Union Bank of Nigeria’s Endless Possibilities campaign has won Bronze in the Heritage category at the 2026 Pitcher Awards, one of Africa’s foremost platforms for creative excellence. The campaign was also shortlisted in the Craft category for Film Craft, a recognition of the artistry and technical quality behind the work. These recognitions were awarded following adjudication alongside qualifying entries from across the African continent.The Heritage win carries a particular resonance. It recognises the bank’s ability to honour its rich heritage while maintaining relevance with contemporary audiences.For more than a century, Union Bank has been woven into the fabric of Nigeria’s economic and social progress, and Endless Possibilities continues that story rather than departing from it. Built to celebrate the ambition and resourcefulness of Nigerians who dream and create against the odds, the campaign mirrors the very qualities that have sustained the Bank across generations. To be honoured in a category defined by history, identity and cultural continuity, is to have that legacy recognised on a continental stage.Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank of Nigeria, said: “We are honoured to be recognised at the 2026 Pitcher Awards for Endless Possibilities. This achievement reflects our commitment to telling authentic stories that resonate with the Nigerian spirit and reinforce our promise to support the dreams and progress of the communities we serve. We are equally proud of the Film Craft shortlist, which speaks to the talent and collaboration behind the work.”This recognition on the African stage, adds to Union Bank’s growing reputation for storytelling that is locally grounded and broadly resonant. As the Bank deepens its connections with audiences across the country and continent, it remains committed to work that inspires confidence, possibility and progress.About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, Union Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.comMedia Enquiries: Olufisayo Adelekun+234 (0) 201 271 6800mediarelations@unionbankng.com

MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has introduced special World Cup bundle offers on DStv and GOtv to give more Nigerians access to football’s biggest event.

From Monday, 1 June 2026, new DStv customers can purchase an HD decoder, dish kit and one-month DStv Yanga subscription for ₦15,000, while new GOtv customers can get a GOtv decoder, antenna and one-month GOtv Jolli subscription for ₦15,000.

The offer comes as anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament, the biggest in FIFA World Cup history, will feature 48 national teams, including 10 African nations, competing across 104 matches over 39 days.

Commenting on the offer, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, said the company is focused on making the FIFA World Cup experience more accessible to football fans across the country.

“The FIFA World Cup is more than just a tournament – it’s a shared global moment. Our goal is to ensure that fans in Nigeria can experience every goal, every story and every unforgettable moment as it happens. Through our special World Cup bundle offers, we are making it more affordable for customers to get connected ahead of the tournament,” she stated.

As Africa’s home of football, SuperSport on DStv will deliver comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the tournament. Viewers will enjoy live broadcasts of all 104 FIFA World Cup matches, four dedicated 24-hour World Cup channels and a bonus pop-up channel showcasing the best moments in World Cup history. To make navigation easier, selected SuperSport channels will be renamed for the duration of the tournament, ensuring customers can easily find and follow the action.

Beyond the live matches, viewers will enjoy a rich slate of FIFA World Cup programming, including match highlights, expert analysis, exclusive tournament magazine shows, African football stories and behind-the-scenes content. 

The World Cup coverage on SuperSport will also feature multiple language commentary options, including pidgin delivered through a distinct Pan-African lens, featuring top local commentators.

Customers will also have the flexibility to watch the tournament their way through Live TV, Catch Up, replays and on DStv Stream, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action, whether at home or on the move.

The promotional offer is available for a limited period, giving football fans an affordable way to get connected ahead of the world’s biggest football spectacle.

By Adeniyi Oluwasegun, Ibadan

Almost everyone is familiar with the story of King Saul, who was favoured as the first king to rule over Israel and was destined to reign until his death. However, his repeated disobedience to God’s servant led to the untimely end of his reign.His first major act of disobedience was recorded in 1 Samuel 13, when he took it upon himself to offer a sacrifice that should ordinarily have been performed by a priest, who at the time was Samuel. He was not patient enough to wait for Samuel, and this marked the beginning of the end for Saul.When Samuel arrived and saw that Saul had already offered the sacrifice, he was saddened and said:”You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart.”It appeared that King Saul had a penchant for disobedience, as he repeated the same mistake when God’s servant instructed him to completely destroy a nation. Instead, he kept some livestock, claiming they would be used as sacrifices to God. This ultimately led to the end of his reign. He had God’s servant with him, who warned him several times, but he ignored the warnings. Consequently, the same priest, Samuel, announced the end of his kingdom. Samuel possessed the guidance that could have ensured Saul’s kingdom was established forever, had he listened.”For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23)Though these events occurred centuries ago, they appear similar to the situation involving former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, his ambition to govern Oyo State, and his conflict with Primate Elijah Ayodele, along with the consequences that followed.Some months ago, Bayo Adelabu, who was still serving as a minister at the time, petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Primate Ayodele for allegedly speaking against his governorship ambition. The former minister claimed that the prophet had requested N150 million from him and that, after he refused to provide the money, Primate Ayodele began attacking his aspiration.He did not stop at writing a petition to the DSS. He also released text messages in an attempt to substantiate his claims, publicly disseminating private conversations between himself and the cleric. However, the messages did not support his allegation that Primate Ayodele requested N150 million. Rather, they showed that the prophet had asked him to purchase 1,000 trumpets, which the minister himself estimated would cost about N150 million.In response, Primate Ayodele confirmed that he had indeed spoken with the minister, who was seeking spiritual guidance regarding his governorship ambition. He explained that he advised Adelabu to purchase 1,000 trumpets, not for his personal use but as a spiritual item symbolising victory. According to the prophet, he never demanded a specific amount of money but merely asked the minister to inquire about the cost through any of his aides. Adelabu reportedly rejected the suggestion, and that marked the end of their conversation.However, the minister became upset when Primate Ayodele publicly declared that his governorship ambition would fail. During a live church service, the prophet stated that Adebayo Adelabu would not become the next governor of Oyo State.These were his words:”You have made a wrong mistake and a wrong pronouncement. Why must you say Emilokan? It is in the past, and this means you have failed. Adelabu, you have failed. Either you adjust it now, or you have failed, including the APC. I am giving you advice and a warning from God. With the word Emilokan, you have missed that governorship seat.”Instead of exercising patience and heeding the advice of the man of God, who urged him to adjust his statement because of its spiritual implications, Adelabu proceeded to petition the DSS in what appeared to be an attempt to ridicule the cleric. However, the DSS took no action, and the effort yielded no result.Just as Saul had access to the guidance that could have secured his kingdom forever but chose to follow his own path, Adelabu appeared to believe that intimidating God’s servant was the best way to advance his ambition. Little did he know that, just as Saul’s reign was rejected because of disobedience, his own ambition would also be rejected for not only disregarding spiritual counsel but also attempting to intimidate a man of God.Unfortunately for Adebayo Adelabu, his ambition was rejected not only by God, as some may interpret it, but also by members of his own party. A minister who resigned to contest in the primaries failed to secure the ticket, and the APC did not publicly release the detailed results. The party simply announced Alli Sharafadeen as its candidate in Oyo State, with President Bola Tinubu endorsing his candidacy.Adelabu could have secured victory—or at the very least earned the opportunity to have his name on the ballot—but, according to this perspective, his disobedience and impatience, much like Saul’s, led to his ultimate rejection. In previous election cycles, he at least appeared on the ballot, even though he lost to Governor Seyi Makinde. This time, however, his name will not even appear on the ballot paper.