Unity Bank Plc has released its latest earnings forecast, projecting gross earnings of N27 billion and a Profit After Tax of N4 billion for Q4 2024. The lender expects a marginal increase in gross earnings from the N26 billion projected for Q3 2024, maintaining a profitable outlook with a pre-tax profit of N4.2 billion.

According to the forecast, interest income is expected to rise from N23 billion to N24.5 billion, with net revenue projected to increase by 1.0% to N7.2 billion. Net operating income is projected at N12 billion, while cash flow from financing activities is expected to rise to N481.4 billion, a 1.3% increase from Q3 2024.

The lender stated, “We expect to cover the milestones with a consistent optimistic outlook in our projection, barring any significant changes in the operating environment, under which the assumptions were made.”

Unity Bank also emphasized its commitment to delivering customer-centric products and services, especially in digital lending, following the roll-out of enhanced platforms and channels for improved customer experiences.

Analysts view the Q4 forecast as a reflection of steady growth, driven by key performance indicators and strategic repositioning to navigate challenging market conditions.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, aiming to provide affordable healthcare to artisans, traders, farmers, commercial transport workers, and private sector workers across the state.

At the launch, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating, “Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.”

He expressed pride in launching the scheme, saying, “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents…

Our painstakingly conceptualized vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”

The Governor encouraged participation in the scheme, stating, “I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing program. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State.”

He also assured the people that his administration remains committed to upgrading the state’s healthcare infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, recruitment of healthcare workers, and enhancement of doctors’ salaries.

The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, codenamed So-Safe Corps, has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old boy, Yahu Muhammad, in Ogun State.

According to a press statement by the State Commander of So-Safe Corps, Commander (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, the suspects, Umar Muhammad, 24, Audu Muhammad, 22, and Umar Danda, 22, were apprehended after a ransom of N500,000 was paid but the victim was not released.

Ganzallo stated, “On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at about 1900hrs, information reached the Imala Division of the Corps regarding a kidnapping incident.

A 15-year-old, Yahu Muhammad, was kidnapped, and a ransom of N500,000.00 was collected, but the suspects refused to release him.”

The So-Safe Corps Special Squad was deployed to rescue the victim, but upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, they found that the suspects had killed the victim despite collecting the ransom.

Ganzallo commended the operatives of the Vigilante Group for their assistance in apprehending the third suspect, Umar Danda, saying, “The victim was kidnapped and killed while rearing cattle in the Akara forest area. The cattle were left unattended.”

The victim’s corpse and the apprehended suspects have been transferred to the Imala Divisional Police Headquarters for further investigation and likely prosecution.