By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Association of Professional Women Bankers Nigeria (APWBN) has named Interswitch as the winner of the Digital Finance Excellence Award.

The Digital Finance Excellence Award recognises organisations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in leveraging technology to transform financial services and drive financial inclusion.

While receiving the award at the APWBN Marquee Event held at the Civic Centre, Lagos, the Chief Customer Experience Officer of Interswitch, Ms Oremeyi Akah, said the recognition further reinforces Interswitch’s position as a trailblazer in digital finance and its commitment to driving growth, innovation, and inclusion across the continent.

Also speaking at the ceremony themed Redefining Power – Women Shaping the Future of Finance, the Executive Vice President for Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, said, “This award is a testament to Interswitch’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital finance and delivering impactful, customer-focused solutions across Africa.”

“We are particularly honoured to be recognised by APWBN, an organisation championing the advancement of women in the banking and financial services sector. At Interswitch, we believe that inclusion and innovation go hand in hand in building a sustainable financial ecosystem,” she added.

The APWBN Marquee Event 2026 featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers and industry leaders who shared perspectives on the future of finance in a rapidly evolving global economy and the evolving role of women in shaping the future of finance, with a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and inclusion.

The programme brought together top industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the evolving role of women in driving financial transformation.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

April 3 is Good Friday, while April 6 is Easter Monday.

The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Wednesday, congratulated Christians in Nigeria and the diaspora on the occasion.

Mr Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to reflect on the virtues associated with the season, saying, “I congratulate all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter. I urge Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”

He further called for unity among citizens, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence.

“Easter is a period that reminds us of the values of tolerance and community that keep us together as a nation. Nigerians should remain committed to these ideals for the progress of our country,” the minister said.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to policies aimed at national development.

“The goal of the government remains taking decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” he added.

The minister wished Christians a peaceful and joyous Easter celebration.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has denied rumours of his resignation circulating on social media following the expiration of a March 31 deadline.

According to reports by Channels Television, Mr Adelabu noted that the letter in circulation was fake as he had written such a letter.

However, he affirmed his interest in running for the Oyo State governorship race in 2027, adding that he would act at the appropriate time.

Mr Adelabu, reacting to the need for clarity about the said letter and his ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “Of course, yes, I am very much in the race.

“But I will act at the appropriate time, and you will be duly informed, but will be with the consent of Mr President.

“For now, I’m committed to my present assignment. It’s still about service, whether national or sub-national,” he told the broadcaster.

President Bola Tinubu had directed all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections to resign from their posts on or before March 31.

He hinged his decision on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

Only three of President Tinubu’s cabinet members stepped away from office to pursue their ambition. First among these was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, he prepares to seek the APC ticket to be the next governor of Bauchi State.

Mr Tuggar, who confirmed his resignation later on Monday, said his resignation letter was formally submitted to the president earlier that day through the Office of the Secretary of Government in Abuja.

Also, the Minister of Transportation, Said Ahmed Alkali, resigned to pursue his ambition of contesting the 2027 governorship election in Gombe State.

“The President has accepted the resignation and thanked the minister for his dedicated service to the nation,” his media aide said in the statement on Tuesday.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Yusuf Sununu, also resigned to contest a senatorial seat in Kebbi State.

Mr Sununu, who assumed office in the humanitarian ministry in November 2024 after serving as Minister of State for Education, said his deployment was aimed at restoring the ministry’s image before deciding to pursue legislative office.

Also, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, resigned from his position and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).