News
Osiyemi Visits Lagos Bus Services, Calls for Citizen-Focused 2026 Strategy
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has charged Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) to ensure that its 2026 strategic plan delivers more tangible and impactful benefits to residents of the state.
Mr. Osiyemi gave the charge during a working visit to the agency on Tuesday, aimed at reviewing LBSL’s proposed strategic direction for the 2026 operational year and assessing its alignment with Lagos State’s broader developmental goals.
The Commissioner was received by the Managing Director of LBSL, Mr. Idowu Oguntona, alongside members of the agency’s management team.
According to Osiyemi, the visit was initiated to engage the agency on how its yearly plans would translate into improved transport services for Lagosians, while also identifying potential challenges that could hinder effective service delivery.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Transportation’s commitment to supporting its agencies in delivering efficient and quality transport services, urging LBSL to address operational gaps through regular structural and system checks to enhance service reliability.
In his response, the Managing Director, Mr. Oguntona, briefed the Commissioner on the strategic focus of LBSL’s 2026 plan, which he said is designed to strengthen safety, reliability, and sustainability across the state’s bus operations, while rebuilding and sustaining public confidence.
He expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his guidance and oversight, assuring that LBSL would continue to uphold its mandate of providing safe, affordable, and reliable mass transit services for Lagosians.
The visit forms part of the Commissioner’s ongoing engagement with agencies under the Ministry of Transportation. It will be recalled that Mr. Osiyemi had recently visited LASWA, LAMATA, MVAA, and LAGFERRY.

He was accompanied by the Director of Legal, Mr. Bamidele Togbeola; the Director of Transport Operations, Engr. Olasunkanmi Ojowuro; the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Bolanle Ogunlola; and other senior officials of the Ministry.
Versat Automobile Limited has stepped up efforts to position EXEED in Nigeria’s premium automotive market, offering further insights into the brand’s technology, design philosophy and performance ahead of its official market launch.
The development marks a new phase in EXEED’s pre-launch activities following its initial introduction to Nigeria in August, as the automobile brand seeks to establish its identity and appeal among Nigerian consumers.
EXEED, a premium brand within the Chery Automobile family, leverages Chery’s investments in automotive research and development, including vehicle architecture, powertrain engineering, intelligent cabin systems and connected driving technology.
The brand’s approach to innovation focuses on integrating technology that improves the driving experience through intelligence, convenience, connectivity and performance, rather than simply increasing the number of technological features in its vehicles.
Its design philosophy also combines distinctive exterior styling, lighting, detailing and cabin architecture with functionality and everyday usability, reflecting its ambition to offer a premium mobility experience.
Built around the philosophy of “Born for More”, EXEED promotes a Spirit of Exploration aimed at challenging conventional expectations and providing new possibilities in mobility.
Versat Automobile believes the brand’s positioning aligns with changing expectations in Nigeria’s premium automotive market, where consumers are increasingly considering technology, design, performance, comfort and overall ownership experience in their vehicle choices.
Speaking on the development, General Manager, Sales, Versat Automobile Limited, Christopher Irumudomon, said EXEED’s introduction was about offering Nigerians a different perspective on premium mobility.
“The introduction of EXEED is about more than bringing another automotive brand to Nigeria. It is about introducing a different perspective on premium mobility, one that brings together technology, design, performance and the freedom to explore,” he said.
Irumudomon added that the company was excited to give Nigerian consumers a closer understanding of EXEED’s distinctive philosophy and vision.
As part of its ongoing engagement with the brand, the Versat team is expected to attend the International User Summit in China in October, where it will also engage with Aimoga, a high-end robotics brand, on developments at the intersection of innovation, technology and future mobility.
The company said further information about EXEED’s products, technology and design philosophy would be unveiled as its pre-launch activities progress.

With its emphasis on advanced technology, contemporary design and premium mobility, EXEED is positioning itself to introduce another option into Nigeria’s evolving luxury automobile market.
Airlines
Onyema Hails Fidelity Bank for Repaying $400m Eurobond
Chairman, Air Peace Airlines – Dr. Allen Onyema
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has commended Fidelity Bank Plc for successfully repaying its $400 million Eurobond at maturity, describing the achievement as evidence of the bank’s financial strength and sound management.
Onyema particularly applauded the bank for financing the repayment entirely from its internal liquidity after meeting its obligations throughout the five-year tenure of the Eurobond.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of Air Peace Limited, the airline chief attributed the achievement to the strategic leadership of Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
He noted that the bank’s successful repayment of the Eurobond, alongside its completion of the recapitalisation exercise ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s stipulated deadline, demonstrated its commitment to sound corporate governance and sustainable financial management.
Onyema also highlighted the importance of financially strong banking institutions to the growth of capital-intensive sectors such as aviation, where access to financing is critical for fleet expansion, operational sustainability and industry development.
He stressed that resilient financial institutions and strong partnerships with indigenous businesses were essential to strengthening Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and supporting national development.
The Air Peace chairman congratulated Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank’s Board, Management and staff on the achievement, expressing confidence in the institution’s capacity to record greater milestones.

He also reaffirmed Air Peace’s goodwill towards Fidelity Bank, wishing the financial institution continued growth, stability and greater accomplishments in Nigeria’s banking industry.
Awards
CIBN Confers Honorary Fellowship on FAAN MD, Onabanjo-Kuku
The FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, in a group photograph with CIBN officials and other dignitaries at the Institute’s Fellowship Investiture Ceremony in Lagos.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has conferred its prestigious Honorary Fellowship on the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, in recognition of her contributions to banking, financial services and the aviation industry.
The Fellowship was formally conferred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Institute’s Fellowship Investiture Ceremony held at Harbour Point Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With the recognition, Onabanjo-Kuku is entitled to use the professional appellation FCIB after her name, marking her admission into the highest level of membership of the Institute.
CIBN described Fellowship as a recognition of lifetime achievement and professional excellence, noting that the FAAN chief executive had maintained a strong relationship with the Institute through her participation in its activities and contributions to its committees.
The Institute also acknowledged her role as Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 Executive Development Programme (EDP)/Presentation of Practice Licence.
Onabanjo-Kuku’s professional career spans several senior positions in the banking, consulting and aviation sectors, including Assistant Vice President, Finance/Senior Financial Officer at the Bank of Montreal, Canada, and Partner in Business Consulting at Ernst & Young (EY).
She also served as Assistant General Manager/Head of Business Unit Strategy at Bank PHB Plc and Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation on Strategy and Infrastructure Development.
Beyond Nigeria, she serves as Vice President of Airports Council International (ACI) Africa, where she has contributed to the advancement of airport management and development across the continent.

Her conferment adds to the recognition of her professional experience and leadership across the financial services and aviation industries.
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