Metro
Youths Eye Top Diadem at Africa Youth Tourism Innovation Summit in Namibia
Three Nigerian youths, Conelius Ugwunwa, Mustapha Tijjani, and Ibukunoluwa Salau, all tech start-up entrepreneurs, will fly the national flag at the 5th edition of Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit slated for the coastal city of Swakopmund, Namibia.
The Summit, hosted by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is scheduled from May 31st to June 2nd, 2023, and specifically targets young persons all over Africa, with Innovative ideas and solutions, beyond technology, primarily sensitive to new ideas and breakthroughs in travel, tourism and MICE industry.
At the event, five finalists and their projects will undergo review and adjudication by selected panelists and industry leaders, with the overall winner, walking away with a thousand United States dollars, mentoring opportunities, and introduction to funding agencies, industry leaders and also trade partners.
Fakoya Nnenna Smith opened the flood gate to Nigeria’s Prowess at the Summit, which is gradually gaining ground as the hunting ground for the discovery of brilliant and innovative young persons in Africa, bringing new skills to change global tourism and travel narratives.
Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, MD/CEO of Topaz travels and tours and President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) who has been at the forefront, supporting and encouraging the Nigerian Youths to showcase their ideas and projects through this event, is happy and confident that the three Nigerian representatives, will do great at the Namibia summit.
On a brief background of the three Nigerian contestants, sent by Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, Cornelius Ugwunwa, is a budding tech entrepreneur with five years’ experience with top travel companies, where he had deployed uncommon skills in products development and management. He will be presenting KARDINAL, a financial travel solution app that caters specifically for African businesses.
Mustapha Tijjani has a special interest in blockchain technology and artificial intelligence and recognizing their disruptive potential. He is a co funder of TRAVEL TECH AEROPAYE, an automated smart flight ticket payment and refund system for airlines and travelers which attracted attention at the World Aviation festival, held last year in Amsterdam, Netherlands and selected by Phocuswire as the” hotest 25 startups of 2023″ out of about 150 global travel tech startups in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Last but not least, Ibukunoluwa Salau is the founder of Direx, a travel tech start-up company dedicated to travel and hospitality business operators in Africa to grow and manage their businesses online through digital platforms. Ibukunoluwa Salau also founded AFRKTRIP, a one shop booking app for booking local tours, and leisure activities in about 28 African countries.
Metro
Alleged Assassination Attempt on Yerima: Nigerians Divided, Call for Investigation
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Metro
Adron Homes Hosts First-Ever Golf Tournament, Celebrates Excellence, Sportsmanship
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Metro
Alleged $510,000 Fraud: Bank Reports Ex-Staff to EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former bank staff member, Obinna Nwaobi, before the Federal High Court in Enugu over the alleged criminal diversion of a customer’s $510,000.
Nwaobi was brought before Justice C.O. Ajah on a seven-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, fraudulent conversion, and stealing.
The EFCC said he abused his position as a banking officer to illicitly divert funds entrusted to him by a customer.
According to the charge, Nwaobi allegedly received the sum of $510,000 from a customer under the guise of helping to manage and invest the funds but dishonestly converted the money to his personal use.
The offences, the Commission noted, violate Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006 and Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State.
The Commission stated that the alleged fraud was uncovered after the new generation bank where Nwaobi previously worked detected suspicious transfers linked to him.
An internal review reportedly confirmed the irregularities, prompting the bank to escalate the matter to the EFCC, which then opened a full-scale investigation leading to his arraignment.
A senior compliance officer of the bank explained that strengthened surveillance systems and routine monitoring helped detect the suspicious transactions early.
The bank, he said, remains committed to sanitising the financial sector by reinforcing its anti-fraud unit and investing in advanced tools that track unusual account activities in real time.
The bank reaffirmed its collaboration with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that any staff member involved in fraudulent activity is promptly identified and prosecuted as part of wider efforts to protect customer funds and bolster public confidence in the banking system.
Nwaobi pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his plea, the prosecution counsel requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant.
Justice Ajah ordered that he be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility pending the determination of his bail application and adjourned the matter for further hearing.






