Banking the Economy That Actually Exists

There is a version of the Nigerian economy that the banking sector has always served well. It is the economy of salaried professionals, corporate treasurers, documented collateral, and monthly pay cycles. It is the economy that fits neatly into conventional credit models, standard account structures, and the risk frameworks that Nigerian banking inherited from its colonial and post independence institutional architecture. That economy is real, and serving it matters. There is another version. It is the economy of the cooperative chairwoman in Ogun whose members pool contributions weekly. The textile…

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Gunmen Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife in Midnight Palace Raid, Security Fears Escalate

Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife and another resident during a daring midnight attack on Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The monarch, identified as Oba Salman Aweda, is reportedly among traditional rulers recently elevated by the state government. According to residents, the heavily armed assailants stormed the palace at about 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, firing sporadically to create panic before whisking away the monarch, his wife and a third victim to an undisclosed location. A source in the community said, “The incident…

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FirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state. The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led…

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IMF Warns of Tough Economic Times Ahead for Nigerians Amid Rising Inflation and Fiscal Pressures

The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s economic outlook, cautioning that citizens may face more difficult times as the country grapples with persistent inflation, currency instability, and fiscal challenges. In its latest assessment of Nigeria’s economy, the IMF noted that while recent reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria—including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation—are steps in the right direction, they are likely to intensify short-term hardship for millions of Nigerians. The global financial institution highlighted rising food prices, high transportation costs, and weakened purchasing…

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UK-Based Nigerian Businessman Launches GAAFURA Foundation, Empowers Widows, Youths in Lagos

A United Kingdom-based Nigerian businessman, Ahmed Karim Oshodi, has launched the GAAFURA Foundation to support less privileged members of society, with a focus on widows, orphans and young people in Lagos. Oshodi, who recently visited Nigeria, marked the foundation’s debut with the distribution of food items and clothing to widows and orphans in Surulere, Lagos, as part of efforts to alleviate hardship among vulnerable groups. In addition to the humanitarian outreach, the philanthropist extended support to grassroots sports development by donating sports kits and jerseys to aspiring footballers within his…

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Fidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ogun State, Empowers 100 Women with Vocational Tools

In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income. The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day. The event, which held at the…

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Polaris Bank celebrates 58 New Hires from its flagship PGIT, PTIP as CEO charge them to Keep Learning, Keep Evolving

Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria. The ceremony, attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants – placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders. Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous…

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Filmmaker Alleges Death Threat from Alaafin, Postpones Ibadan Screening of ‘Throne of Alaafin Oyo’

Award-winning filmmaker Ayankola Ayanwuyi has postponed the Ibadan screening of his highly anticipated documentary, The Throne of Alaafin Oyo, citing serious security concerns following an alleged death threat. Ayanwuyi, who also serves as Executive Director of the Dundun Centre, disclosed the development via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday. He alleged that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, threatened his life over the production of the film. “Alaafin himself threatened he would kill me and nothing will happen because I made a film promoting the throne…

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NDLEA Arrests 93-Year-Old Man, 69-Year-Old Doctor in Major Cocaine, Skunk Trafficking Crackdown

A 93-year-old great-grandfather and a 69-year-old medical doctor have been arrested in a sweeping crackdown on drug trafficking networks by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The arrests were part of intensified intelligence-led operations targeting drug cartels and their collaborators across Nigeria. In Abia State, NDLEA operatives apprehended Pa Friday Ahukanna Chigbu, a nonagenarian, at his residence in Umuagbaigba, Amavo Nkwogu village, Osisioma Local Government Area, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. A search of his home led to the recovery of 7.7 kilograms of skunk, a potent…

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Fidelity Bank Takes Lead in Banking Recapitalisation Drive

As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitaliSation exercise came to an end March 31, 2026, most banks operating in the country rose to the challenge and met the requirement ahead of time. However, Fidelity Bank’s proactive approach paid off, and it continued to demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation. In a remarkable display of investor confidence, Fidelity Bank opened and concluded a private placement in just one day on December 31, 2025. Leading institutions, including AFREXIM Bank and its subsidiaries, invested in the bank, showcasing their faith in…

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