Nigeria News (Standard)
Saint Helena’s Jonathan Confirmed as World’s Oldest Living Land Animal at 194 Years
Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded
Guinness World Records recognises Seychelles giant tortoise, brought to Saint Helena in 1882, as oldest chelonian ever recorded
Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise residing at Plantation House on Saint Helena island, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living land animal at an estimated age of 194. The announcement was made on Monday following fresh archival reviews and shell measurements confirming Jonathan’s maturity upon arrival in 1882.
According to historical records, Jonathan was transported from Seychelles to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic as a gift to the island’s governor. While no birth certificate exists due to the era, scientists conservatively estimate his hatching year as around 1832, based on photographs and his size when he arrived. In 2022, local authorities marked December 4th as his symbolic birthday. Jonathan has now outlived 31 governors of Saint Helena and features on the territory’s five-pence coin.
Jonathan’s longevity is remarkable even by tortoise standards and places him as a living witness to nearly two centuries of global history, including the reigns of eight British monarchs and forty United States presidents. He was already alive before the invention of the telephone or electric lightbulb, and during events such as the American Civil War. Residents of Saint Helena regard him as part of their cultural heritage.
Despite being blind and lacking a sense of smell due to old age, Jonathan remains active under the supervision of his longtime veterinarian Joe Hollins. He enjoys sunbathing on warm days and burrows into grass clippings for warmth during colder periods. A few years ago, a decline in his health led to the introduction of a specialised weekly diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which has since improved his condition.
With Jonathan continuing to thrive at Plantation House, conservationists say his story offers hope for efforts to protect endangered species worldwide. Local officials maintain regular veterinary care and public awareness campaigns about animal welfare on Saint Helena.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/jonathan-worlds-oldest-tortoise-2026061716510189921
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Investors Turn to Trading Education as Market Volatility Shakes Confidence
Surge in demand for financial literacy follows sharp price swings; experts warn access alone does not guarantee success
Surge in demand for financial literacy follows sharp price swings; experts warn access alone does not guarantee success
Heightened market volatility has triggered a spike in demand for trading education among investors in Lagos and other major Nigerian cities, as individuals seek to better understand risks and navigate unpredictable price movements. The trend became more pronounced in June 2026, according to market observers, following a series of sharp fluctuations affecting both local and international financial markets.
Previously, opening a trading account was considered difficult and information was less accessible, limiting participation to professionals. However, the removal of these barriers in recent years has not translated into automatic success for new entrants. Market analysts note that many retail investors now realise that simply having access to trading platforms is not enough without proper knowledge, especially during turbulent periods.
Market volatility often exposes the limits of superficial strategies. When prices rise steadily, poor decisions can still result in gains, masking underlying risks. “Periods of uncertainty take away that comfort from traders,” said one Lagos-based financial educator. With recent currency fluctuations and unpredictable swings in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, more investors are enrolling in training programmes focused on risk management and market analysis.
Education providers report increased attendance at seminars and online courses designed to help traders understand complex market dynamics. Financial experts urge caution, emphasising that while technology has made markets more accessible, informed decision-making remains critical. “Trading without education is like driving without knowing the rules,” said another industry stakeholder.
As market uncertainty persists, sector observers predict continued growth in demand for trading education across Nigeria. They stress that improved financial literacy will not only help individual investors but also contribute to greater stability in the broader capital market.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Xpress Payments Unveils Week-Long 10th Anniversary Celebration in Lagos, Showcasing Fintech Milestones
Firm highlights decade of digital innovation as activities include CSR projects, industry forums and gala night
Firm highlights decade of digital innovation as activities include CSR projects, industry forums and gala night
Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has commenced a week-long celebration in Lagos to mark its 10th anniversary, rolling out a series of events under the theme “Xpress @10: A Decade of Innovation, A Future of Possibilities.” The fintech company, which began operations in 2016, is celebrating its growth and impact within Nigeria’s digital payments sector from Monday.
The anniversary programme features intellectual engagements, corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, stakeholder forums and a gala night. According to the organisers, these activities are designed to highlight the company’s commitment to innovation, service excellence and financial inclusion across Nigeria.
Since inception, Xpress Payments has played a notable role in simplifying payment processes for businesses and individuals nationwide. The company has focused on bridging gaps in access to digital finance, helping drive the adoption of cashless transactions and supporting broader financial inclusion objectives set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Wale Olayisade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, said the week will also serve as an opportunity for reflection on the company’s journey so far. He emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains critical for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s fast-changing technology sector. “Our anniversary is not just a celebration but a chance to deepen our contributions to society and reaffirm our resolve for future possibilities,” Olayisade noted ahead of the events.
Industry observers see Xpress Payments’ decade-long achievements as reflecting wider shifts in Nigeria’s financial landscape. With fintech adoption rising amid ongoing regulatory reforms and increased smartphone penetration, expectations are high for further expansion within the sector. The company said it will use this milestone to announce new initiatives aimed at enhancing digital payment accessibility nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Borno’s El-Kanemi Warriors Set to Face Ikorodu City in President Federation Cup Final
The decisive clash in Nigeria’s oldest football competition will determine the country’s representative for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup
The decisive clash in Nigeria’s oldest football competition will determine the country’s representative for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup
El-Kanemi Warriors of Borno State and Lagos-based Ikorodu City are preparing for a high-stakes battle as they meet in the final of the President Federation Cup, Nigeria’s oldest football knockout competition. The showdown, scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June 2026, will determine who lifts this year’s prestigious trophy and secures continental football next season.
Both clubs advanced through a series of tough fixtures to book their places in the final. El-Kanemi Warriors, with a history of strong performances in Nigerian domestic football, will be seeking to add another major title to their cabinet. Ikorodu City, a team that has steadily climbed the ranks in recent seasons, is looking to make history by clinching their first Federation Cup crown.
The President Federation Cup, formerly known as the FA Cup and later Aiteo Cup, remains a crucial event on Nigeria’s football calendar. The winner not only claims silverware but also earns the right to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup. With this added incentive, both teams are expected to approach the final with determination and tactical discipline.
Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and fair contest. Security measures will be heightened at the venue as fans from Borno and Lagos converge to cheer their teams. As at press time, neither club had released official statements on their matchday squads, but anticipation is running high among supporters on both sides.
The outcome of this encounter will have significant implications for both clubs’ ambitions on the domestic and continental stage. Whichever side emerges victorious will carry Nigeria’s hopes into African competition next season.
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