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Sterling Financial Holdings Company (Sterling HoldCo) Plc doubled its bottom-line performance in the third quarter, reinforcing investors’ confidence in the banking group’s outlook.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Sterling HoldCo for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 showed that net profit jumped by 127 per cent, on the back of 44.1 per cent growth in gross earnings and significant improvements in margins.

The nine-month report released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) indicated that profit after tax rose to N62.3 billion in third quarter 2025. Group’s gross earnings rose to N341.7 billion in third quarter 2025 as against N237.2 billion in corresponding period of 2024. The top-line performance was driven by significant growths in both interest and non-interest income lines.

Interest income had grown by 38.7 per cent to N262.4 billion, supported by an expanded earning asset base, while non-interest income increased by 65.1 per cent N79.2 billion, reflecting the group’s continued success in diversifying its revenue streams.

The group’s balance sheet also expanded considerably with total assets rising by 15.5 per cent from N3.54 trillion in December 2024 to N4.09 trillion in September 2025, driven by growth in loans, investment securities, and liquid assets.

Customer deposits also grew by 14.3 per cent to N2.88 trillion, while shareholders’ funds increased by 32.9 per cent to N405.5 billion, up from N305.2 billion in December 2024, highlighting the group’s solid capital base and its capacity to sustain future expansion.

Group Chief Executive, Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc, Yemi Odubiyi, said the performance was a testament to the group’s robust earnings capacity, operational efficiency, and disciplined execution.

He said: ‘Our performance over the first nine months of 2025 demonstrates the strength and adaptability of our group structure. The significant growth in profit after tax underscores the success of our strategy to operate as a diversified financial services group delivering value through both our conventional, non-interest banking, and asset management subsidiaries’.

According to him, the results highlighted disciplined risk management, innovative product delivery, and an unrelenting focus on sectors that drive real economic impact.

‘We are equally grateful to our shareholders and the investing public for their confidence in the group, as reflected in the resounding success of our recently concluded public offer of 12.58 billion ordinary shares.

‘As we continue to invest in technology and operational excellence, our goal remains clear: to build a resilient institution that consistently delivers sustainable returns,’ Odubiyi said.

He noted that with deepening synergies across its subsidiaries, Sterling HoldCo remains firmly on course to sustain its growth momentum through the final quarter of the year.

He said: ‘The group is strategically positioned to scale its presence across Nigeria’s high impact sectors, advance financial inclusion, and power innovation that drives real-sector growth.

‘Guided by its heritage of trust and a commitment to excellence, Sterling HoldCo continues to champion sustainable finance and technology-driven solutions shaping the future of African financial services’.

Abia Warriors climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table following a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Niger Tornadoes in Minna, as Matchday 11 served up drama, goals and crucial shifts in momentum across the league yesterday.

Sunday Megwo opened the scoring for the Umuahia-based side in the 38th minute, calmly finishing off a flowing move that stunned the home crowd. Just before the break, an own goal by Tornadoes’ Sunday Akinmoladun compounded their misery, giving the visitors a commanding two-goal cushion at halftime.

Although Abdulrasheed Dabai pulled one back for Tornadoes in the 54th minute, Abia Warriors held firm to secure their seventh win of the campaign. The victory lifted them to the top of the table on 21 points, two clear of Nasarawa United, who have played one game less. It was a statement win that underlined the Warriors’ credentials as genuine title contenders this season.

Meanwhile, Rivers United produced one of their best performances of the season, edging out Nasarawa United 1-0 in Port Harcourt. Timothy Zachariah’s decisive strike in the 45th minute handed the Pride of Rivers their fifth win in nine matches, moving them up to eighth with 16 points. For Nasarawa, it was a setback that cost them the league leadership after a promising run.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City bounced back from recent setbacks with a comfortable 2-0 win over Kun Khalifat. Goals from Chidera Oparaocha in the 29th minute and Ibifubara Dagogo on the hour mark pushed the Oga Boys into third place with 18 points, maintaining their impressive home form this season.

Elsewhere, Enyimba ended a winless spell with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over struggling Kano Pillars in Aba. The People’s Elephant struck twice in the first half to seal the points, moving up to sixth with 16 points. Pillars, on the other hand, remain marooned in the relegation zone with just five points from 11 games, a worrying return for the former champions.

Defending champions Remo Stars suffered a stunning 3-1 defeat in Ilorin as Kwara United ran riot in front of their home fans. The Harmony Boys were clinical throughout the encounter, taking advantage of defensive lapses from the visitors to secure their biggest win of the season.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars were frustrated to a 1-1 draw by Katsina United, while in Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors and Rangers International played out a goalless stalemate.

