Nigeria News (Standard)
Visa Nigeria Marks Africa Day With Cultural Celebration and Pledge to Digital Growth in Lagos
Company’s Lagos team highlights local traditions as Vice President Andrew Uaboi reaffirms long-term investment in West Africa’s fintech sector
Company’s Lagos team highlights local traditions as Vice President Andrew Uaboi reaffirms long-term investment in West Africa’s fintech sector
Visa Nigeria commemorated Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant gathering at its Lagos office, celebrating the continent’s diverse heritage and reinforcing the company’s commitment to digital transformation across West Africa. The event, held on Saturday, brought together Visa staff from different parts of Nigeria and the sub-region to share customs, naming ceremonies, and wedding traditions that define African identity.
The day’s activities centred on cultural presentations by employees, who showcased the unique practices that have shaped communities across generations. According to Visa, this approach aimed to strengthen workplace unity and recognise the central role of people in driving innovation for the continent’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Visa has steadily deepened its operations in Nigeria and across West Africa, partnering with banks, fintech firms, merchants, and government agencies to improve financial inclusion. As at June 2026, digital transactions continue to grow in volume across Lagos and other major cities. Speaking at the event, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head for Visa West Africa, emphasised that Africa is not just a business territory for the company but an integral part of its identity. “Africa Day is a reminder of why the work we do here matters, and of the responsibility we carry to build systems that create real opportunity for people across the continent,” Uaboi stated.
He further noted that Visa’s expansion aligns with increased cross-border trade and mobile payment adoption from Lagos to Accra. “The energy and innovation we see across Africa every day—in our partners, employees, entrepreneurs and businesses—drives us forward,” Uaboi said during his address. He added that Visa remains committed to supporting local growth by investing in technology that enables secure transactions and connects African markets globally.
The celebration also reflected broader economic trends as Nigeria continues efforts to boost financial inclusion rates above 64 percent (NBS data). Stakeholders in the country’s fintech sector say initiatives like Visa’s will help reduce cash reliance while improving access to services for millions of unbanked Nigerians. As Africa’s digital landscape evolves rapidly, Visa confirmed it would maintain a long-term presence in West Africa through sustained partnerships and community engagement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Deregisters ADC, Others in Abuja as Opposition Parties Vow Court Action
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
Move sparks backlash from opposition, who describe the decision as undemocratic and threaten to challenge INEC in court
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deregistered the African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with several other political parties in Abuja on Monday, 15 June 2026, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures who say they will seek redress in court. The electoral body announced the move citing non-compliance with registration requirements and poor performance during recent elections.
According to INEC officials, the affected parties failed to meet constitutional criteria including winning a minimum number of seats in legislative assemblies and scoring sufficient votes in national elections. The commission said this step is aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s crowded political space and ensuring that only viable parties remain active participants.
The deregistration has immediate implications for the country’s political landscape, especially as Nigeria approaches another round of key elections. Many opposition leaders argue that such actions undermine multiparty democracy and restrict voter choice. In previous cycles, similar decisions by INEC have faced legal challenges, some of which resulted in reinstatement of affected parties.
Reacting to the announcement, leaders of deregistered parties described INEC’s decision as arbitrary and vowed to contest it in court. “This is a deliberate attempt to silence alternative voices,” one opposition figure said. Another chieftain warned that the action could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Meanwhile, supporters of the move insist it will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by encouraging more serious contenders.
The next steps will likely involve protracted legal battles between deregistered parties and INEC, with broader implications for political participation across all six geopolitical zones. Observers say the outcome could shape how Nigeria regulates party registration ahead of upcoming polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Police Arrest 49-Year-Old After Fatal Knife Attack in Calabar
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Suspect allegedly pursued and stabbed unidentified youth following altercation; police launch investigation into incident
Police in Cross River State have arrested a 49-year-old man, Idris Abdullahi, over the alleged killing of a young man during a knife attack in Calabar. The incident occurred along Mary Slessor Road on Friday, 14 June, according to a statement by the state police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah.
Eitokpah said Abdullahi was involved in an altercation with several street boys at about 6:05 p.m., during which he reportedly sustained injuries. The spokesperson explained that after the initial confrontation, Abdullahi traced one of the alleged attackers to Chronicle Barracks Road, opposite Akim Police Barracks. There, he allegedly chased and stabbed the youth, who later died from his injuries.
The case has raised concerns among residents of Calabar North LGA about rising street violence and personal disputes escalating into deadly confrontations. Security analysts note that knife attacks remain a persistent threat in urban centres across Nigeria, often linked to unresolved quarrels and insufficient mediation mechanisms at community level.
Confirming the arrest on Monday, Eitokpah said the suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue. “The Command is committed to ensuring justice is served and will not tolerate acts of violence within the state,” Eitokpah stated. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased youth and notify his family.
Police authorities have called on members of the public with relevant information about the incident or those involved to come forward. The Command also assured residents that patrols would be intensified in known hotspots as part of broader measures to prevent further incidents. As at press time, no charges had been formally filed against Abdullahi.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/man-arrested-after-youth-dies-in-calabar-knife-attack/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo, Kwara, Borno Approve Tuesday Public Holiday for Islamic New Year Observance
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Sultan of Sokoto urges Muslims nationwide to sight crescent moon; states call for prayers and spiritual reflection
Governments in Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States have declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, known as Hijrah 1448 AH. The announcement, made on Monday, comes after the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, directed Muslims across Nigeria to look out for the new crescent moon signalling the start of Muharram.
In separate statements from state authorities, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State (PDP), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara (APC), and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno (APC) approved the work-free day in recognition of the religious significance of the occasion. The new year is determined by the lunar calendar and begins with confirmation of the new moon’s sighting.
The Islamic New Year marks the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) from Mecca to Medina—an event considered pivotal in Islamic history. As at this year, Muharram is expected to commence following the Sultan’s directive for moon-sighting on Monday evening. The Hijrah calendar is widely observed by Muslim communities worldwide and shifts each year due to its lunar cycle being about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
State governments encouraged Muslim faithful to use this period for prayers, reflection and spiritual renewal. In his earlier message, Sultan Abubakar III reminded Nigerians that sighting of the new moon is a core aspect of Islamic tradition marking monthly transitions. He said: “Muslims are enjoined to intensify prayers for peace and stability in our country.”
No major opposition statements had been issued as at press time regarding the holiday declaration. The work-free day is expected to be observed peacefully across Oyo, Kwara, Borno and Kebbi States with mosques organising special prayers and families gathering for reflection. Authorities emphasised that residents should use the opportunity for spiritual growth while observing all civic responsibilities.
INEC Deregisters ADC, Others in Abuja as Opposition Parties Vow Court Action
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