Polaris Bank Wins ‘Best in MSME Lending’ Award at MSME Finance Awards 2024

Polaris Bank has been recognized as Nigeria’s top bank in lending to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the inaugural 2024 MSME Finance Awards, organized by Nairametrics and The Economic Forum. Held at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, the award acknowledged Polaris Bank’s sustained commitment to supporting MSMEs through various funding channels. […]

Iran Extends Airspace Closure Amid Rising Tensions with Israel

Iran has prolonged the closure of its airspace, suspending all flights until Thursday morning, as it braces for potential Israeli retaliation following a missile attack launched by Tehran on Tuesday evening. The missile strikes targeted three Israeli air bases and the headquarters of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, in response to the reported killings of […]

UEFA Champions League Matchday Two Results – October 1, 2024

The second matchday of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League saw several exciting fixtures on Tuesday, October 1, with some standout performances across Europe. The most significant result was Borussia Dortmund’s emphatic 7-1 victory over Celtic, while Manchester City cruised to a 4-0 win against ŠK Slovan Bratislava, with Erling Haaland continuing his prolific goal-scoring form. […]

Eguavoen Seeks Long-Term Contract as Super Eagles Coach, Urges NFF for Patience

Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to offer him a long-term contract if they want him to continue leading the team permanently. Speaking to Brila FM, the 58-year-old emphasized the need for patience and realistic expectations, acknowledging that winning is not always guaranteed in football. Eguavoen, who […]

Over 150 Passengers Missing After Boat Capsizes in Niger State

At least 150 passengers are missing following a boat accident in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, when a boat carrying over 300 people, mostly women and children, capsized during a journey for the Maulid celebration. The passengers were traveling from Mundi Community to Gbajibo Community when […]

Ndume Urges President Tinubu to Employ Military Contractors Against Boko Haram

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider hiring military contractors to assist in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State. His plea follows a recent attack by the militants in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, where six farmers were killed and five others, including […]

Current Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates and Concerns Over Rising Interest Rates

As of October 2, 2024, the black market exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian naira has been reported at a buying rate of N1695 and a selling rate of N1700. This information was shared by sources within the Bureau De Change (BDC) and reflects rates as of October 1. The Central Bank […]

Port Harcourt Refinery Fails to Meet Production Rollout Deadline Again

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has missed yet another deadline to commence fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State, marking the seventh time operations have been postponed. Promises from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NNPC regarding the refinery’s operational start have repeatedly fallen short. The NNPC’s Chief […]

Global Leaders Condemn Iran’s Missile Strikes on Israel

World leaders, including those from the US, Canada, Germany, and former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have condemned Iran’s recent missile attacks on Israel. On Tuesday night, Iran launched approximately 200 missiles targeting key Israeli military bases. While no casualties were reported, Iran’s military claimed that 90% of the missiles hit their intended targets, including […]

Federal Government Publishes New Withholding Tax Regulations, Effective 2025

The Federal Government has officially gazetted the 2024 Withholding Tax Regulations, which will take effect on January 1, 2025. The new regulations provide tax relief for various businesses, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with an annual turnover of less than ₦25 million, through rate reductions and exemptions from withholding tax. Chairman of the Presidential […]