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Lagos State Police arrest two people for homosexuality and declare Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi wanted.

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Two suspected homosexuals have been arrested and the hotel has been cordoned off while investigations continue. They are being held by the Lagos State Task Force and will soon be brought to justice,” he said.A resident of the area, who identified himself as wala, told the newspaper that the police arrested the suspects at about 3.30pm on 8 June 2023.He added that this was not the first time the hotel had housed homosexuals.The arrested suspects are Mr Timothy Ebube, 25, from Owerri North Local Government Area and Mr Amos Roxwell Ola, 29, from Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Timothy Ebube, when questioned on how he became gay, confessed to the Lagos State Police that he started having an affair with Mr Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi, from Edo State, who first introduced him to homosexuality. (Grindr) in November 2018 and approached her with a chat message to be his partner.In June 2019, the Edo State Police Command found Mr Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi guilty of homosexuality with Late Musa Ibrahim, from Reno Local Government Area of Kano State, At the scene of the incident, Mr. Musa Ibrahima was beaten by the angry youths of Aiyegunle community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Ếtate of Edo, but died before he could be taken to an undisclosed hospital, but Mr Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi escaped before security personnel reached the scene of the crime.Mr Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi has been on the police wanted list since June 2019, when the Edo State Police Command said he was wanted for homosexuality, the Lagos State police spokesman said.

Nigeria is one of the countries that prohibit homosexuality.At a workshop held in June, Garba Abari, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), expressed his sadness at the cases of homosexuality reported in the country.”The wearing of tattoos, dreadlocks, sagging trousers and hair painting have become a fashion among our young men and women”, he said. Under the Nigerian Penal Code, people detained on charges of being homosexual can face up to 14 years in prison. While LGBTQ+ Nigerians have always been criminalised under colonial-era bans on same-sex sexual relations, the situation has become more fragile in recent decades. In 2013, Nigeria strengthened its ban on homosexuality by passing the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA). While the name of the law suggests that it is only about marriage equality, its scope is actually much broader. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the law prohibits same-sex couples from cohabiting and bans any form of “public demonstration of a loving relationship between persons of the same sex”. It also prohibits LGBTQ+ organisations from operating openly in the country.According to some reports, police violence against Nigeria’s LGBTQ+ community has increased dramatically in the eight years since the law came into force.In May 2023, at least 47 people accused of being gay were arrested after a police raid on a birthday party, during which attendees allegedly engaged in “homosexual initiation”. Although a judge finally released the men last year, their case was dropped due to a lack of responsiveness from the prosecution, instead of a full acquittal. This means that those charged could be re-arrested at any time for the same allegations.The persecution of LGBTQ+ Nigerians has particularly intensified under the presidency of anti-gay leader Ahmed Bola Tinubu, according to the Initiative for Equal Rights (TIER), a human rights group based in the country. According to a 2022 report, 643 human rights violations were recorded in the past year, despite the low reporting rate among transgender, intersex and female people.The Lagos State Police Command informed the media on June 9, 2023, in Ikeja Lagos State, the police spokesman said that the two suspects will be immediately charged with persecution, which is punishable by law, 14 years imprisonment under Nigerian law, The command also said that Mr. Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi, who has been on the run since June 2019, will be hunted down and arrested to face the law, the police said it is working with other deputy security agencies in the country to ensure that there is no escape for the fugitive suspect, Mr. Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi.The command also announced the arrest of a serial rapist, Onuorah Obi, of No 1, Buari Oloto Street, Ago Okota, on June 6, 2023.The victim, ‘f, 25, of Ago Okota, said the suspect raped her and recorded nude photos and videos of her.”The police swung into action and arrested the suspect. A search was carried out,” the command said.The command appeals to well-meaning Nigerians to report Mr Melvin Omokhafe Ogbedebi to the nearest Ếtate of Police, wherever he may be in the country


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What to Expect at WHX Lagos 2026

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As healthcare systems across Africa continue to evolve, the need for innovative technologies, strategic partnerships, and knowledge-sharing platforms has never been greater. This is why industry leaders such as PPC Limited (www.ppcng.com) and VINNO, alongside healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, policymakers, distributors, and technology providers, are looking forward to WHX Lagos 2026, taking place from the 2 to 4, of June 2026, at the Landmark event centre, Lagos. The event provides a unique platform to showcase innovation, exchange ideas, and explore solutions that will shape the future of healthcare delivery across the region. Here is why you should attend this year’s event.

1. A Showcase of Healthcare InnovationWHX Lagos 2026 is expected to feature some of the latest advancements in medical technology, diagnostic imaging, laboratory solutions, healthcare infrastructure, digital health, and patient care systems.Visitors will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment, interact directly with manufacturers and solution providers, and gain valuable insights into technologies that are transforming healthcare delivery around the world.

2. Networking Opportunities with Industry LeadersOne of the key attractions of WHX Lagos is the opportunity to connect with healthcare leaders, clinicians, medical equipment suppliers, distributors, and decision-makers from across Nigeria and beyond.The exhibition provides a platform for building strategic partnerships, exchanging ideas, and exploring collaborations that can drive healthcare development and improve patient outcomes across the region.

3. Educational Sessions and Industry InsightsBeyond the exhibition floor, attendees can look forward to educational sessions, expert-led discussions, and presentations focused on some of the most pressing issues facing healthcare today.Topics such as healthcare infrastructure development, digital transformation, diagnostic excellence, medical equipment management, and access to quality healthcare are expected to feature prominently during the event.

