Westlife, the iconic Irish boyband, has announced a series of events to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a new album and special shows. The band, known for their chart-topping hits and record-breaking success in Ireland, shared the exciting news with fans, promising a year filled with music and surprises. However, the celebrations will proceed without one of its original members, Mark Feehily, who is currently focusing on his recovery from health issues.

The band's journey began in 1998, and since then, they have achieved remarkable success, including eleven number-one albums in Ireland. Their first world tour kicked off in 2001, marking the start of a career that would see them become one of the most beloved groups in pop music. The upcoming anniversary celebrations are a testament to their enduring popularity and the strong connection they have with their fans around the world.

Mark Feehily's absence from the anniversary events comes as he continues to recover from surgery and health challenges, including sepsis and a hernia. The band has expressed their support for Feehily, hoping for his return to the stage when he is ready. In the meantime, the remaining members, Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne, and Shane Filan, are set to carry on the celebrations, honoring the band's legacy and the music that has defined a generation.

As Westlife prepares to mark this significant milestone, fans are eagerly anticipating the new music and performances that will commemorate 25 years of the band's contributions to the music industry. The band's announcement has reignited excitement among their global fanbase, proving that their dream of lasting success has indeed come true.

The ongoing trial involving the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Arik Air has taken a dramatic turn as Muhammed Abbas Jega, a former Executive Director of Credits at AMCON, contradicted his earlier testimony regarding the performance of Arik Air's loan. Initially, Jega had stated that the loan was performing, but during cross-examination, he admitted that the loan had been non-performing since its inception, shedding light on the complexities of the case.

Jega's revelation came during the trial of former AMCON MD/CEO Ahmed Kuru and others, who are facing charges related to the alleged mismanagement of N76 billion and $31.5 million. The case, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the challenges faced by AMCON in managing non-performing loans acquired from Nigerian banks under the Eligible Bank Asset (EBA) programme.

Further complicating the matter, Jega disclosed that despite AMCON's injection of N85 billion to purchase Arik's debt from Union Bank and Bank PHB, and an additional N11 billion extended as working capital, Arik Air failed to meet its financial obligations. This admission raises questions about the due diligence processes at AMCON and the viability of the airline's financial restructuring efforts.

The trial also took an unexpected turn when Jega questioned the authenticity of the Loan Purchase Agreement presented in court, pointing out discrepancies in signatures and document structure. This development adds another layer of intrigue to the case, as it challenges the integrity of the documents underpinning the financial transactions between AMCON and Arik Air. The court's decision on these matters could have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and financial accountability in Nigeria's banking and aviation sectors.