Author: starconnect
Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, April 23.26 WASHINGTON – THE United States has unveiled a record-breaking $1.5 trillion (£1.2 trillion) defense budget, marking the largest military investment in American history. In a bold move to “supercharge” the nation’s arsenal, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the fiscal year 2027 request today, promising to cement American military dominance for decades to come. The massive 42% spending hike aims to modernize the nuclear “triad,” fix crumbling barracks, and provide a significant pay rise for front-line troops. ‘Peace Through Strength’ Speaking from the Pentagon, Secretary Hegseth took a direct swipe at previous administrations, claiming…
Admin I Wednesday, April 23.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million. Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive: FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum,…
Admin I Thursday, April 23.26 LAGOS – Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa. The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical…
The NDDC Director Administration and Human Resource, Sir Kelechi Nwelue (2nd right), in a handshake with the Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Mrs Tamuno Life-George (2nd left), during summit for NDDC female directors in Port Harcourt. With them are, the NDDC Director Youth and Women Affairs, Mrs Ahunna Imoni (right) and the Consultant, Mrs Catherine Kadiri (left) By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, April 23.26 PORT HARCOURT – The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s development and leadership as a cornerstone of its mandate to foster sustainable growth across the…
BY BLAISE UDUNZE I Wednesday, April 23.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – With the chanting of the ‘Renewed Hope’, it appears to be Uhuru in Nigeria, following the recent World Economic Outlook presented by the International Monetary Fund, which projected that Nigeria’s economy would expand by 4.1 percent in 2026. The truth is while Nigeria may be growing on paper, it is simultaneously shrinking and does not in any way reflect the lived experience of its citizens, as the populace can attest to. With the current lived experience, nowhere is this contradiction more glaring than in the widening gulf…
Admin I Thursday, April 23.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has commended the restoration of peace and calm in the South-East region. Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who holds the title Dunu–Ezeugosinachi, made this known in his Midweek Musings on Wednesday, titled: “The Return of Calm in Alaigbo: A Triumph to Cherish, Not a Licence to Relapse.” He described the development as gladdening, noting that people in the region can now go about their lawful activities without fear or intimidation from any quarter. According to him,…
By Titus Eleweke I Editor, South East AWKA, Anambra – A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Abia State, Hon. Kelechi Odoeme, has hosted and formally received new members of the party in his community, Eziama Achara, Uturu, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. Welcoming over 500 entrants into the party, Hon. Odoeme personally addressed the gathering, emphasizing the party’s commitment to social justice and people-oriented governance. The event, which doubled as a formal induction ceremony and a strategic engagement session, was designed to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures ahead of forthcoming political cycles. He disclosed…
Admin I Wednesday, April 22:2026 ABUJA, Nigeria – The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the progress made by the Commission in completing legacy projects across the Niger Delta region. Speaking in an interview after meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja, Ogbuku reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration into tangible and measurable outcomes. The NDDC boss attributed the Commission’s success to “the tremendous support of the Presidency,” noting that “President Tinubu has charged us…
BY OUR MAN AT THE AMEX CHELSEA’S season of misery hit a new low last night as Brighton’s young stars ripped them to shreds in a south coast masterclass. Fabian Hürzeler’s Seagulls didn’t just beat the Blues—they picked them apart, leaving Liam Rosenior’s side staring at a fifth straight Premier League defeat and a European exit door that is now slammed shut. While Brighton’s European charge is reaching fever pitch, Chelsea looked like a team that had forgotten how to play the game, failing to register a single shot on target in 90 minutes of pure seaside torture.…
By James O Ashu I Tuesday, April 21.26 LAGOS, Nigeria – For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed. That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to…
