Nigeria News (Standard)
EIB, BoI Launch €50 Million Healthcare Financing with Fidson in Ogun State
European Investment Bank and Bank of Industry target pharmaceutical sector growth as officials visit Sango-Ota manufacturing facility
European Investment Bank and Bank of Industry target pharmaceutical sector growth as officials visit Sango-Ota manufacturing facility
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BoI) have commenced a €50 million healthcare financing initiative in partnership with Fidson Healthcare Plc, following a high-level visit to Fidson’s manufacturing facility in Sango-Ota, Ogun State on Monday. The delegation included EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, BoI Executive Director for Corporate Finance Rotimi Akinde, and European Union Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot.
The courtesy visit saw top officials from both institutions tour the Fidson plant alongside the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Biola Adebayo. The financing programme aims to support local pharmaceutical production and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector through targeted investments.
This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria’s health sector faces rising demand for locally manufactured medicines due to foreign exchange constraints and global supply chain disruptions. Stakeholders say increased funding for local manufacturers like Fidson could help reduce reliance on imports and improve medicine availability for Nigerian patients.
Speaking during the facility tour, EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting Africa’s healthcare infrastructure. “We believe that partnerships like this will help create sustainable jobs, enhance local capacity and ensure affordable medicines are available to more Nigerians,” Fayolle stated.
BoI Executive Director Rotimi Akinde highlighted the role of development finance in driving industrial growth. “This collaboration is expected to boost local content in pharmaceuticals and encourage more investments in the sector,” Akinde said. Further details on disbursement timelines and beneficiary criteria are expected in the coming weeks as implementation gets underway.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mr Eazi Addresses Speculation on Grey Hair, Cites ‘Targaryen’ Roots in Lagos Social Media Video
Singer jokes about his silver hair after months of online debate, with fans linking it to stress, genetics, or age
Singer jokes about his silver hair after months of online debate, with fans linking it to stress, genetics, or age
Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has finally responded to widespread speculation about his grey hair, using a playful social media video from Lagos on Saturday, 22 June 2026, to address the ongoing conversation among fans. The musician, whose real name is Oluwatosin Ajibade, joked that he is a “Targaryen”—referencing the iconic silver-haired family from Game of Thrones—after being questioned repeatedly about the reason for his striking hair colour.
The latest incident reportedly occurred at an airport, where a traveller approached Mr Eazi to ask whether his grey hair was a result of stress, genetics or dye. In the video posted online, Mr Eazi said, “Yesterday at the airport, somebody came to me and was asking me some questions about my hair and how they’ve been debating about the hair. Is it genetics? Is it dye? Is it stress?” He then paused before delivering his tongue-in-cheek explanation: “So I’m happy to let you guys know that I’m a Targaryen. I am a Targaryen and I’ve been keeping that from you guys.”
The statement sparked reactions across social media platforms in Nigeria, with many fans understanding the joke as a nod to the popular television series House of the Dragon and its predecessor Game of Thrones. Both feature members of House Targaryen who are known for their distinctive silver-white hair. Mr Eazi has previously referenced his grey strands in public appearances and online posts; earlier this year he encouraged fans to call him “Sir Eazi,” saying he was no longer “anybody’s mate” due to his mature look.
Since late 2025, photos and videos showing Mr Eazi’s changing appearance have fuelled debate among Nigerians online. While some suggested that the pressures of running multiple businesses—including emPawa Africa—could be responsible for early greying, others linked it jokingly to his marriage with Temi Otedola or pointed out that greying could simply be natural maturity. The singer has consistently used humour rather than direct answers to address these speculations.
With this latest public response, Mr Eazi appears content to keep fans guessing while enjoying their theories. As conversations continue on social media about his signature look, the artiste’s playful approach has only added more intrigue to the topic.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun Athlete Coach Dreh Launches 226km Triathlon Across South-West States
Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance
Dare Samuel Akinrodoye set to swim, cycle, and run from Osun to Lagos; event aims to test physical and mental endurance
Nigerian endurance athlete Dare Samuel Akinrodoye, popularly known as Coach Dreh, will undertake a gruelling 226-kilometre triathlon traversing Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states on September 27, 2026. Organisers said the event, tagged ‘The 226 Challenge’, is designed to push the boundaries of physical strength and mental resilience among Nigerian athletes.
The challenge will commence at Owala Lake in Osun State with a 3.8-kilometre swim. From there, Coach Dreh will embark on a 180-kilometre cycling segment through Osun, Oyo, Ogun and conclude in Lagos State. The final leg involves a full marathon run of 42 kilometres to complete the total distance. According to organisers, this route was mapped out to highlight the diverse terrain of South-West Nigeria and inspire more participation in endurance sports.
The event marks one of the most ambitious individual triathlons attempted by a Nigerian athlete across multiple states. Stakeholders in the sporting sector say such challenges are important for developing local interest in endurance competitions and showcasing Nigerian talent on a global stage. With growing attention on triathlon events worldwide, observers believe this effort could lay groundwork for future international representation by Nigerian athletes.
Organisers emphasised that ‘The 226 Challenge’ is not just about personal achievement but also aims to promote fitness culture and healthy living among Nigerians. They said logistics and safety arrangements have been put in place along all four states’ routes. At the time of reporting, government sports agencies had not issued an official statement regarding support for the event.
Coach Dreh’s journey is expected to draw attention from sports enthusiasts across the country as preparations continue ahead of the September event.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/nigerian-athlete-coach-dreh-to-swim-cycle-run-226km-across-four-states/
Nigeria News (Standard)
French Institute Urges Increased Support for Live Music, Emerging Artists at Abuja Event
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Cultural stakeholders gather in FCT as French Institute marks World Music Day, calls for policy backing and investment
Music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and performers converged on Team Compound in Abuja on Saturday as the French Institute marked World Music Day with a call for stronger backing of live music and upcoming artistes. The event, which drew a diverse crowd from across the Federal Capital Territory, highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s creative sector and underscored the need for sustained support.
The celebration featured live performances from both established acts and emerging talents, providing a platform for artistes to showcase their craft. Organisers said the event aimed not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the pressing issues confronting musicians and the broader entertainment industry in Nigeria. According to participants, limited access to funding, inadequate venues, and lack of institutional support continue to hinder growth in live music.
Stakeholders present at the occasion stressed that increased investment from both government and private sector is essential to nurture new talent and preserve Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. The French Institute noted that collaborative efforts between cultural bodies, policymakers, and investors would create more opportunities for young artistes. “Supporting live music is not just about entertainment; it is about sustaining our cultural identity and creating jobs,” an organiser said during the event.
No government representative was immediately available for comment on proposed policy changes or direct support for emerging artistes. However, industry observers say targeted interventions—such as grants, infrastructure upgrades, and promotion of local content—could help address existing gaps. The opposition could not be immediately reached for their reaction.
As momentum builds around initiatives like World Music Day, many in Nigeria’s creative community are hopeful that sustained advocacy will lead to concrete reforms. Stakeholders say improved support structures could boost employment, enhance international recognition of Nigerian music, and strengthen cultural ties within West Africa.
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