Bendel Insurance also settled for a 1-1 draw against Warri Wolves in Benin – a result that allowed Wolves to hold on to fourth position on the table.

Bayelsa United showed great resilience in Yenagoa, coming from behind to beat Plateau United 2-1. Monday Gideon had given the visitors an early lead with his fifth goal of the season, but Emo James’ brace turned the tie around to earn the Prosperity Boys their fourth win of the campaign and lift them to 12th on 14 points.

Barau FC and Wikki Tourists also battled to a goalless draw in Kano, a result that did little to improve either side’s position in the lower half of the standings.

As the NPFL heads into Matchday 12, Abia Warriors will aim to consolidate their position at the top, while Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City look to keep the pressure on in what is shaping up to be a thrilling title race.

NPFL Matchday 11 Results:

3SC 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 1-2 Abia Warriors

Rivers United 1-0 Nasarawa United

Ikorodu City 2-0 Kun Khalifat

Enyimba 2-0 Kano Pillars

Insurance 1-1 Warri Wolves

Kwara United 3-1 Remo Stars

Barau FC 0-0 Wikki Tourists

Bayelsa United 2-1 Plateau United

El Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Rangers

Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Monday Okpebholo for his steadfast leadership, dedication and remarkable efforts in repositioning the party and advancing the progress of Edo State.

It also passed a vote of confidence in the state Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, and Secretary, Lawrence Okah.

This was contained in a statement released after a meeting of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party held at the weekend.

The statement, signed by spokesman for the party, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said the party deliberated on issues affecting the smooth running and cohesion of the party across the state.

It said the party had lifted the suspension on Valentine Asue and Mrs. Stella Ogbetta, woman leader of Oredo Ward 10.

The statement said the suspension of Ward Nine Chairman of Etsako East Local Government, Mallam Adamu Ototobor, remained in force until further notice.

It added: ‘SWC advises all members to remain law-abiding and committed to the principles and discipline of the party, pending further directives.

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has partnered Azleems Global Investment on a workshop on ‘Managing Workplace Emotions, Attitude, Values, and Ethics to Drive Sustainable Agriculture’.

The capacity-building session in Abuja, brought together officers on Grade Levels 07 to 12 from various departments as part of the ministry’s Culture Change Management Initiative, to strengthen emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ethical conduct of staff in alignment with Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.

Alhaji Hamza Musa, assistant director (Training), on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, urged participants to use the workshop to enhance their capacity and embrace the culture of service excellence.

The training was coordinated by Dr. Oluwabamidele Kogbe, recipient of the Head of Civil Service EPIC Award. He led officers through sessions on EPIC values – Efficiency, Productivity, Incorruptibility, and Citizen-Centred Service. Other trainers included Mrs. Nancy Usman, Uche Kene-Okoye, Mrs. Funmi Salawu and Mr. Saidu Ibrahim.

Dr. Kogbe, workshop lead, said he was pleased to have been engaged to inspire officers to embrace the EPIC culture. He said he is working on Inspire EPIC Service Awareness Tours to engage, inspire and help fellow civil/public servants to aspire as EPIC Ambassadors in the service.

Participants went through presentations like Understanding Workplace Emotions and Attitudes, Developing Right Attitude for Performance-Based Management in Agriculture, Making a Difference as EPIC Civil Servant, and a practical session on Artificial Intelligence and Use of ServiceWise GPT for writing and policy research.

During the workshop, officers were exposed to innovative ways to enhance productivity, ethical responsiveness, and professionalism in the agricultural sector with cases of best practices cited to stimulate learning. The sessions also highlighted the integration of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and service delivery.

In their communiqué, participants commended the Honourable Ministers Senator Abubakar Kyari, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, and the Department of Human Resources for prioritizing staff development and sustaining a forward-looking training culture. They lauded the Ministry’s inclusive participation framework, befitting renovation of the Ministry’s building, and commitment to aligning with reform initiatives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

Participants also recommended the institutionalization of such training across all cadres to build a cohesive and high-performing workforce. Additionally, they proposed the establishment of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to address staff well-being and mental health challenges in line with global best HR practices.

At the close of the event, participants reaffirmed their renewed commitment to upholding the EPIC values and contributing to the realization of the Ministry’s mandate for food security and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Oyo State Government has announced its intention to deepen collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to stem the tide of substandard steel and iron rods circulating in the market.

Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, spoke while receiving SON delegation led by the Special Assistant to the Director General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr. Manji Pius, in his office at the state secretariat, Ibadan.

