Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Bans Graduation and End-of-Session Parties in All Schools
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Education ministry directs public and private schools to halt celebrations, citing safety and discipline concerns
Ogun State government has ordered an immediate ban on graduation and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools within the state. The directive, which takes effect from Thursday, 18 June 2026, was issued by the state’s education authorities as part of efforts to maintain discipline and ensure student safety during school activities.
According to the Ogun State Ministry of Education, the prohibition covers all forms of ceremonial gatherings marking the completion of academic sessions or graduation in both primary and secondary institutions. School heads were instructed to comply with the new guideline without exception, as any violation will attract sanctions from the government.
The move comes amid growing concerns over incidents that have occurred at such events in recent years, with authorities citing security risks and disruptions to academic activities. Ogun State officials noted that some celebrations in the past had escalated into unruly behaviour among students or attracted unwanted attention from outside groups.
While no specific incident prompted this latest action, education stakeholders in the state have repeatedly called for stricter controls around school-organised events. Parents and teachers are expected to work with government to ensure a smooth transition as schools adjust their end-of-session programmes.
The Ogun State Ministry of Education emphasised that academic excellence and student welfare remain top priorities. The ministry also assured that it would continue to monitor compliance closely, while engaging with school administrators on alternative ways to mark significant milestones within approved guidelines.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based BRB Capital Acquires FCA-Approved Amalfi Capital, Sets Up ₦8.1trn Nigeria-UK Investment Corridor
Acquisition links SEC-regulated Nigerian operations with London platform, enabling cross-border investments between both markets
Acquisition links SEC-regulated Nigerian operations with London platform, enabling cross-border investments between both markets
BRB Capital Group, headquartered in Lagos, has completed the acquisition of Amalfi Capital Limited, an investment advisory and brokerage firm authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in a move aimed at creating a regulated investment corridor between Nigeria, the United Kingdom and global capital markets. The announcement was made on Tuesday, following regulatory approval for BRB Capital Limited, the Group’s UK arm, to acquire full ownership of Amalfi Capital.
The acquisition brings together BRB Capital Group’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-regulated Nigerian business with a UK FCA-approved investment platform. According to company statements, this pairing is expected to boost cross-border investment infrastructure and facilitate access to the estimated ₦8.1 trillion (£8.1 billion) trade corridor linking Nigeria and the UK. The transaction positions both entities to serve clients seeking regulated pathways for cross-border financial flows.
Industry observers say this development holds significance for Nigeria’s financial services sector as it opens up new opportunities for investors looking to diversify portfolios internationally under clear regulatory frameworks. With persistent demand from Nigerian high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors for offshore assets, as well as growing interest from foreign investors in West Africa’s leading economy, market stakeholders believe the deal could help address longstanding barriers around compliance and transparency.
Officials from both companies noted that the FCA’s approval of the acquisition demonstrates growing confidence in Nigerian institutions expanding into international markets. They stressed that the integration will enable more efficient due diligence and risk management processes for clients operating across both jurisdictions. As at press time, there was no immediate statement from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission regarding possible regulatory adjustments or future oversight arrangements related to the expanded group structure.
Looking ahead, BRB Capital Group said it plans to leverage its dual presence in Lagos and London to introduce new investment products tailored for Nigerian diaspora investors and British clients interested in African growth opportunities. The group expects that seamless regulatory compliance across both markets will encourage more robust capital flows and enhance Nigeria’s profile as a hub for global finance.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Standard Bank Sets Sights on $15.4bn Expansion in Nigeria and African SME Sector
Bank’s plan aims to boost small business access to finance, strengthen Nigerian market presence, and deepen regional trade ties
Bank’s plan aims to boost small business access to finance, strengthen Nigerian market presence, and deepen regional trade ties
Standard Bank has announced a fresh $15.4 billion expansion drive targeting Nigeria and other key African markets, with a focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The move was revealed on Thursday, 18 June, as the bank outlined its strategy to increase funding and services for businesses in Lagos, Abuja, and major commercial hubs across the continent.
