General News
Eagle Schnapps adds Colour, Glamour to Lisabi Festival as Chief Ebenezer Obey Serenades at Grand Finale

The week-long activities for the 36th Lisabi Festival ended on a high octane in Abeokuta at the weekend with veteran music icon, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, dishing out melodious songs to serenade participants and fun-seekers at the festival’s grand finale ceremony.
Lisabi Festival is the historic festival and cultural heritage event celebrated yearly by the Egba people of Ogun State in honour of the legendary Lisabi, a hero of the Egba liberation struggle from the dominance of the old Oyo Kingdom.
The festival brings together Egba sons and daughters at home and from across the universe who converged on the ancient kingdom to honour their progenitor.
Evangelist Obey-Fabiyi, the celebrated music legend and prominent Egba son, was in his usual best as he dished out many of his melodious evergreen oldies to which fun-seekers and entertainment lovers danced to and sang along with him.
The ‘Chief Commander’ as he was popularly known on the stage, thrilled his audience for hours, leaving them with an unforgettable memory of a night of superlative excitement.
Commenting, the Category Manager, Schnapps, IDL, Mr. ‘Tofunmi Opaleye, said “Eagle Aromatic Schnapps is associated with cultural celebrations. It’s a brand known for its uniqueness and ubiquitous status as an ‘authentic prayer drink.’ We are excited at the opportunity that Lisabi Festival provided for the brand to promote culture, offer prayers, and create some pleasure for Nigerians,” he said.
Aside from the entertainment, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps sponsored the traditional brain-engaging game, Ayo Olopon, which prizes were competed for. The first, second and third prize winners of the male and female categories of the competition were showered with cash rewards and gifts by the brand.
Eagle Schnapps also participated actively in the Libation ceremonies at the historic Lisabi Shrine and Olumo Rock where the authentic prayer drink – Eagle Aromatic Schnapps was used for the Libation rites which was witnessed by the Aare-Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams.
Lisabi Festival provides a memorable spectacle for many Egba sons and daughters from home and across the continent, as well as well-wishers from far and near to relish the rich cultural heritage of Egba people.
The key activities for this year’s event included traditional libation at the Lisabi ancestral shrine, booming of gun at the historic Olumo Rock, Ayo Olopon competition, local wrestling (Ijakadi) contest, unity seminar, and music performance by various guest artistes among others.
Oba Gbadebo, expressed appreciation to Intercontinental Distillers Limited for consistently promoting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba and supporting Lisabi Festival year-on-year. He prayed with Eagle Aromatic Schnapps for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria and Egbaland as well as the prosperity of IDL
“I thank IDL for always being a friend of the Egba people, which you have always demonstrated as a major partner of Lisabi Day celebration. Your support over the years is very commendable. On behalf of all Egba sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, I seek the blessings of Almighty God and those of our forefathers on you and your brands. We shall continue to pray for you”, he stated.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, was the chief host of the Lisabi Festival, also had the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, also in attendance were the Agura of Gbagada, Oba Saburi Babajide Bakre; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Hon. Commissioner For Culture & Tourism, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, ‘Dimeji Bankole, Chairman Planning Committee of Lisabi Festival, the Asipa of Egbaland, Chief AbdulRasheed Raji, the Ogboye of Egba Christians, Chief Ayinla Oke, Baagbimo Egba, Chief Akanni Akinwale, Baaroyin of Egbaland, Chief Lai Labode and other retinue of senior chiefs, other chiefs, and sons and daughters of the ancient kingdom. The festival drew a large crowd of fun-seekers including residents, local and international tourists and culture enthusiasts.
General News
FG to Launch Fully Digital Expatriate Residence Permit Application Portal August 1

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the rollout of a fully digital application system for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC).
The new online portal, https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng, will become the exclusive platform for submitting CERPAC applications from August 1, 2025.
According to NIS, the digital migration is part of the Federal Government’s broader initiative to reform the immigration system by promoting transparency, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the overall user experience for expatriates and organizations interacting with the Service.
In a press statement signed by A.S Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, the NIS disclosed that manual or physical CERPAC forms will be completely phased out by July 31, 2025.
It noted that after this date, all applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal.
The Service has advised applicants who have paid for physical forms but are yet to complete the submission process to do so on or before July 31, 2025, warning that any unsubmitted applications after the deadline will be deemed invalid, and associated payments may be forfeited.
Companies and individuals assuming Immigration Responsibility (IR) for expatriates have also been urged to ensure that all outstanding applications are finalized within the stipulated timeframe, to avoid potential delays or administrative setbacks.
“This digital transition marks a critical milestone in our effort to simplify processes and serve the public better,” the statement reads.
The NIS urged members of the public to direct all inquiries and correspondence regarding the new digital process to the office of the Public Relations Officer at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
General News
Moniepoint Named Among World’s Top Fintechs by CNBC


Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike
Moniepoint joins a select group of leading fintech players recognised for their financial performance and success across 2023-4. The list – compiled by CNBC in conjunction with market research firm Statista – follows analysis of key performance indicators, such as revenue growth, transaction volume, employee headcount, and capital raised. The result is a diverse group of 250 trailblazing fintech companies.
Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint (formerly known as TeamApt Inc.) has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion across Africa – especially for individuals and businesses operating in the informal economy, underserved by formal and traditional institutions.
The Company services 10 million+ customers through its comprehensive, integrated ecosystem of digital banking, credit, payments, and business management tools, and processes over one billion transactions monthly with volumes exceeding US$22 billion.
The accolade follows recent milestones for the Company which reiterate Moniepoint’s commitment to innovation and widening access to the formal financial system.
Notably, Moniepoint expanded its offering to Africans in the international diaspora via the launch of the MonieWorld platform. MonieWorld offers seamless remittance and digital financial services capabilities to individuals in markets such as the UK; the first time the Company has provided services to consumers outside Africa.
In June, Moniepoint was named in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for 2025, highlighting the Company’s extraordinary impact. Moniepoint has also been recognised by the Financial Times for three consecutive years as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies, reflecting its remarkable revenue growth and business expansion; and by CB Insights in the Fintech 100 list, highlighting the Company’s status as one of the world’s most promising private fintech companies.
Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., said: “It is an honour to be named as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC. Moniepoint’s inclusion in this prestigious, authoritative list is testament to the hard-work and success of the entire team while highlighting our emergence as a key player shaping the future of fintech worldwide.
“Our mission to power the dreams of millions of African entrepreneurs and businesses continues to propel us forward with renewed vigor. As we continue to scale, we remain committed to driving global financial inclusion and widening access to economic opportunities for Africans everywhere – transforming lives and livelihoods.”
CNBC’s list of the world’s top fintech companies was launched in 2023 to identify global market leaders in technology-driven financial services. The list, which includes companies operating across various regions and market categories including banking solutions, digital assets, and payments, highlights the dynamic and rapidly evolving FinTech industry, offering readers, investors, and stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the leading players across various segments.
General News
Wema Bank Plans N2M Grant to Empower Women

Innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, Wema Bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment by partnering with the SheCan Conference for the fifth consecutive year.
The collaboration has announced it would empower women with N2 million grant during the 6th edition of SheCan 6.0. conference, that will be held on July 18, 2025, at Balmoral, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The event is expected to host over 7,000 women under the theme “SheCan Do More.”
Announcing this partnership, Wema Bank through its women-focused platform, SARA by Wema, said it will be awarding ₦2 million in business grants to support women entrepreneurs within the SARA Community.
This grant is to support small and medium businesses within the SARA Community to scale up their business.
Ayodele Olojede, Head, Retail and SME Banking at Wema Bank, said, “Wema Bank is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing the financial backing, tools, training, and networks they need to scale sustainably. Year after year, we’ve seen the incredible ripple effect that access, and opportunity can create in the lives of women and their communities.
“Through SARA by Wema, our goal is to create an environment where Nigerian women can dream bigger, build stronger, and lead the economy with confidence. This partnership with SheCan is a statement of belief in the power of women to transform society.”
“This year’s partnership represents more than sponsorship; it is a tangible investment in helping Nigerian women build sustainable businesses, scale their impact, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
“Eligible applicants must be women-led businesses with active Wema Bank accounts and must be registered members of the SARA Community.
“Interested participants are required to submit a written pitch of no more than two pages, detailing their business and founder story, the problem being solved, target audience and competitive advantage, proposed use of the grant, and the expected outcomes and community impact. Entries must also include the applicant’s Wema Bank account number, full name, and the email address used to join the SARA Community.”
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