News
Hon. Theresa Ushie; of Resilience, Grit and Inspiration, Ideal for APC National Woman Leader Role

The need to champion the cause of empowering and including women in politics begins from inculcating them with active role in major political parties. By this saying, not just any woman is befitting for the role but one with prospects to further sustain the gains of the party and project the success of the women folk and their full participation.
Following the recent nomination of Dr. Betta Edu as Minister, the office of the National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress APC, needs a representative. It is imperative to state that it will be in the best interest of the party to have Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, man up the position following her antecedents in the party especially at the grassroot level. By virtue of patience and commitment to service, she is one of the founding members of the party in Cross River State, a grassroots mobilizer and canvasser for national development.
Blessed with a penchant for knowledge and positive adventure, Hon. Ushie who hails from Ikanda in Beten Ward, Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, had her NCE certificate from the prestigious National Teacher’s Institute(NTI), Kaduna State, obtained a B.Ed. from the Faculty of Education, University of Calabar, Cross River State.
Being one who proffers solution to societal problems, Hon. Ushie is a social grassroots mobilizer who first baptized into the sacred waters of the All Progressive Congress in 2014, a women delight and a political pundit of no mean repute. In 2017, she contested for the position of a councillor in her ward under the party, she contested again for the position of the Vice Chairman in Bekwarra Local Government Council in 2020. Believing in the aphorism that success is not accidental and failure is not final but it is the courage to continue that matters, she continued to push further.
Hon. Ushie is quite a dependable variable in the political caucus of the APC who believes that women deserve equal representation in all facets of the society and that despite all impression, women have excelled in many leadership positions, men and society should therefore join hands to strive for their inclusiveness.
A political juggernaut in her very own capacity and an initiator of transcendent value and ideas, Hon. Ushie is one of the few, who knows how to balance equation in APC’s state political balance sheet. Her political sagacity is of such a gargantuan magnitude that if she sneezes, all the political floras and faunas of her generation will catch the wave. Her political experience and ingenuity is of such an enormous proportion, that it endears her to numerous political juggernauts both within and outside the state.
Hon Theresa Akwaji Ushie is also the President/Founder of a Non-Governmental Organisation identified as the Rural Women and Girl Child Initiative(RWGCI), a platform that advocates the welfare and development of and Women, Rural Women and the Girl Child emancipation in a gender sensitive society like ours. Through this pet program, she has touched lot of women and girl child especially in rural areas cut across the nation.
In different fora, she has championed the cause for rural women and girl child to be ICT compliant. These including one of the programmes organised by Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA), in conjunction with the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) to train 500 Women and girls on digital skills, which she was one of the keynote speakers.
In 2020, she distributed 530 bags of salt and wrappers to women in rural areas. During the international Day of the girl child on the 11 of October 2021, she extended the generosity of her pet program to Girls in Junior secondary school Kabusa FCT Abuja, where she donated over 1000 sanitary products and Pads for their intimate personal use.
Hon. Ushie She is an unapologetic crusader for better life for the rural women and girl child. A woman with the milk of human kindness flowing in her veins, she has devoted her resources to bringing awareness to women in rural areas, urging and teaching them that they can equally be recognized in the society through hard work and perseverance.
What is so amazing and inspiring about Hon Theresa Akwaji Ushie is her uncommon patience that can milk a lion in the jungle of the wild and a tenderness of heart that throws back a charming smile at scornful faces.
When Jesse Jackson was presenting his manifesto to the Americans, he said “if not me, who? if not here, where? and if not now, when?
If not Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie, then who?????
She is indeed the most veritable and ideal candidate for the job. Give her your mandate and you will never regret doing so.
News
CSOs Back Nigeria’s Clean Energy Push, Applaud ECN’s Commitment
- … Endorses Solar Drive, Sets Sights on 2030 Energy Targets
- …Urges Journalists to Support, Not Sabotage Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a renewed push for sustainable national development, civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind Nigeria’s shift to renewable energy, commending the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) for its commitment to powering underserved communities through clean energy solutions.
