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Stanbic IBTC Commemorates Children’s Day with Blue Kids Event

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Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, commemorated Children’s Day with its maiden edition of a fun day for children tagged the Blue Kids Event.

The event, which was themed ‘Bank of the Future’, was held at the Bank’s Idejo campus, Victoria Island, Lagos State. It featured students from Roydek Academy Makoko, and other children who are CHESS and SET account holders, to promote positive financial habits and imbibe a good savings culture.

In her opening remarks, Olufunke Isichei, Head, Established Markets, Main Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted the importance of financial literacy to a child’s future. She said, “One of the most important things parents can do to boost a child’s financial literacy is to start training them early. By starting at an early age, they will be better equipped to develop wholesome habits that help them manage their finances in the future.”

According to her, Stanbic IBTC is fully committed to initiating and executing policies and programmes that will help identify and develop the full potential of every child.

“We have tailored products that will ensure the future of our blue kids is purposefully designed. Our CHESS (Children Educational Savings Scheme) account gives parents an opportunity to save towards the future, as well as teach the their young ones the basics of financial freedom and money management from their early stage. This targeted savings enables parents and guardians plan the support needed to meet the cash flow needs for their child’s education in the near and distant future.”

The Stanbic IBTC Education Trust (SET) ensures that your children’s education is guaranteed a safe and secure future as the money cannot be misappropriated. It also gives parents or guardians reduced periodic stress of worrying about fees or educational expenses. Your children’s education is set even in the event of any unfortunate circumstance either to life, finances or location.

As part of the activities for the kids, the financial institution organised a tour of their banking facilities, information technology (IT) control rooms and other units in their establishment. Also, the organisation incorporated an educational breakout session into the event, where gifts and learning materials were given, in line with the Bank’s corporate social initiatives (CSI) so as to enlighten the children, parents and beneficiaries on the role savings play in fulfilling needs.

The foremost financial institution ensured that the kids were given an experience of a lifetime and occupied the children’s day with an array of fun filled activities which included artwork, face painting, games, gifts, and refreshments.

Reiterating the importance of children in the nation, Elizabeth Ademosu, Head, Consumer Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank, in her closing remarks said: “Children are the leaders of tomorrow. It is a good practice to teach and sensitise them early about spending, saving and investments, as this knowledge will help the child have healthy financial habits and have a better understanding of how money is earned and spent.”

The event further highlighted Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to encouraging all children and inspiring them to become the best versions of themselves.

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Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message

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SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism

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Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.

The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.

The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.

During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.

Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.

He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.

The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector

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Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.

The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.

During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.

The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.

The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).

Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.

The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.

Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.

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