馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Okonoda Michael Eseoghene lauded for digital banking innovations and four-language ATM system
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Financial experts have praised Nigerian-born US-based Data Analyst, Okonoda Michael Eseoghene, for his contributions to digital banking and real-time data management. A statement from Dr. A. A. Chahur, Senior Lecturer at Mewar International University, Nasarawa State, highlighted Okonoda's role in introducing a four-language support system English, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa on ATM systems, significantly expanding access to banking services for diverse linguistic groups. His work at Polaris Bank Limited as a Data Analyst and Regional Head of the Digital Banking Group led to the implementation of automated business intelligence and performance monitoring systems, which improved decision-making by approximately 45 percent. He also led a data cleansing initiative that enhanced data quality and integrity by 35 percent and maintained about 95 percent uptime across major electronic banking platforms. Furthermore, Okonoda developed internal and external security monitoring frameworks, reducing the bank's exposure to electronic fraud and operational risks by about 30 percent. Prior to this, at Skye Bank Plc, he managed critical technology infrastructure and implemented disaster recovery frameworks, improving operational resilience by about 60 percent. Beyond his professional achievements, Okonoda's research explores artificial intelligence in education and a machine learning approach to mortgage loans, aiming to personalize instruction, improve educational outcomes, and promote fair len
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC governorship candidate in Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, has announced Mustapha Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. Mustapha Kwankwaso, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State, is the son of Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NDC vice-presidential candidate for 2027. The announcement followed consultations with party leaders and stakeholders, with the state chapter of the party initially nominating Mustapha. Ibrahim Shuaibu, spokesperson for the governorship candidate, stated that the selection was strategic, aiming to strengthen the party's commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, economic growth, and effective service delivery. Gwarzo expressed confidence in Mustapha Kwankwaso's experience, leadership qualities, and grassroots appeal, noting his proven experience in public service and youth development. The NDC believes the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket combines competence, experience, and commitment to address Kano State's challenges and will boost the party's political structure and grassroots mobilization efforts. Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, became the NDC's governorship candidate after resigning from Governor Abba Yusuf's government and defecting to the All Progressives Congress.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has lowered the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit petrol by N75 per litre, effective midnight, June 16, 2026. This adjustment follows a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which had previously impacted energy prices. The new gantry price is N1,175 per litre, down from N1,250, and the coastal price per metric tonne has been reduced from N1,595,790 to N1,495,215. The refinery informed fuel marketers that all outstanding unloaded gantry volumes would be repriced at the new rate. This reduction makes Dangote refinery's petrol the cheapest, with many marketers selling at around N1,240. The price drop aligns with easing global oil market tensions after reports of negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil prices, which had surged during a three-month conflict between the US and Iran, have now retreated. This led to petrol prices in Nigeria rising from about N830 to N1,300 per litre during that period. The PUNCH reported that oil prices continued to decline on Monday following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, with Brent crude dropping from $83 per barrel. US President Donald Trump announced the signing of the peace deal and a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, further pushing down oil prices and fueling speculation of more fuel price reductions. While a Dangote Petroleum Refinery official suggested petrol could fall to N900 per litre, they cautioned that the refine
Must ReadOil prices continued to decline following a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which aims to end hostilities in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped from $87 per barrel on Sunday to $83 per barrel on Monday. The agreement, announced by US President Donald Trump, led to speculation of an imminent fuel price reduction. Crude oil had previously risen above $100 and at times exceeded $120 per barrel during the three months of conflict, which began on February 28. The memorandum of understanding was reportedly signed by Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf. The deal includes the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US blockade on Iran. It also extends a ceasefire for a 60-day negotiation period to address issues such as Iran鈥檚 nuclear program. A US official indicated that the United States is prepared to release frozen Iranian funds, with an initial release of $25 billion of frozen assets mentioned in a draft. Nigerians are anticipating a significant drop in petrol prices, with one official from Dangote Petroleum Refinery suggesting petrol could fall to N900 per liter, though cautioning about existing 'expensive crude' in their tanks.