The bank’s latest initiative will inject significant capital into Nigeria’s growing SME sector, which faces persistent challenges accessing affordable credit. Standard Bank said the expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance its footprint in Africa’s largest economy and provide tailored financial solutions for entrepreneurs navigating volatile currency conditions and rising operational costs.
With Nigeria’s inflation rate hovering above 30 percent as at May 2026 (according to NBS data), many small businesses have struggled with limited access to working capital and foreign exchange constraints. Industry analysts note that Standard Bank’s intervention could help unlock growth opportunities for thousands of enterprises involved in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and trade within West Africa.
While the bank did not immediately provide a breakdown of how much will be disbursed within Nigeria specifically, officials emphasised that local SMEs stand to benefit from increased lending lines, advisory services, and cross-border transaction support. Standard Bank stated that the expansion would also support regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The bank indicated that rollout of new products and credit facilities will commence before year-end. Experts say this move could intensify competition among Nigerian lenders while helping bridge the estimated $42 billion SME financing gap reported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in recent years.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NYSC DG Olakunle Nafiu Warns Corps Members Nationwide to Shun Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections
NYSC leadership urges strict neutrality, bars political engagement online or offline as preparations for 2027 polls intensify
NYSC leadership urges strict neutrality, bars political engagement online or offline as preparations for 2027 polls intensify
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a strong warning to corps members across Nigeria, advising them to avoid involvement in partisan politics as the country begins early preparations for the 2027 general elections. Nafiu delivered the caution during recent orientation exercises in states such as Zamfara and Niger, stressing that NYSC members must uphold neutrality to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to NYSC management, corps members are routinely deployed as ad-hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during election periods, serving in sensitive roles like presiding officers and polling assistants. The DG stated that any form of political activity, including campaigning or public endorsement of candidates—whether physically or on social media—could compromise not only individual corps members but also undermine public trust in the electoral system.
Nafiu’s renewed emphasis on non-partisanship comes at a time when political activities are increasing nationwide and preparations for the next election cycle are already underway. As millions of young Nigerians remain highly engaged online, NYSC officials noted that digital behaviour is now under scrutiny. “Corps members must avoid making political posts or sharing content that could be linked to any party or candidate,” Nafiu said at one orientation camp, highlighting the risks posed by social media engagement.
The warning reiterates long-standing NYSC regulations that prohibit corps members from participating in party politics throughout their service year. Officials say this measure is necessary because corps members are trusted with key election duties and any perceived bias could erode confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. “Their role as INEC ad-hoc staff demands complete impartiality,” an NYSC statement noted.
As Nigeria moves closer to another general election season, institutions like NYSC and INEC are taking steps to reinforce expectations around neutrality among all personnel involved in election logistics. While reminders about non-partisanship are not new, observers say the current climate calls for even greater vigilance to maintain the integrity of national service and ensure free and fair elections. The NYSC says it expects all serving youth corps members to remain symbols of unity, discipline, and impartiality during their national assignment.
Lagos-Based BRB Capital Acquires FCA-Approved Amalfi Capital, Sets Up ₦8.1trn Nigeria-UK Investment Corridor
Standard Bank Sets Sights on $15.4bn Expansion in Nigeria and African SME Sector
Gọvanmentị Federal Wepụtara Usoro Ntughari Maka Mmepe Iwu Ọhụrụ N’ihe Ego Ọchịchị Na-akọta
NYSC DG Olakunle Nafiu Warns Corps Members Nationwide to Shun Politics Ahead of 2027 Elections
INEC Begins Distribution of Election Materials in Ekiti Ahead of Governorship Poll
Presidential Media Team Hails Abia Progress Under Governor Otti’s Leadership
Abuja Experts Demand Urgent FG Action as 68% of Nigerians Rely on Firewood for Cooking
MTN CEO Warns Against Boycott as Anti-Xenophobia Protests Target South African Firms in Ghana
Ayra Starr Unveils ‘Starr Girl’ Album Release Date, Promises Songs Inspired by Personal Journey
Wayne Rooney Overlooks France, Tips Two Teams for World Cup Final Spot
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
