Author: News Room

Fidelity Bank Plc has recorded a 37.9 per cent growth in its gross earnings to N434.95bn for the first quarter of 2026, as the international commercial bank continues to expand its core banking market share. The interim report and accounts of the bank for the three months ended 31 March 2026, released on the Nigerian Exchange, showed that gross earnings rose from N315.42bn in the first quarter of 2025 to N434.95bn in the corresponding period of 2026, representing an increase of 37.9 per cent. The top-line performance was driven by impressive growth in the bank’s core business operations, with interest…

Nigeria Taekwondo Federation president Tayo Popoola has expressed confidence that the country’s contingent to the 2026 African Taekwondo Championships in Bamako, Mali, is ready to compete and represent the nation with distinction when the event opens on Friday (today). Popoola made the declaration on the sidelines of the National Taekwondo Federation Open Trials held at the Alake Sports Centre in Ijeja, Abeokuta, where more than 300 athletes from across the country competed over three days in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events. The trials drew a strong field and concluded with what officials described as some of the most impressive performances…

Safe Schools Initiative and other federal interventions designed to secure learning environments are once again under scrutiny as fresh concerns mount over continued attacks on schools across the country, with education stakeholders warning that policy efforts are yet to translate into real protection on the ground. Recall that in February, the Federal Government launched a Smart School Protection Strategy aimed at strengthening security across schools nationwide through renewed collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, had described school protection as a “non-negotiable priority,” announcing the creation of a dedicated Department…

Solana (SOL) futures dropped sharply in May as traders reduced leveraged exposure across all exchanges. SOL open interest (OI) dropped to $1.90 billion on Thursday from $2.75 billion on May 11, a 30% decline, while funding rates remained close to neutral. The combination points to weakening investor sentiment as SOL eyes a retest of its yearly low at $68. SOL spot demand offsets futures market weaknessThe aggregated funding rate for Solana futures held near -0.005, showing balanced positioning between longs and shorts. SOL traders have not built aggressive directional bets despite the recent price slide to $80.SOL price, aggregated open interest,…

While some criticized Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert for skipping voluntary practices to support his girlfriend, Madison Beer, on tour, his head coach was just fine with it. “I was happy he went to support Madison on her music tour,” Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters during a Wednesday, May 27, press conference. “Madison supports him at the football games. He told me he wasn’t gonna be here for those two weeks and my first reaction was, ‘Do you need a ride to the airport?’” Harbaugh, 62, explained that he has practically begged Herbert, 28, to take time…

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has formally joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC), aligning himself with the emerging political coalition expected to field former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for the 2027 presidential election. PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Omo-Agege announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday. The former deputy Senate president had signed his resignation letter from the APC on 22 May, although the development was only announced publicly on Wednesday growing political tensions within the party in Delta State. His resignation from the APC followed the…

The Nigerian government has dismissed claims that it has suspended the Students Upkeep Allowance under its loan scheme.  The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, disclosed in a statement by its spokesperson, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi on Thursday.  This comes amid reports making the rounds that the Nigerian government has suspended students’ upkeep allowances.  However, reacting, NELFUND, there is no directive on the suspension of upkeep allowances.  NELFUND described the claims as false and misleading. “NELFUND also urges the public to refrain from sharing unverified content capable of spreading misinformation and causing unnecessary anxiety among students and parents nationwide. “The Fund remains steadfast in…

A frontline political scientist and former senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin, Abubakar Lasiele, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, made a major political miscalculation by fielding governorship candidates from the same Local Government Area in Kwara State. Lasiele said the development amounts to an ‘own goal’ for both parties, arguing that the two candidates would end up splitting votes within the same political base while leaving other politically strategic districts relatively open. He spoke on the sidelines of the annual dinner night organised…

Defending champions Rivers Angels will begin their push to retain the Women’s President Federation Cup against Abia Angels in the Round of 16. The clash will hold at the Uyo Township Stadium, Eket, on Tuesday, June 2. In other fixtures, FC Robo Queens will face Remo Stars Ladies in Akure, while Ahudiyannem Queens will take on Heartland Queens in Enugu. Awka will host Ibom Angels’ clash against Bayelsa Queens, as well as Delta Queens’ fixture against Edo Queens. Plateau United Queens will face Sunshine Queens in Abuja, while Confluence Queens will take on Esthington FC in Enugu. Naija Ratels will complete…

Iran’s football team still lacks US visas and is not competing in World Cup on “equal terms” because of its difficulty in training ahead of the tournament, its ambassador to Mexico said Thursday. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh visited the northwestern Mexican border city of Tijuana, where Iranians have relocated their training camp. They were originally planned to be based in Tucson in the US state of Arizona. The ambassador told a news conference that “the country to the north” — meaning the US — had not followed through on its responsibility of hosting the Iranian team. “We don’t know whether or…