Events News April 06, 2026 Iconic International Holdings Set to Hold 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards in Lagos

Iconic International Holdings is proud to officially announce all is now set  for the highly anticipated 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards a prestigious event dedicated to honoring exceptional leaders, innovators, and influential figures shaping Africa’s future and impacting the global community.

The landmark event will take place on 10 April 2026 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos, bringing together distinguished guests, global leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from across Africa for an evening of recognition, celebration, and inspiration.

The 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards serves as a powerful platform that recognizes excellence, celebrates transformational leadership, and promotes innovation, unity, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond. 

The initiative continues to reflect the organization’s commitment to empowering individuals whose contributions drive meaningful change and progress within society.

Speaking on the development , the Chief Executive Officer of Iconic International Holdings Tinotenda Michelle Chavundura reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to building a legacy of excellence and advancing global recognition of impactful leadership.

Tinotenda noted that “The 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards is more than a celebration — it is a movement that honors greatness, inspires future leaders, and strengthens our collective vision for Africa’s growth and global influence.”

Iconic International Holdings looks forward to welcoming partners, stakeholders, and honorees to this historic gathering as the organization continues to set the standard for global recognition and leadership excellence said Malaika Lobengula the Executive Director of the organization. 

According to Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis President/Founder of the Iconic International Holdings Group, This year’s edition in Lagos Nigeria will include a Business & Leadership Summit beginning from 11am to 2pm and the Dinner Award event which will Honor and celebrate 100 Iconic Personalities from diverse industries across Africa and diaspora. 

He noted delegates are arriving from over 35 countries into Lagos beginning from Wednesday 8th April 2026 ahead of the event. 

In the same vein, the Executive Global Vice President of Iconic International Holdings Amb. Apphia Nyasha Musavengana stated that As Per our  mandate to position Iconic International Holdings as the Africa’s most reputable recognition platform, the event will Honor only thoroughly vetted and qualified individuals and organizations who have contributed immensely towards societal development and advancement over the years.

The Event will feature Keynote Presentations By Prof. Eze Chidi Nwauba Vice Chancellor I-Fatoss University Benin Republic, Amb. Dr. Olamide Junaid founder of OJ Initiatives, Dr. Chinweoke Amarachi Okuwobi Founder Talented Women Network and Fire Side Chat Session from Global Talent Star Chief Dr. Alibaba and Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene Founder GMYT Group alongside other Notable Panelists Speakers like Dr. Kaffy, Rugged Man, Simply_Tacha amongst others. 

The Event will further cement Iconic International Holdings as the Premiere and most reputable Recognition Brand in Africa and Diaspora.

News April 06, 2026 ‘No such rescue’ — Kaduna community dismisses claim of 31 freed worshippers

A community group in Kaduna State has dismissed claims that 31 worshippers abducted during Easter service in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, have been rescued by the Nigerian Army.

The community described the reports as false and misleading.

The rebuttal follows earlier reports suggesting that troops had successfully freed victims kidnapped during a coordinated attack on two churches in the community on Easter Sunday.

Recall that suspected bandits had invaded Ariko in the early hours of Easter, attacking two Christian worship centres, killing several worshippers and abducting scores of others into the bush, an incident that sparked outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Southern Kaduna.

However, in a statement dated April 6, 2026, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, J.D. Ariko, said contrary to the rescue claims, all abducted persons remain in captivity.

“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 31 persons abducted during the Easter service in Ariko. We wish to categorically state that this claim is entirely false and misleading,” the statement read.

According to him, families of the victims are still in contact with the abductors, who have reportedly confirmed that the victims are alive and currently held at their camp.

“This clearly invalidates any claim of a successful rescue operation,” he added.

The community leader expressed concern over the circulation of what he described as inaccurate information, warning that such reports could create confusion, give false hope to grieving families, and erode public trust in official communication.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts by security agencies to address insecurity, he urged authorities to ensure that only verified information is released, particularly on sensitive matters involving lives.

“The safe return of the abducted persons remains our utmost priority. We call on all stakeholders to intensify genuine and coordinated efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release,” the statement added.

The association also expressed solidarity with affected families and assured that updates would be communicated as credible information becomes available.

The Nigerian Army has yet to officially respond to the denial as of the time of filing this report.

News April 06, 2026 Insecurity: Katsina on brink of humanitarian disaster – Amnesty

Amnesty International Nigeria said Katsina State is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster following persistent attacks by bandits on rural communities in the state.