He said the partnership would promote public safety, quality assurance and sustainable industrial development in the state.

Adebisi said the state government under of Governor Seyi Makinde had turned its attention to enforcing building and engineering standards.

He hailed SON for its proactive role in safeguarding lives and strengthening industrial integrity through the enforcement of product standards nationwide.

Adebisi said Oyo State aligned with the organisation’s mission, describing quality assurance as a critical component of the state’s economic and industrial growth agenda.

‘We appreciate the efforts of SON, especially in addressing issues that affect the safety and confidence of our people. The ministry is ready to partner with you to ensure substandard products are eradicated from our market.’

He urged SON to consider Oyo State as a strategic location for its proposed laboratory complex, citing the state’s industrial potential and growing reputation as a hub for manufacturing and trade in the Southwest.

He said ‘Made-in-Oyo’ products had attracted national and international attention, especially during trade exhibitions such as 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, where Oyo State-made goods drew significant foreign interest.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, described SON’s initiative as crucial to ensuring industrial growth and public safety.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting SON’s mandate, saying the ministry would work with the organisation through a joint technical committee to develop practical strategies for collaboration, quality monitoring and public sensitisation.

Mr. Pius said the visit was aimed at seeking partnership with Oyo State Government to curb the circulation of low-quality steel materials that had contributed to the alarming rate of building collapses across the country.

He said SON’s ongoing nationwide campaign was designed to combat proliferation of substandard steel and iron rods, one of the major causes of building collapses in the country.

Students’ Union Government of Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, has warned leadership of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) against plans to turn FUOYE into a theatre of ‘protests’ and ‘gatherings’. It said it will not sit back and watch any unauthorised gathering on campus.

Besides, it warned of a dire consequence should NYCN and its cohort gather on the university for any protest to disrupt academic peace and stability being enjoyed on campus.

In a statement by President, Adio James, General Secretary, Alao Ayorinde and spokesman, Abiola David, said the university was not ‘a ground for political mobilisation or external agitation and no external body or association is permitted to protest or gather without approval of Students’ Union Government.’

‘The attention of SUG of Federal University Oye-Ekiti has been drawn to the proposed protest by National Youth Council of Nigeria in or around our university premises.

‘The Better Days Cabinet wishes to state that FOUYE is an academic environment of learning, research, and development, not a ground for political mobilisation or external agitation.

‘Therefore, no external body or association is permitted to protests or gather in the institution without approval of the SUG.”

‘Your proposed activity is unauthorized, unnecessary, and capable of disrupting the peace, order, and stability currently enjoyed within our campus community- ingredients which have been the bane of our progress as the fastest growing university in Nigeria.

‘The Students’ Union Government, being the constitutionally recognized representative body of all FUOYE students, firmly resists any attempt by external organizations to infiltrate or use our institution for actions that may incite tension or cause unrest!

‘This letter therefore serves both as a resistance and an official warning.

‘The FUOYESUG demands that the NYCN immediately suspend all plans of protest or mobilization within or around FUOYE because we have seen no means by which it will aid in bringing a better campus life to all FUOYEITES.

‘Any disregard of this warning will be viewed as a deliberate act of provocation and trespass, and the Union, in collaboration with the University Management and relevant security agencies, will take all necessary measures including disciplinary and legal actions to protect the sanctity of our university environment.

‘We urge the NYCN to respect the autonomy of our institution and to seek engagement through peaceful and lawful channels rather than confrontation.

‘FUOYE remains committed to peace, stability, and dialogue in the pursuit of progress.’

Unseeded Oyo State stunned the field to emerge champions at the 2nd Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships, which concluded over the weekend at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Led by the dynamic duo of Wasiu Azeez and Halima Hussein, Oyo defied the odds in a tournament featuring 30 teams from Nigeria, Togo, and the Benin Republic.

Despite being unseeded, Oyo and Bayelsa battled their way to the final, outplaying top-seeded teams such as Lagos, Edo, and Kwara.

The final, witnessed by the tournament’s financier and sponsor, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, showcased thrilling rallies and dazzling skills that captivated spectators.

Oyo took an early lead by winning the mixed doubles, but Bayelsa’s Hope Udoaka levelled the score. Azeez then delivered a spirited comeback, overturning a 1-0 deficit to defeat Samuel Boboye 3-1.

Hussein, alongside her women’s doubles partner Khadijat Okanlawon, sealed the victory by defeating Udoaka and Iyanuoluwa Falana, securing a 3-1 triumph for Oyo.