4. Exclusive Offers and Product DemonstrationsVisitors to the VINNO booth will have the opportunity to experience live product demonstrations and enjoy special discounts on selected medical equipment throughout the exhibition.Healthcare providers looking to upgrade their facilities or invest in new technologies will have the opportunity to compare solutions, engage directly with technical experts, and take advantage of special exhibition offers available only during the event.

5. Driving the Future of Healthcare in AfricaAs Africa’s healthcare landscape continues to expand, events such as WHX Lagos play an important role in bringing together the people, technologies, and ideas needed to accelerate progress.Whether you are a healthcare professional, hospital executive, distributor, investor, or policymaker, WHX Lagos 2026 offers an opportunity to gain insights, discover innovative solutions, and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of healthcare across the continent.For more information on how you can get the WHX discount, send an email to marketing@ppcng.com.

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Interswitch Group Founder, Mitchell Elegbe Rejoins Global Jury for 2026 EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Grand Finale in Monaco for the 3rd Consecutive Year

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…makes history, becoming the first and only entrepreneur globally to have won in both emerging and master categories in any region in 40 years, and invited to global jury for the 3rd year running

LAGOS, Nigeria, June 01 2026: Mitchell Elegbe, Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of Interswitch Group has again been re-appointed as the only entrepreneur from Africa into the global jury of the 2026 Ernst & Young (EY) World Entrepreneur of The Year Awards, which takes place annually in June in Monte Carlo, Monaco, for the third consecutive year, following his inaugural jury duties at the 2024 awards. According to EY, the World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame is an elite corps of men and women who have been recognized for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements. For 40 years, since 1986, EY has been celebrating ingenuity through the Entrepreneur of the Year program. “The program has recognized more than 10,000 outstanding entrepreneurs for their vision, innovation, courage, and leadership in building and growing successful businesses — businesses that influence the way people live, the products and services we depend on, and the economic vibrancy of our local communities and global markets.” In June of 2023, Elegbe, alongside 48 other accomplished entrepreneurs from 45 countries across the world were inducted into the 2023 WEOY Hall of Fame, with Interswitch’s Elegbe holding the unique distinction of being the only black and African global finalist and inductee into the coveted hall of fame, as well as the only entrepreneur in the 40-year history of the awards to have won in both the emerging and master categories at various times in their region (West Africa). For the 2026 edition of the global awards, Elegbe has been re-invited by EY’s global leadership to join the global jury being 1 of 9 former finalists who form the judging committee for the 2026 global awards of the initiative, holding annually in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The 2026 jury is made up of accomplished entrepreneurs, all former regional winners drawn from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong & China, Nigeria (Elegbe), Singapore, The United Kingdom, and The USA. Mitchell Elegbe is widely regarded as one of the pivotal architects of Nigeria’s payment innovation revolution and has gained acclaim globally for his contributions as an exceptional African entrepreneur, who has contributed in no small measure to the economic development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole, having distinguished himself in business leadership and technology development. A multiple award-winning professional and a renowned business leader in the Information Technology and Financial Services industry, he has won several awards, some of which include Harvard Business School Association (Nigeria) Leadership Award in the General Management Category; African Banker Awards 2019 as the African Banker Icon; CNBC/Forbes All African Business Leader (AABLA) Awards for West Africa as well as Financial Technology (Fintech) Africa Awards, Payments and Transfer category in 2016, among other deserving recognitions. He is also a Bishop Desmond Tutu Fellow of the African Leadership Institute, an Endeavor Entrepreneur and also a member of the Board of Endeavor in Nigeria. Mitchell Elegbe founded Interswitch in 2002 to provide a solution to problems associated with payments in Nigeria and has since led the company to consolidated growth as a leading payment and digital commerce company that helps to build and manage payment infrastructure and provides robust technology-based solutions to individuals, financial institutions, and governments across Africa. See the full list and profiles of the 2026 Global Jury Members for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards here https://www.ey.com/en_gl/weoy/judges

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Fidelity Bank to Drive SME Growth with Quarterly Business Forum

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Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies.Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering a wide range of initiatives that support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.“Our Quarterly Business Forum is part of our regular engagement with small businesses across the country. As you may know, Fidelity Bank is a leading supporter of SMEs through numerous financial products, and a strong advocate of a multi-dimensional approach to helping them succeed.“Through this initiative, the bank will host engagements with businesses across the country to strengthen their capacity, encourage networking and provide relevant advisory support to help them navigate the evolving economic climate and achieve profitability,” Osinigwe said.The maiden edition of the forum is scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It will feature a range of activities, including a keynote address titled “Scaling Trade and Distribution Businesses for Sustainable Growth”, to be delivered by Pamela Shodipo, Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc.This will be followed by a Business and Economic Outlook presentation themed “Doing Business in a Trade Driven Economy”, to be delivered by Okechukwu Ugoji, Group Head, SME, Fidelity Bank Plc.The session will conclude with a networking event designed to foster valuable relationships among participants and encourage mutually beneficial business opportunities.The Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum adds to the range of innovative solutions introduced by the bank to support sustainable business expansion. It will be recalled that Fidelity Bank established a dedicated physical facility for small and medium-scale enterprises and entrepreneurs in the creative sector, known as the Fidelity SME Hub, in Gbagada, Lagos State.Through the hub, the bank provides entrepreneurs with networking and stakeholder engagement opportunities, as well as access to industry experts and mentors for practical guidance and business advisory support.Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards

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