Author: ekospotlightnews

US President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire with Iran effectively over after fresh clashes erupted in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a renewed conflict and sending global oil prices sharply higher. Speaking at a NATO summit on Wednesday, Trump dismissed hopes of preserving the truce, saying he no longer believed negotiations with Tehran were worthwhile. His remarks came after Iran launched attacks on commercial vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, prompting a new wave of US military strikes and Iranian retaliation across the Gulf. Iran, which insists it has the right to regulate traffic through the…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reminded Nigerians that the standard ₦100 banknote remains legal tender and must be accepted for all transactions nationwide, warning that anyone who rejects it could face sanctions. The clarification comes after reports that some individuals, businesses and organisations had refused to accept the standard ₦100 note, wrongly believing it became invalid following the introduction of the commemorative ₦100 banknote issued to mark Nigeria’s centenary. In a statement signed by Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the CBN stressed that the commemorative note did not replace the existing ₦100 note. It affirmed…

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has intensified its enforcement campaign against counterfeit, expired, hazardous, and substandard products, inspecting 663 supermarkets, grocery stores, markets, shopping malls, and other retail outlets across Lagos between January and June 2026. The agency disclosed that 238 businesses were found to have violated the Lagos State Consumer Protection Law during the inspections, which covered all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. Officials carried out unannounced visits to verify product certifications, check expiry dates, assess storage conditions, and confiscate unsafe products. LASCOPA General Manager/CEO, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., said consumer safety remains…

Harvesters Skill Acquisition Program (HSAP) Opens Registration for August 2026 at Abule Egba Campus Harvesters International Christian Centre has announced the commencement of registration for the Harvesters Skill Acquisition Program (HSAP), an impactful initiative designed to equip entrepreneurs, job seekers, students, and aspiring professionals with practical, market-ready skills. The August 2026 edition, scheduled to hold at the Harvesters Abule Egba Campus, will provide participants with hands-on training delivered by experienced facilitators across various creative and business disciplines. The program is aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance employability, build successful businesses, and create sustainable sources…

The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) has commenced registration for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Lands of Israel and Jordan, inviting interested Christians across the state to participate in the spiritual journey. The pilgrimage offers participants the opportunity to visit significant biblical and historical sites, including the River Jordan, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Cana in Galilee, the Dead Sea, Mount Carmel, Capernaum, Patmos Island, Ephesus, Athens, and the Colosseum, among others. According to the Board, registration is now open with a ₦20,000 registration fee, while flexible installment payment options are available for the pilgrimage package. The pilgrimage package…

Nigeria women’s national football team will open their training camp in Morocco on July 15 as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, which kicks off on July 26. The nine-time African champions will spend a week training in Mohammedia before relocating to Rabat for their group-stage matches. Head coach Justine Madugu is expected to fine-tune the squad following recent international friendlies against Cameroon and Senegal in Ikenne-Remo. Nigeria, the defending champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia women’s national football team, Egypt women’s national football team and Malawi women’s national football team, with…

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced that its Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, will retire from the Board of Directors on August 21, 2026, after completing the maximum 12-year tenure for non-executive directors as stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria corporate governance guidelines. Following a board meeting on Monday, the bank confirmed that current non-executive director Emmanuel Nnorom will assume the role of Group Chairman on the same day Elumelu steps down. In a statement, UBA praised Elumelu’s visionary leadership, noting that under his chairmanship, the bank strengthened its pan-African expansion, growing its presence to 20 African countries…

The Lagos State Government has appointed David Olaniyan, the renowned media entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Junction, as a member of the Digital Media and Fans Engagement Sub-Committee for the National Intermediate Games – EKO 2026. The appointment, approved by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), acknowledges Olaniyan’s outstanding contributions to media, digital communications, public engagement, and strategic storytelling. His inclusion is expected to strengthen the Games’ digital visibility and deepen fan participation ahead of the maiden edition. Scheduled to hold from October 1 to October 15, 2026, the National Intermediate Games is a landmark initiative…

The Lagos State Public Service has celebrated the retirement of Mr. Olanrewaju Adetokunbo Bajulaiye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, as he bows out after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60, bringing to a close a distinguished career marked by excellence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service. Widely regarded as one of Lagos State’s foremost technocrats and communication strategists, Bajulaiye earned widespread admiration for his visionary leadership, integrity, and dedication to advancing effective governance through strategic communication. During his tenure as Permanent Secretary, he spearheaded significant reforms that strengthened government-media relations, enhanced public information management, and improved…

The knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially set following the conclusion of the Round of 32, with defending champions Argentina and Colombia securing their places in the last 16. Argentina progressed after a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde, while Colombia booked their spot with a narrow 1-0 win against Ghana. The Round of 16 begins on Saturday, July 4, with co-hosts Canada taking on Morocco, while Argentina face Egypt on Tuesday, July 7, and Colombia meet Switzerland in their bid for quarter-final qualification. Fans can also look forward to several blockbuster ties, including Portugal…