Author: Chronicle Editor

Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest financial services institutions, has been recognised as ‘Bank of The Year – Nigeria 2016’ by The Banker Magazine, a publication of the Financial Times Group. The announcement was made at the seventeenth annual Bank of the Year awards black-tie dinner, held recently in London and attended by senior bankers from around the world. The award celebrates Nigeria’s most inventive bank taking into consideration its comprehensive earnings data, asset and Tier 1 capital growth, and returns on equity. The Banker editorial team also looked for evidence of banks setting new standards for their local…

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, on Wednesday, continued it tax enforcement exercise in Lagos, shutting down offices of companies owing a variety of taxes. The FIRS enforcement, led by Mr. Umar Bukar Gana, visited the premises of Ace Products and Services, situated at 20, Sanni Ashmiu Close, Awoyaya, Lagos, which has a tax debt of N157.3 million. However, staff of the company refused to open the gate for members of the team despite properly identifying themselves as FIRS officials. The refusal to open the gates lasted about 15 minutes, after which policemen attached to the team forced the gates open…

Despite her economic situation, Nigeria spends over N793 billion ($2.6 billion) annually on importation of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has said. Pantami who made the disclosure at a technology forum in Lagos recently, said the trend in importation of ICT equipment into the country is on the rise and could hit N44.835 trillion ($147 billion) by 2020, if it remained checked. Besides, he said, the trend would impact negatively on Nigeria’s local content development, since a lot of local equipment manufacturers would suffer defeat and…

The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya on Wednesday night announced the death of one of its long-serving members, Mrs Omawumi Udoh. Udoh represented Warri south I constituency in the Assembly. She died at a London hospital after a protracted illness. In a statement signed by Igbuya’s Chief Press secretary, Mr Henry Ebireri, the speaker described the late Udoh as “a dogged fighter, grassroots woman and leader. “ I wish to convey to you the deepest condolence of the Delta House of Assembly in an emotion laden voice. It is really hard to believe’’ The speaker…

It was an extraordinary start to an extraordinary cup tie – and we think Chester FC fans might have witnessed a piece of football history last night. The Blues conceded a penalty just SIX SECONDS into their FA Trophy first round replay against Witton Albion, when Blaine Hudson upended Tolani Omotola in the area. Bradley Bauress saw his spot-kick saved but stabbed home at the second attempt to hand the Evo-Stik First Division South side a shock lead at the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium. But did it break any records for a senior match and can referee Joseph Johnson lay claim…

Tottenham have made enquiries about signing Everton and England midfielder Ross Barkley, but they would have to offer at least £35m for the 23-year-old. (Evening Standard) And Spurs are also interested in signing Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in January and have made a £25m bid. (Squawka) Brazil midfielder Oscar, 25, is keen to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place, rather than move to China. (Sky Sports) Chelsea could replace Oscar with Genoa’s 23-year-old Uruguay midfielder Diego Laxalt. (Mirror) England Under-20 defender Reece Oxford has snubbed interest from Manchester United and Manchester City and will sign a five-year…

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has tactically eased out the current Head of Service, HOS, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola who is enmesh in alleged bribery scandal with her husband, Justice Adeniyi Ademola. The governor has appointed Mrs Folashade Sidikatu Adesoye as acting HOS. PM News gathered that the decision was taken because the image of the State Government is being smeared following her arraignment in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegation of corrupt practices. An Abuja High Court on Tuesday granted bail to the duo in the sum of N50 million each and adjourned trial into…

Gianfranco Zola has been appointed the new manager of Championship side Birmingham City to replace the sacked Gary Rowett. Former Chelsea and Italy striker Zola, 50, has signed a two-and-half-year contract with the West Midlands club. Blues, who are seventh in the table, sacked Rowett on Wednesday after he spent more than two years in charge. Club director Panos Pavlakis said Zola’s “pedigree” fits with Blues’ ambition to “move in a new direction”. His first match in charge will be at home against Championship leaders Brighton on Saturday. Gianfranco Zola is the new Birmingham City manager. Full story: https://t.co/p1eVc1Cx08 #BCFC…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late winner as Manchester United beat struggling Crystal Palace in a highly controversial game at Selhurst Park. James McArthur looked to have earned Palace a crucial point with a composed finish after a wonderful flicked pass by Damien Delaney. They had fallen behind when United striker Ibrahimovic appeared to handle a pass into the path of Paul Pogba, who finished from close range. After McArthur’s reply, the visitors then had complaints of their own as they were denied a penalty when Palace substitute Joe Ledley handled in his own area, with Juan Mata having a goal…

Adam Lallana scored twice and created another goal to give Liverpool their most emphatic away Premier League win of the season in a dominant display at Middlesbrough. The Reds arrived at the Riverside Stadium without a win in their past two matches and manager Jurgen Klopp chose to drop goalkeeper Loris Karius. However, his replacement Simon Mignolet had little to do after Lallana headed home Nathaniel Clyne’s cross before the break as Liverpool seized complete control. Sadio Mane wasted several opportunities but the English midfielder was clinical, first crossing slickly for Divock Origi to prod home a fine team goal,…