The human rights group made this known in a Monday statement shared on Facebook.

This comes after a fresh attack on Sayaya village in Matazu local government area of the state on Sunday.

The bandits said to be more than 100 reportedly killed a policeman and two others and attacked a police station.

The assailants also razed a health centre and other buildings in the community.

Amnesty lamented that bandits have sustained attacks on rural communities despite a peace deal with the state government.

The group said bandits have killed no fewer than 1591 people in Katsina between 2021 and 2025 and warned that the state is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.

Amnesty said, “Despite so-called peace deal gunmen and bandits continue to raze entire villages, kill people and abduct women and girls.

“The latest atrocity was at Sayaya village of Matazu local government area.

“Gunmen attacked the village and set all cars and motorbikes on fire. Then they went from house to house setting fire to everything they can find. After the bandits left the entire village was in ashes.

“The bandits that invaded the village were said to be over 100 on motorbikes carrying sophisticated weapons.

“Rural communities in Katsina state continue in constant fear of attacks by bandits.

“Katsina state government continues to fail the people, while bandits are having a field day, killing and abducting people almost daily.

“In what appears to be disdain for the pain of the people affected by banditry, in January Katsina state government approved the release of 70 notorious bandits in what was described bizarrely as ‘a peace deal.’ Between 2021 and 2025 bandits have killed at least 1,591 people.

“Some victims of the recent attacks across Katsina state told Amnesty International that security forces were absent during most of the attacks, arriving only hours or a day after the attackers had left.

“Katsina state is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.”

The group argued that the spate of these killings is an evidence of failure of authorities to protect the people.

“Inability of authorities to bring attackers to justice is fueling impunity,” it stressed.

(TheSun)

News April 06, 2026 El-Rufai’s detention led to his mother’s death – Kenneth Okonkwo

ADC Chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the incarceration of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, led to his mother’s death.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had earlier detained El-Rufai for alleged corruption during his tenure as governor.

He was then charged before the Kaduna State High Court and later granted bail.

El-Rufai’s mother died while he was in detention, and he was subsequently given administrative bail to attend her funeral.

Reacting to the incident, Okonkwo said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to use the judiciary.

In an interview with Symponi TV, Okonkwo said: “APC wants to use the lawyers and the judiciary; why am I saying that they want to use the judiciary?

“I give you a good example of what happened in El-Rufai’s case; as far as I’m concerned, it’s the incarceration of El-Rufai that killed his mother.

“You know when mothers get to that age, they are so sentimental, they become so emotional.

“Let me tell you, somebody told my mother that thieves stole from the houses of some of her children. She felt so bad that they had to call preachers to come and start preaching to her that nothing is wrong.

“Then you can imagine an aged woman of 90 years, and you are telling her that they arrested her son, some people might tell her that her son has died, that is what killed her, in my own opinion.

“When the woman died, that is when they remembered that they would release El-Rufai without a court order, meaning that they are the ones using the judiciary, because you can’t disobey the order of the court.”

(TheSun)

News April 06, 2026 Obi blasts leadership failure over Easter killings in Nigeria

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried what he called Nigeria’s failure in leadership, linking it to the recent Easter killings in Plateau and Nasarawa states.

Speaking via his official X handle, Obi stated that Nigerians are paying for the federal government’s failure in leadership with their lives.

The former governor called the killings a national emergency while pointing out that the nation is bleeding as the situation continues to worsen.

“Less than 24 hours after President Tinubu stood at the Jos Plateau State airport on April 2, 2026, and promised the grieving Nigerian citizens, “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” another brutal attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA, resulting in the deaths of several innocent citizens.

“Since then, and only a week following that reassuring promise from the President, Nasarawa State has been plunged into grief as the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities fled for their lives after gunmen killed at least 11 people.

“Many homes were reduced to ashes, and numerous families remain missing. In Zamfara State, 150 innocent Nigerians were abducted from the Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent times.

“On the same day of the Zamfara kidnappings, terrorists in Borno State stormed Chibok, killing four officers and burning down homes.

READ ALSO: 9 killed as suspected herders attack Benue communities

“Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, Benue State was rocked by violence again, with over 17 Nigerians massacred, entire communities left in ruins, and many individuals still unaccounted for.

“Today, in Kaduna State, several innocent citizens were killed by terrorists inside churches, with many others abducted in the Ariko community of Kachia LGA. Yet we were told, “This experience will not repeat itself.”

