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Union Bank Bonanza: Three Win Star Prizes
Star Prize winners of the Union Bank regional savings Bonanza Draw, have emerged as the Bank concludes the phase I of the draw in the South South region in Port Harcourt during the week. The winners of the star price in the South South region Mr Edem Elim, Akwa Ibom State, Blessing Ogwuru, Rivers State and Akparubo, Delta State were presented with a Toyata Corolla Saloon car respectively. Other prixes presented to winners include 20 motoycles cash prices and 10 consolation priczes.
In her speech, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Union Bank, Nigeria Plc, Mrs Funke Osibodu said that a total of 260 savers won in the bonanza and that about N16 million has been given out to 237 persons, including three Toyota cars and 20 motorcycles among others.
According to her, the bonanza is in five categories viz: saving N10,000 consecutively for three months qualify the depositor to win GSM hand set, touch light and other items, N30,000 category known as “lucky Deal” qualify the customer to win motorcycle, N50,000 deposit allows the saver chances of winning one million naira, N100,000 category qualify the depositor to win a car while N250,000 category gives the customers the opportunity to win a Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep, as well as win a house in Lagos and Abuja. She added that the chances to win are still there as the first phase of the bonaza is still open till January 2010. The GMD re-affirmed the Bank’s commitment towards serving customers better, also applauded the Rivers State government for creating enabling environment for business to thrive, adding that the restoration of peace in the state is a boost to the economic activities in the state. In response, the winners respectively thanked the management of Union Bank Plc for being fair and just in fishing out the authentic winners, saying that their gesture is a demonstration of their slogan, Big strong and reliable.
The winners urged other customers to bank with the Union Bank as the chance to win remains open till January 2010.
High light of the occasion include cutting of cake as a symbol of good customer relationship, music and acrobatic display.
Dignitaries that graced the occasion were Amayanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandison Jaja, the Paramount Ruler of Oginigba, HRH, Dr G.B Ordu, Chief Clement Eze of Woji Town, Prof W. Ogiowon and Akuro Briggs, the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Aquaculture and Deep Sea Fishing.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.