In the third-place match, Kwara bounced back from their semifinal loss with a dominant 3-0 win over Lagos Team 2, clinching the bronze medal at the N5.5 million prize money event.

Senator Abiru, in his closing remarks, praised the athletes for their outstanding performances and reaffirmed his commitment to the championship’s growth.

‘This tournament has once again shown that when we create the right environment for our youth, talent flourishes, friendships blossom, and excellence thrives. Throughout the championship, we witnessed an abundance of passion, skill, and sportsmanship. Our athletes from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa reminded us of the beauty of competition and the unity that sports can foster,’ he said.

Looking ahead, Abiru promised an even more expansive edition in 2026: ‘We are already preparing to make the next edition bigger, better, and more inclusive. Our goal is to position the Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships as a premier sporting event in Africa-one that places Lagos East, Lagos State, and Nigeria firmly on the continental sports map.’

He concluded with a call to action: ‘As we close this year’s edition, let us carry forward the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. Let us continue to support and celebrate our young people, for in them lies the promise of a greater tomorrow.’

There is need for collective responsibility and proactive engagement in tackling growing cyber threats, experts have said.

Experts, who spoke at the 2025 Cybersecurity Webinar of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc said cyber security requires actions from all levels of stakeholders in order to attain a certain level of optimization.

The virtual webinar with the theme: ‘Securing Our World’, brought together participants from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), financial institutions, and global cybersecurity experts.

Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, emphasised that cybersecurity must be viewed as a shared duty across all levels of society.

He said: ‘Whatever we do as individuals, teams, or organizations, we must all play a part in keeping our digital world safe. Our world is only as secure as the actions we take every day’.

Jalo-Waziri explained that CSCS launched the annual cybersecurity seminar years ago to drive security awareness and thought leadership within the capital market, given the organisation’s role as a key market infrastructure.

According to him, the seminar is a global call to action and a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

‘As leaders, we must demonstrate good security behaviour not only through policies but through our daily actions,’ Jalo-Waziri said.

He reiterated that at CSCS, cybersecurity is not merely a technology concern but a business imperative and shared value, embedded in the company’s decision-making and culture. He assured that CSCS would continue to invest in awareness programmes and empower its people to make secure, confident decisions.

Delivering a presentation titled ‘Why the Human Firewall is Important,’ Daniel Onyekpeze, Head of Incident Handling (ngCERT) at ONSA, highlighted the human element as a major vulnerability in organizational cybersecurity.

He noted that most cyber incidents stem from human actions and urged organizations to prioritize continuous staff training to help employees detect and respond appropriately to threats.

He said: ‘Humans remain the most targeted and affected in organizations. Regular training and a whole-organization awareness approach are key to building a strong human firewall’.

Speaking on ‘Cybersecurity in a Hyper-Connected World,’ Zechariah Akinpelu, Chief Information Security Officer, Unity Bank Plc, observed that with over 30 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices expected globally by 2030, the world has become more interconnected-and more exposed.

While IoT technologies bring convenience, he warned, they also create new security risks that hackers actively exploit. Akinpelu advised individuals to adopt strong passwords, update devices regularly, and carefully manage app permissions, while urging organizations to implement Zero-Trust architectures, AI-based defense systems, and vendor risk management frameworks.

Also speaking, Jon Hamlet of CyberSoc Africa, in his presentation titled ‘Global Threats, Local Impact – Enterprise Strategies for a Connected World,’ stressed that Nigerian organizations must strengthen enterprise resilience by embedding cybersecurity into their corporate culture.

He advised institutions to proactively manage risks across their supply chains, comply with regulations, and address global cyber threats with comprehensive risk management strategies.

In his closing remarks, Adeyinka Shonekan, Executive Director, CSCS, reiterated the organization’s commitment to cybersecurity leadership.

‘In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the responsibility to protect our systems, data, and people rests on all of us-individually, organisationally, and nationally,’ he said. ‘At CSCS, we remain steadfast in advancing cybersecurity excellence within the capital market and the wider financial ecosystem. Collaboration, awareness, and innovation are the cornerstones of our resilience.’

To nurture a new generation of originality-driven Nigerians, MultiChoice Nigeria has held an Anti-Piracy Sensitisation Programme at Kuramo Senior College, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The outreach targeted secondary school students, aiming to help them understand the dangers of piracy and importance of protecting creative work from an early age.

The interactive session featured legal experts and creative industry figures, who connected with the students through storytelling, games and open conversations.

