Finance Minister leads Nigeria’s Delegation to 2026 IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok

Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings holding at Bangkok, Thailand.

The meeting, holding from October 12 to October 18, is being attended by delegations from over 190 countries.

The Nigeria delegation includes Chief Executive Officers of financial institutions, representatives of the private sector, Civil Society Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and other stakeholders.

The meeting, aimed at promoting global macro-economic financial stability along IMF’s long-standing mission, will provide policy advice, surveillance of member countries’ economies, and financial assistance to countries facing balance-of-payments issues.

It will also focus on building a balanced and more resilient world economy that can withstand economic shocks and promote sustainable development.

The specific activities of the meeting will include analysing the world economy, holding bilateral consultations with member countries, and providing support to countries navigating economic challenges.

It will also discuss the global economic outlook, global financial stability, and poverty eradication.

At the meeting, the IMF is also expected to release its World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report.

The World Economic Outlook will provide analysis and projections of the global economy, the global financial stability report, assess the global financial system and highlight systemic issues.

The meetings will also discuss the need for reforms to the global financial architecture to support developing countries as well as poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth

Other key area of discussion at the meeting is how to address the economic impacts of climate change on the nations.

IMF and the World Bank are two intergovernmental organisations, often referred to as the Bretton Woods Institutions, established in 1944 to rebuild the global economy after World War II.

While the IMF focuses on maintaining the stability of the international monetary system, the World Bank aims to reduce poverty and promote development in countries.

The IMF also acts like a financial policeman, ensuring the global financial system functions smoothly, while the World Bank is like a development banker, helping countries invest in their future

Specifically, the IMF conducts economic surveillance, both at the national and global levels to monitor the health of its 190 member countries.

The IMF provides loan to member-countries struggling with a balance of payments crisis and offers advice on how to improve their financial regulations.

The World Bank on its part, focuses on reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in developing countries.

It lends money to developing countries for development projects, provides policy advice and technical assistance, and promotes knowledge sharing and innovation to help countries tackle development challenges.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Itoku turns out big for Sowunmi-Kolapo, says 'we've a Great Child who is our Incoming Deputy Governor'

Itoku community in Abeokuta erupted in celebration on Saturday during a grand homecoming ceremony for Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The candidate, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and First Ameerah of Ogun Muslims, was honoured with two prestigious chieftaincy titles in recognition of her support for the growth of Islam, development of Itoku and service to humanity.

Sowunmi-Kolapo’s maternal grandmother, Rabiat Bakenne (nee Akinyele), hails from the Akinyele compound in Itoku, a family described by community leaders as a strong pillar of support for the Itoku people.

Itoku is globally renowned as the historic heartland of tie and dye art and the traditional home of the iconic Adire fabric in Abeokuta.

The main road leading to Itoku was blocked as shops were closed, while dignitaries including the Itoku Traditional Council, Isese Chiefs (traditionalists), religious leaders and Community Development Association, gave her a rousing welcome.

The party (PDP) leaders, different societies, market women and men, cultural troupes and residents were also on ground to welcome her.

Amid cheers, Itoku stakeholders unanimously vowed to mobilise massive support for the PDP governorship ticket of Oladipupo Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo to ensure victory at the polls.

To attest to their overwhelming acceptance, the Itoku Traditional Council of Chiefs — comprising the Ogboni, Olorogun, Ologun and Parakoyi — under the leadership of the Oluwo of Itoku, Olusoji Sodamola, conferred on her the chieftaincy title of Olootu of Itoku Land.

Similarly, the Itoku Muslim Community, led by the Baba Adeen of Itoku, Shuaib Aro, and the Chief Imam of Itoku Central Mosque (Ita-Edu, Ita Morin, Oke-Itoku, Abeokuta), Imam Taofeek Bakare, installed her as Ummu-L-Khaer of Itoku Muslims in Egbaland.

The installation, according to them, is “in recognition of her meritorious service to Islam and humanity.”

Earlier, prominent grassroots politician and political leader in Abeokuta, Moshood Akinyele, popularly known as ‘Americo’, formally presented Adebutu’s running mate to the Oluwo of Itoku, Sodamola, describing her as a shining light of the community.

Akinyele noted that Sowunmi-Kolapo had recorded many strides in Abeokuta and Ogun at large without holding a public office, describing the honour as a testament to the Akinyele family’s enduring legacy and good name.

Joined by prominent religious leaders in Itoku, the Oluwo raised Sowunmi-Kolapo’s hand to the cheering of the crowd and openly endorsed the Adebutu/Kolapo ticket, declaring that “Itoku is entirely for PDP.”

“We are entering the forthcoming governorship election with pride because we have a good product. We have a great child who is our incoming deputy governor by God’s grace.

”This is our own and we’re going all out for her. We have all resolved to vote for the PDP. Let’s tell those who are not here. Our resolution is fully backed by our revered father, the Alake of Egbaland.

“With the PDP in power, those who don’t have jobs will have. Our daughter, Sowunmi-Kolapo has already started great things for us in Itoku. We believe that great things will continue once they are at Oke-Mosan.

”I am glad to present Her Excellency under the platform of the PDP by the grace of God as our deputy governorship candidate for 2027 and Ladi Adebutu as our governorship candidate,” the Oluwo said.

Responding, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed gratitude for the honour and homecoming, saying she was happy she did not struggle to connect with her family, unlike some who had been struggling to prove their ancestry.

“I am happy I did not struggle before connecting with my family, unlike some who have been struggling to prove their ancestry. When the Ijemos endorsed me, we’re all aware.

”The politics of this time is not about political parties, it is about protecting our heritage. We must not allow anyone to enslave us.

”You can take their money but vote Hon. Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates from top to bottom in 2027,” she said.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Zenith Bank unveils Maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme

Zenith Bank Plc is set to launch the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, an initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to dream boldly, develop the skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the future.

The event, themed “Banking On Her Tomorrow,” is the brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji, the first female GMD/CEO in Zenith Bank’s history and a strong advocate for girl-child education and empowerment. The event will be held virtually on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., a day after the International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11.

The programme, which will feature an impressive lineup of distinguished experts in various fields, seeks to provide girls with the inspiration, knowledge and practical perspectives needed to navigate their education and careers, while exposing them to opportunities in skills development, mentorship and leadership. As an annual platform, it will encourage girls to recognise their potential, broaden their aspirations and equip themselves to make informed choices about their future.

The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to women and girls, demonstrated through programmes and platforms including the Bank’s annual International Women’s Day Seminar, its sole sponsorship of the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative. These complement the Bank’s women-focused financial solutions, including the Z-Woman initiative, an empowerment programme that supports women-owned and women-led businesses through specialised funding, capacity building and networking. Together, these initiatives reflect the Bank’s broader commitment to supporting women and girls at different stages of their lives, and to contributing meaningfully to national development.

This maiden edition is open to all, with girls, parents, educators and other members of the public invited to participate. Interested participants can register via the link below. Those unable to join via Zoom can follow the live stream on Zenith Bank’s social media platforms.

Credit Zenith Bank PR