.

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Tiger Woods dating Donald Trump Jr’s ex-wife

Tiger Woods has confirmed that he is dating the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Golf legend Woods, 49, also shared photos of himself with Vanessa Trump, 47, who split from the US president’s oldest son in 2018 after 13 years. The photos include one image of Woods and Trump embracing on a hammock. “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side!” Woods said on his social media channels. “We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time, we would appreciate privacy to all those close to our hearts.” Trump has five children with Don Jr, and her eldest daughter Kai is said to attend the same school as Woods’ children Charlie and Sam. Woods has played golf with the president and the two are said to have been negotiating between the PGA Tour and the owners of LIV, the Saudi breakaway circuit. Woods has been involved in several high-profile relationships, after his marriage to Elin, the mother of his children fell apart because of a sex scandal. Other girlfriends include Lindsey Vonn, the world champion skier, with whom he split in 2015, and Erica Herman. That relationship ended badly when she took him to court after he evicted her from his home. Woods is considered among the greatest golfers of all time. He is ranked joint-first for PGA Tour wins and is second for major championship victories.

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Buhari mourns Gov. Radda’s mother demise

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the government and the people of Katsina State in mourning the demise of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. In a message to the governor, the former President said, “It is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u. “No matter how old a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large. “May Allah reward her good deeds, and may her legacy be an inspiration to her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”

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Seven Doors tops 2025 AMVCA nomination shortlists

The organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards have announced the nominees for the 2025 edition of the annual awards. The nominations, covering film, television, and digital content, recognise works released between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Among the top contenders, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director. In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress. Below is the full list of nominees: Best Digital Content Creator Iyo Prosper Adokiye Maryam Apakagi-Greene Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe Jide Pounds Ibitoye Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter Best Multichoice Talent Factory MovieGone (West Africa) Everything Light Touches (West Africa) The Immersive Alarm (East Africa) Deadbeat (East Africa) Mwananga (Southern Africa) Rivals in Time (Southern Africa) Best Unscripted M-Net Original Nigerian Idol Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia) Overall Best Husband Material The Queens of Kopala Best Scripted M-Net OriginalUriri All Mine My Fairytale Wedding Italo The Caller Kam U Stay Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) Seven Doors Lisabi: The Uprising Kaka Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Mai Martaba Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa) The Caller Makosa Di Tangu Sabotage Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)Walvis Tale The Vow Mwizukanji Man of Gold Lukas Best Indigenous M-Net OriginalMai Shayi The Caller Show Me The Way Ebighi Ebi Subterranea Onye Agbata Obim Amoanimaa’s Era Best Short Film Sukari Brukaci What Are You Truly Afraid Of? In Bloom: ‘Afefe’ The Incredible Sensational Fiancee of Seyi Ajayi Best Supporting ActressMeg Otanwa – Inside Life Tina Mba – Suspicion Ireti Doyle – All’s Fair in Love Ini Dima-Okojie – Skeleton Coast Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride Omoni Oboli – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 Darasimi Nnadi – Aburo Best Supporting Actor Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni – Lisabi: The Uprising Aliu Gafar – Seven Doors Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way Richard Mofe-Damijo – Christmas In Lagos Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion Mike Afolarin – House of Ga’a Efa Iwara – Princess on a Hill Best Lead Actress Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo Uche Montana – Thinline Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3 Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Best Lead Actor Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo Bucci Franklin – The Weekend Femi Branch – House of Ga’a Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill Stan Nze – Suspicion Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising Best Editing Inkabi Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Princess On A Hill Best Cinematography Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) Inkabi The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos Skeleton Coast Soft Love Lisabi: The Uprising Agemo Best Sound/Sound Design Inkabi Seven Doors Freedom Way Lisabi: The Uprising Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds Suspicion Best Score/Music Inkabi Freedom Way Seven Doors Soft Love keleton Coast Best Art Direction Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Christmas In Lagos Farmer’s Bride Seven Doors The Man Died Lisabi: The Uprising Best Costume Design Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyeade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos Best MakeupAnikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Lisabi: The Uprising Seven Doors Farmer’s Bride Clarence Peters’ Inside Life Suspicion Best Writing TV Series Untying Kantai Tuki? Roses & Ivy Cheta’M Seven Doors Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Princess On A Hill Best Writing in a Movie The Weekend Skeleton Coast Freedom Way Phoenix Fury A Ghetto Love Story House of Ga’a Christmas In Lagos Best DocumentaryWalvis Tale Dundun O.Y.O (On Your Own) Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women I Will Remember You Best Scripted SeriesClarence Peters’ Inside Life Seven Doors Princess On A Hill Cheta’M Roses & Ivy Best Unscripted Series Style Magnate Skillers The Builders Show) Ebuka Turns Up Africa Wa Milele? (Forever?) Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine Best Director Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast Norman Maake – Inkabi Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a Awam Amkpa – The Man Died Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors Best Movie Lisabi: The Uprising Skeleton Coast Suspicion Inkabi House of Ga’a Freedom Way Christmas in Lagos

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Spain punches UEFA Nations League semifinals ticket

Spain have made it into the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after a nervy penalty shoot-out victory over The Netherlands, which came after a 5-5 aggregate scoreline across two legs. In Thursday’s first leg in Rotterdam, Spain found the opening goal inside the opening 10 minutes, and they did so again at the Mestalla. On this occasion, Mikel Oyarzabal was fouled inside the penalty area by Jean Paul van Hecke, and that allowed the Real Sociedad captain to step up and score from 12 yards. La Roja would hold their lead until half time, but on 54 minutes, they were pegged back. Robin Le Normand was adjudged to have fouled Memphis Depay inside Spain’s penalty area, and that gave the opportunity for the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker to score, which he managed to do. 15 minutes later, Spain would find themselves back in front, and it was Oyarzabal that scored again after he was set up following great work in the build-up from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the counter-attack, which ended in the 27-year-old heading home after his initial effort was saved. However, La Roja could not hold on to book their place in the Nations League semi-finals as the Dutch found another equaliser, with defender Ian Maatsen blasting past Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon from inside the penalty area to restore parity on the night and on aggregate. That goal meant that extra time was needed at the Mestalla, and in the first half of the additional 30 minutes, Spain thought that they scored the winning goal in the tie, and it was a special one from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. It was a wonderful pass over the top from Dean Huijsen, and the 17-year-old controlled brilliantly before firing into the far corner. But again, they were pulled back into a stalemate as Xavi Simons netted a penalty to make it 3-3. That meant penalties were required, and it was Unai Simon that came up clutch at the end to save Donyell Malen’s effort. That gave Pedri the chance to secure the victory for Spain, and he did, with La Roja winning 5-4 in the shoot-out. And it means that they will take on France – who also won a penalty shoot-out in their quarter-final tie against Croatia – in the semi-finals this summer, before a possible final against Portugal or Germany.

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South Sudan national team stranded in Libya

South Sudan national team otherwise known as Bright Star are stranded at the empty Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya. South Sudanese were stranded upon arrival for their match against Sudan in the World Cup Qualifier. The South Sudan Football Association reported that the players’ passports were confiscated and they were ordered to exit on Sunday at 4:30pm. The Bright Star are hoping to put the 2026 FIFA World Cup back on track on Tuesday after drawing two and losing three matches in the last five games. They are bottom placed with two points while the host, Sudan leads the group with 11 points.

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