They discussed how piracy deprived filmmakers, actors, musicians and other creatives of their rewards, while also discouraging investors and limiting creative opportunities for young talents across the value chain.

The highlight of the session was a lively and insightful class led by Mr. Obafemi Agaba, a lawyer with extensive experience in intellectual property, corporate commercial law and entertainment rights.

He broke down complex topics, such as copyright, trademarks and creative ownership, into relatable examples, showing students why it’s essential to respect originality and protect creative ideas.

‘Every film you stream illegally, every song or book you share without permission, takes something away from the people who made it,’ he told the students. ‘If you love Nollywood, Afrobeats, and Nigerian creativity, then you must help protect it. That’s how we all build a stronger creative future.’

The students showed enthusiasm throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions, participating in games, and pledging to be cultural heroes who will ‘say no to piracy’ and support originality.

Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma, said school outreach was part of a long-term strategy to raise a generation that valued creativity and rejected content theft.

‘The fight against piracy can’t start and stop with creators; it has to begin in classrooms,’ she said. ‘The future of Nollywood and Nigerian music is sitting right in front of us. If we teach young people to value originality and respect creators, we secure the future of our creative economy.’

Also in attendance were representatives of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), who underscored the legal and moral implications of piracy.

Speaking on behalf of the commission, Deputy Director of Operations, Mr. Charles Amudipe, hailed MultiChoice for leading the charge at the grassroots level.

‘Awareness is one of the strongest weapons against piracy,’ said Amudipe. ‘By bringing this conversation to students, we’re not just enforcing the law, we are also shaping values that will protect creativity for generations to come.’

Vice Principal of Kuramo Senior College, Mr. Oyewale Taofik, praised the initiative, noting that the session opened students’ eyes to issues they had often overlooked.

‘Many of our students and even workers did not realise that forwarding movie links or buying pirated CDs was a form of theft. Today, they’ve learnt that creativity deserves respect and that they can be ambassadors of originality,’ he said.

The sensitisation is part of a broader campaign by MultiChoice Nigeria to raise nationwide awareness against piracy. The movement continues next month with the Walk against Piracy, scheduled for November 27 in Lagos. The walk will unite actors, producers, writers, directors, broadcasters, regulators, and fans in a public show of solidarity ahead of National Anti-Piracy Day (November 30).

Through these sustained efforts, MultiChoice Nigeria continues to champion a creative industry that is fair, original and globally-respected.

Nigeria has opened discussions with the World Bank for a new $1 billion facility aimed at driving private investment, job creation, and economic diversification.

The programme, titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (P512892), is a Development Policy Financing (DPF) initiative expected to go before the World Bank Board on December 16, 2025.

According to preliminary documents, the loan will be split evenly between a $500 million International Development Association (IDA) credit and a $500 million International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan.

If approved, it will mark the second-largest World Bank loan obtained under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following the $1.5 billion RESET programme approved in June 2024.

The World Bank said the financing aims to help Nigeria transition from short-term macroeconomic stabilisation to sustainable, private-sector-led growth. The plan includes reforms to expand access to credit, enhance digital finance, ease inflationary pressure, and strengthen key agricultural value chains.

‘The DPF supports Nigeria’s shift from stabilisation to inclusive growth and job creation. It aims to catalyse private investment, deepen capital markets and digital services, and promote export diversification,’ the bank stated.

With private-sector credit at 21.3 per cent of GDP in 2024, far below emerging-market averages, the initiative will support the implementation of the Investment and Securities Act 2025, improve credit-enhancement facilities, and introduce stronger consumer-protection frameworks under a new CBN rulebook.

The plan also includes the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill 2025, designed to establish a legal foundation for electronic transactions and digital authentication.

Additionally, the World Bank is urging Nigeria to liberalise its trade regime, adopt AfCFTA tariff concessions, and simplify agricultural seed certification to boost food supply, cut inflation, and encourage export growth.

The loan aligned with three other World Bank-supported programmes – FINCLUDE, BRIDGE, and AGROW – all focused on expanding access to finance, improving digital infrastructure, and strengthening agriculture.

The World Bank projected that these reforms could significantly lower living costs and boost job creation, particularly for small businesses.

As of June 2025, Nigeria’s total external debt stood at $46.98 billion, with the World Bank Group accounting for over 41 per cent of that amount – approximately $19.39 billion in total exposure.

While the bank praised Nigeria’s ongoing reforms – including fuel subsidy removal and FX unification – it noted that growth remains modest and poverty levels high. The new facility, it said, was designed to close that gap and accelerate inclusive, private-sector-driven recovery.