Nigeria News (Standard)
Keystone Bank Launches EcoCycle Account to Boost Lagos Green Economy
Bank pledges financing and business advisory for recycling, waste management and sustainable manufacturing enterprises
Bank pledges financing and business advisory for recycling, waste management and sustainable manufacturing enterprises
Keystone Bank Limited has introduced the EcoCycle Account in Lagos, targeting businesses across Nigeria’s growing green economy. The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hassan Imam, as the bank moves to support enterprises engaged in recycling, waste management and eco-friendly manufacturing amid increasing demand for sustainable solutions.
According to Keystone Bank, the EcoCycle Account is designed to provide working capital, equipment financing and expansion funding on competitive terms for businesses operating within the circular economy. In addition to financial support, account holders will benefit from business advisory services and capacity-building opportunities through the bank’s MSME Online Academy.
The move comes as Nigeria witnesses a surge in entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in transforming waste materials into commercial products. However, many green businesses have struggled to access tailored financing required to scale their operations. Keystone Bank said its new offering aims to bridge this gap by supporting innovation and economic growth within the sector.
Imam stated that the EcoCycle Account forms part of Keystone Bank’s broader commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth. He explained that by combining funding options with training resources, the bank intends to equip business owners with both financial leverage and technical know-how needed for success in an evolving market.
Industry observers note that such initiatives could accelerate Nigeria’s adoption of circular economy practices while creating jobs and reducing environmental impact. As at press time, stakeholders in the green sector have welcomed the development as a step towards easing barriers faced by eco-focused micro, small and medium enterprises across the country.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police Arrest Suspected Armed Robber With Human Body Part, Firearms in Ikorodu
State command says suspect found with firearms and human remains; investigation ongoing as authorities step up patrols
State command says suspect found with firearms and human remains; investigation ongoing as authorities step up patrols
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber in Ikorodu area on Friday, June 26, after he was reportedly found in possession of firearms and a human body part. The arrest was confirmed by officers attached to the state command during a routine patrol in the community.
According to police sources, the suspect was intercepted following intelligence reports of suspicious movement around Ikorodu. Upon search, officers allegedly recovered several firearms as well as what appeared to be a human body part from the suspect’s belongings. The individual is currently being held for further questioning at a divisional police station in Lagos.
Security experts say such incidents highlight the growing concerns about violent crime and ritual-related offences in parts of Lagos State. The arrest comes amid renewed calls for heightened vigilance and community policing, especially in areas known for criminal activity. Residents have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify efforts against armed robbery and related crimes that threaten public safety.
Police spokespersons said that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the suspect’s activities, including possible links to other criminal networks or ritual-related groups operating within Lagos. “We are committed to getting to the root of this matter and ensuring that all those involved face justice,” an officer familiar with the case stated.
Authorities have assured residents that patrols will be increased across Ikorodu and neighbouring communities to deter further crime. The Lagos Police Command also encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity promptly, pledging continued collaboration with local stakeholders as investigations continue.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Employers Shift Focus to Soft Skills Over Degrees Amid Workplace Changes
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Jobberman reports surge in demand for adaptability and emotional intelligence as Nigerian firms embrace AI and remote work
Employers across Lagos State are now prioritising soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence above academic degrees, according to new hiring trends observed on Wednesday. Recruitment experts at Jobberman say the shift is driven by rapid changes in workplace technology, with many technical skills now easily learned on the job.
Industry insiders revealed that while university certificates remain relevant, the real competition in Nigeria’s job market has moved towards qualities like critical thinking, teamwork, and self-management. This trend is especially pronounced among companies navigating the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and remote work arrangements.
For decades, a degree was seen as a key requirement for good jobs across the country. However, Jobberman’s latest findings show that employers in Lagos and other major cities are increasingly assessing candidates on how they respond to challenges and interact with colleagues rather than just paper qualifications. “Technical know-how can be taught quickly, but things like adaptability or emotional intelligence are much harder to instil,” said a senior Jobberman analyst during a phone interview.
Experts note that this development reflects both global and local realities. In an environment where AI tools can handle routine tasks, Nigerian employers are seeking workers who can think critically and collaborate effectively in diverse teams. “The ability to communicate clearly and manage oneself under pressure is now a top priority for recruiters,” the analyst added.
Jobberman advised job seekers to focus on building these interpersonal skills alongside their academic pursuits. While no official government policy has yet addressed this shift directly, stakeholders say it could influence curriculum reforms at universities and vocational centres nationwide. As hiring continues to evolve in Nigeria’s competitive labour market, experts predict that candidates who balance qualifications with soft skills will have the strongest prospects going forward.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/skills-employers-now-prioritise-more-than-degrees-2026062611102933152
Nigeria News (Standard)
Borno Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death by Hanging Over 2015 Maiduguri Attacks
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
Landmark judgement marks rare capital conviction for terrorism in North-East; security agencies welcome verdict as deterrent
A Borno State High Court has sentenced a Boko Haram member to death by hanging for his involvement in the deadly 2015 attacks on Maiduguri, the state capital. The judgement was delivered on Friday, June 26, following a lengthy trial in Maiduguri that highlighted the severity of insurgency-related crimes in the North-East.
According to court proceedings, the convicted individual was found guilty of participating in coordinated assaults that left many residents dead and property destroyed during the 2015 wave of violence that shook Maiduguri. The presiding judge stated that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused played a significant role in planning and executing the attacks.
The sentencing comes at a time when security challenges persist across Borno and other North-East states, with government intensifying efforts to prosecute high-profile terrorism cases. The conviction is seen as a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives since its insurgency began.
Security agencies have described the judgement as a strong message to those involved in violent extremism. A senior officer in Maiduguri said the court’s decision will encourage further cooperation between law enforcement and communities affected by insurgency. No statement from defence counsel was available as at press time.
With this ruling, authorities are expected to speed up prosecution of other pending terrorism cases, while rights groups continue to call for fair trials and improved support for victims. The execution order underscores growing pressure on Nigeria’s judiciary to deliver justice amid ongoing security threats.
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