Under the umbrella of the CSOs Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), stakeholders held a press briefing in Abuja themed “Powering Nigeria’s Future: Advocating for a National Shift Toward Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development.”
Speaking at the event, CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Splendour Agbonkpolor, emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to unlocking economic prosperity, job creation, and climate resilience. He described Nigeria’s energy access gap, where over 85 million citizens still lack electricity as a national emergency that demands bold, innovative, and inclusive solutions.
“We are here today not just to speak truth to power, but to align with power that works for the people. Renewable energy is not just a technology; it’s a tool for justice, equity, and human dignity.”Agbonkpolor said.
The committee particularly commended FG for its strategic initiatives aimed at deploying 4 megawatts of renewable energy in all 36 states and the FCT, as well as a separate plan to deliver 5 megawatts to every local government in partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“These projects are not only ambitious, they are necessary. They represent a real chance to lift communities out of darkness, boost local economies, and bring Nigeria closer to its renewable energy target of 30% by 2030.” Agbonkpolor noted.
The committee also addressed the ongoing ₦10 billion in the 2025 approved budget for the installation of a solar mini-grid at the Presidential Villa. While acknowledging growing media interest and public scrutiny of the initiative, CBIAMEC clarified that its position is not one of opposition but of constructive engagement.
“We had a fruitful interface with the Director General of ECN where detailed clarifications were provided on procurement procedures, project scope, and transparency mechanisms. The Commission assured us that all steps are being taken in line with the Public Procurement Act, including competitive bidding and regular performance audits.” Agbonkpolor added.
The group pledged to serve as an independent watchdog, monitoring the implementation to ensure the solar intervention truly benefits the people and delivers value for every kobo spent. “We will be vigilant, objective, and fact-driven in our oversight role.”
Meanwhile the Committee also raised concerns over what it described as “media trials” that could derail public trust and investment in renewable energy projects. It urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information, and avoid sensationalism that may hinder national progress.
“We are not calling for silence, we are calling for responsibility. The media has a powerful role to play in this transition, not as saboteurs, but as storytellers of change and partners in development.” he restated.
The briefing concluded with a five-point call to action, encouraging households to explore solar home systems, innovators to invest in green technology, communities to support mini-grid projects, policymakers to prioritize renewable energy in national planning, and the media to amplify success stories in the sector.
Banking
Wema Bank Celebrates 80 Years of Impact

- …Sets the stage for a future of more possibilities
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades. With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come. According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
News
Africa Trade Consortium to Host 5th Edition of “Tea Break Edition” in Abuja, Nigeria
The Africa Trade Consortium, a premier platform for promoting intra-African trade, is set to host its 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja. This annual event, organized by PR Times Africa Media Ltd, aims to boost trade relations within the continent and explore new business opportunities.
*Key Highlights of the Event:*
– *Date:* May 14th, 2024
– *Time:* 10:00 am
– *Venue:* Grand Pela Hotel, Durimi, Abuja
– *Theme:* “Tea Break Edition”
– *Objective:* To promote intra-African trade, strengthen economic cooperation, and unlock new trade opportunities in the tea industry and related sectors.
*This Year’s Focus:*
The 5th edition of the “Tea Break Edition” will bring together top decision-makers, businessmen and women, and diplomats from diverse regions of the continent to discuss the tea industry as a business opportunity and explore related trade prospects. The event will also address key challenges facing trade within the continent, including trade barriers, border challenges, security, and weather-related issues.
*Quotes from the Organizers:*
“The Africa Trade Consortium is committed to fostering economic growth and development within the continent by promoting trade and investment,” said the Lead Consultant of PR Times Africa Media Ltd and Convener of the Africa Trade Consortium. “We believe that the tea industry has immense potential for growth and we look forward to exploring new trade opportunities with our partners from across Africa.”
*About the Africa Trade Consortium:*
The Africa Trade Consortium is a trade initiative launched in Abuja, Nigeria in 2022. Its primary objective is to promote trade between Nigeria and other African countries, fostering economic cooperation and collaboration among nations on the continent. The consortium brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private enterprise, and civil society, to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
For more information, please visit (link unavailable) or call +234802422404.