“This represents a failure of leadership and responsibility, and sadly, Nigerians are paying for it with their lives. These attackers are not ghostly figures; our inaction emboldens them.

“How can a President make such a categorical promise and, mere hours later, the nation continues to count the dead across multiple states?

“The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property; however, this responsibility is failing today.

“Nigerians are being slaughtered in their homes, in their communities, and in the very places they should feel safest.

“Even the President did not enter these communities, so who is truly safe in Nigeria? This is a national emergency. Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is worsening and increasingly helpless,” the social media post reads.

(TheSun)

News April 06, 2026 Sacrifice now, better days ahead Shettima assures Nigerians

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the current economic hardships are temporary, promising brighter days under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a message reflecting on Easter’s theme of sacrifice, resurrection and triumph, Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to peace, economic recovery and lasting prosperity. He urged citizens to embrace collective resolve amid ongoing challenges.

In the message, the Vice President said, “Easter is a reminder that history often bends in favour of those who refuse to surrender to despair. It is the story of light piercing through darkness, of hope rising from the shadows of pain and of faith prevailing over fear.”

He acknowledged Nigeria’s recent trials but expressed unwavering optimism. “I remain confident that by our collective will, shared sacrifice and abiding faith in the promise of this nation, we shall triumph over whatever challenges beset us momentarily.”

He called for unity, rejecting division and celebrating Nigeria’s diversity as a core strength. He urged patience with the administration’s reforms, noting that national renewal demands endurance and shared purpose.

News April 06, 2026 BVN integration exposes 45,000 ghost workers on FG payroll – Adeosun

Former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has detailed how the Federal Government leveraged technology to eliminate massive payroll fraud, revealing that the integration of the Bank Verification Number led to the discovery of 45,000 ‘ghost workers.’

Speaking at the Citadel School of Government  Dialogue series in Lagos, Adeosun explained that before the intervention, the federal payroll was the government’s single largest expenditure, riddled with inefficiencies that traditional biometric efforts had failed to solve.

She noted that previous attempts at cleaning the payroll through biometrics had frequently stalled, particularly due to resistance from paramilitary groups such as the Police and Army, who refused to cooperate with centralised systems.

To solve this, her team bypassed the need for new biometrics by using the existing BVN database.

“The payroll was our biggest cost,” Adeosun stated. “Previous biometric efforts had stalled because paramilitary groups refused to cooperate. We bypassed this by using BVN data. We ran the federal payroll against the BVN database, and the result was staggering: we found 45,000 ‘ghost workers.’”

Clarifying the nature of the fraud, the former Minister noted that the term ‘ghost worker’ often masked simpler forms of systemic failure and individual greed rather than complex criminal syndicates.

“In many cases, it wasn’t a ‘ghost,’ but one person’s BVN linked to seven different salaries,” she explained.

“It wasn’t always a ‘cartel.’ Sometimes it was just inefficiency, people who had died or transferred but were still being paid,” Adeosun added.

To ensure the reform stuck, she introduced a layer of human accountability to complement the technology. By requiring Permanent Secretaries to personally sign off on their respective payrolls, the ministry created a trail of responsibility that made it difficult to hide fraudulent entries.

Adeosun used the success of the BVN integration to emphasise a broader lesson for public officials: the importance of empirical evidence in policy defence.

“If you just shout, you’re just a ‘clanging cymbal.’ If you come armed with data and graphs, you can take on anybody. Data is hard to argue with,” she remarked.

The dialogue, which also featured Pastor Tunde Bakare and Professor Mike Adebamowo, highlighted the need for leaders to embrace modern tools to fix age-old problems. Adeosun urged current and emerging leaders to “fall in love with AI and data tools” while maintaining the discipline to execute reforms.

“If you can’t explain your policy, you shouldn’t be doing it,” Adeosun asserted, adding that while technology provides the “bullets,” it takes resilient leadership to “fire the cannonballs” necessary for national transformation.

The event concluded with a consensus that while the 45,000 discovered ghost workers represented a major win for the treasury, such reforms must be backed by law to ensure they are not reversed by future administrations.

Bakare praised the former minister’s resilience, noting that her ability to return to the public sphere with her integrity intact was a victory for governance.

He remarked, “If Adeosun had not won her case, the stigma would have trailed her. It is highly commendable that she came out as minister and no houses or stolen funds were traced to her.”

The event served as a stark reminder that while technology such as AI and BVN provides the tools for reform, only the courage of leaders and the permanence of law can ensure those reforms survive the test of time.