Business
Anambra NMA Calls Off Strike as Kidnapped Doctor Regains Freedom
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has officially ended the indefinite strike it initiated in response to the kidnapping of Dr. Stephen Ezeh, a medical doctor based in Ihiala.
The announcement was made on Sunday through a statement signed by the chapter’s Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, who confirmed that Dr Ezeh had been released on Saturday.
Following this development, the NMA directed its members to resume their duties at healthcare facilities across the state.
Clinical services were set to recommence as of 8:00 AM on Sunday, August 25. In the statement, the association expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to the efforts leading to Dr Ezeh’s safe return.
The NMA also used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize security in the state by declaring a state of emergency, particularly due to the rising wave of insecurity, especially kidnapping, which the association said is adversely affecting both the economy and healthcare delivery.
The association expressed its appreciation to the public for their understanding during the strike, describing the period as a difficult one for everyone.
They further expressed hopes that such an incident would not occur again. Additionally, the statement praised members of the medical association for their unity and determination in the face of challenges such as insecurity, which has placed immense pressure on the healthcare sector.
In their appeal, the NMA urged the public, security agencies, professional bodies, and corporate organizations to collaborate with Governor Soludo’s administration to promote peace, security, and improved healthcare in Anambra State.
DDrEzeh’s kidnapping, which occurred on August 15 in Ihiala, prompted the NMA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum, eventually leading to a full strike on August 22 when the doctor had not been released.
After several days of intense negotiations and efforts, his release on August 24 brought an end to the medical strike, allowing doctors to return to their posts and resume providing essential health services to the public.
The NMA closed the statement by expressing hope that the issues of insecurity in Anambra State will be effectively addressed to ensure that such disruptions to healthcare services do not recur in the future.
Aliko Dangote is stepping down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc after two decades of steering the company’s growth and transformation. His retirement will officially take effect on June 16, 2025.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the company’s secretary, Temitope Hassan, who praised Dangote’s contributions since he took over leadership in 2005. Over the years, he has played a major role in shaping Dangote Sugar into a top player in Nigeria’s sugar industry, overseeing its expansion and pushing key reforms in governance and operations.
During his time at the helm, the company rolled out several major projects focused on backward integration, setting up large-scale sugar production facilities in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa. These projects were designed to boost local output and cut down on the country’s reliance on imported sugar.
As part of a planned succession process, the board has named Arnold Ekpe as the incoming Chairman. Ekpe, who is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board, will take over on the same day Dangote retires.
Ekpe brings decades of leadership experience, having served as Group CEO of Ecobank and held top positions across different industries. The board expressed confidence in his ability to lead the company into its next phase while also thanking Dangote for his outstanding service and dedication throughout the years.
Ecobank Group is reportedly set to raise up to $250 million through an Additional Tier 1 (AT1) capital offering in order to strengthen the bank’s capital base.
This was revealed during the company’s annual general meeting held in Togo on the 29th of May, 2025. According to the meeting, the bank stated that the conversion price for the shares will be based on the higher of the prevailing exchange rate and the floor price of $0.02 per ordinary share.
The speaker stated “As we cast our eyes into the future and reimagine all possibilities—rising competition from banks, fintechs, and non-bank financial institutions, as well as factors such as geopolitics, regulations, and capital markets—we cannot afford complacency.”
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently assured stakeholders about the state of the banking sector in Nigeria, stating that the banking sector can still be trusted and is secure.
The assurance was shared in a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN. In the statement, it was emphasized that stakeholders should disregard any negative news concerning the banking sector, as such reports are misleading.
The CBN also highlighted the security of the deposits entrusted to it, stating, “There is no reason for the public to worry about the security of their deposits.” The extent of the measures and security in place was also emphasized by the director in the statement.
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