Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel has expressed his desire to see Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen make a switch to the English Premier League.  Reacting to reports of Manchester United planning to make a move for Osimhen, Mikel ruled out the Red Devils as a potential destination if they fail to qualify for European competition. If thats the case, then he doesnt go to United, the former international teammate of Osimhen said when asked whether a club not playing in Europe next season could rule them out of signing the player during a chat on beIN SPORTS during Soccer Sunday Live.  Mikel also revealed that Osimhen wants to play for Chelsea, but he can’t predict his next destination. I hope somewhere in the Premier League, he said before adding when pressed further, I dont know; we wait and see. I know where we (Chelsea) stopped in terms of the contract, I know where we are, Mikel said. Its an easy fix. We did all the hard work last summer. Its so easy to just pick it up.  Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in sensational form for Galatasaray this season, scoring 21 goals in just 25 league games while also registering four assists.  The post I hope Osimhen moves to EPL Mikel Obi appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Lagos, Nigeria: C-One Ventures Platform (C-One) today announced it has entered into an agreement to invest and acquire the licences, technology and select assets of the Nigerian operations of Bankly -a licensed microfinance bank and fintech leader known for bridging financial access gaps across Nigeria’s informal economy.

The deal which is subject to regulatory approvals including from the Central Bank of Nigeria, reflects C‑One’s commitment to ensuring stability, protecting customers, and building a more resilient financial services platform. Upon completion, it will see Bankly’s services and talent integrated with complementary offerings from other companies within the C-One ventures portfolio.

“We believe financial services should be simple, affordable and accessible to everyone,” said a representative of C-One. “Bringing Bankly into our ecosystem allows for a combination of community networks with our powerful digital infrastructure to expand access to finance for underserved communities and drive real economic participation.”

The investment from C-One when finalised, will prioritise the immediate resolution of customer obligations, stabilisation of operations, and strategic integration of Bankly’s technology into its broader financial services ecosystem. The transaction structure involves a modest cash consideration, ensuring a focus on sustainable growth and customer protection.

“Restoring customer confidence and ensuring operational resilience are our immediate priorities. We are committed to scaling Bankly’s vision while delivering lasting value to our community” added the rep.

Founded in 2018, Bankly has been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion, serving Nigerians through innovative savings, payments, and credit solutions. However, in recent times, it has faced significant liquidity constraints and operational disruptions, including delays in customer withdrawals and reduced service availability.

As part of the acquisition, C-One will build on Bankly’s foundation, ensuring continuity while investing in long-term growth. Bankly’s Co-founder, Tomilola Majekodunmi, will serve in an advisory capacity ensuring continuity and long-term success.

Speaking on the development, Majekodunmi said, “We are immensely proud of the impact we have made over the years. Bankly was built to serve people who were left out of the formal financial system and with C-One’s backing, we have an opportunity to build on this foundation, address recent challenges, and expand our reach to even more communities.”

With Bankly being part of its platform, C-One is further expanding its reach in grassroots financial services, scaling impact and building resilient solutions for real people in real communities.

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At least 26 people, including four women and six children, were k!lled following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the RannKala Balge to Gamboru Ngala road in Borno State.  The incident happened at approximately 11:00 am on Monday, April 28, 2025. According to security analyst and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, multiple civilian vehicles travelling from Rann, in Kala Balge Local Government Area, towards Gamboru Ngala, were impacted by a series of explosives planted along the route.  Three other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries in the incident, security sources said.  According to the report, the convoy unknowingly entered an area where the IEDs had been strategically placed.  The explosives were triggered by vehicle movement, resulting in immediate and significant casualties.  Emergency response teams were deployed promptly to the scene to carry out evacuation and provide medical assistance to the wounded.  Security operatives have since cordoned off the affected area and commenced clearance operations to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, the injured victims have been evacuated to nearby medical facilities where they are receiving treatment.  The post 26 k!lled, 3 injured as IEDs planted by terrorists explode in Borno (video) appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.