Author: user user

Sir: The Trade Disputes Act (TDA) sets out exactly what must happen before workers in essential services may lawfully cease work. In particular, Section 18 demands that parties must seek to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before any strike or stoppage. Strikes – or the shutting of valves – in essential sectors must follow that strict path. Then, Section 41 of the TDA mandates that any worker in essential service who stops work must give fifteen days’ notice to employer and government, unless they can prove they were unaware that closing operations would substantially deprive the community of an essential service. (TDA Section 41(1)).

These rules exist for good reason: a refinery is not like a picket line in hospitality. Its operations connect to national supply chains, foreign exchange balances, fuel distribution, and ultimately, the stability of the naira. When PENGASSAN ordered the halt of crude and gas supply to Dangote – without any public record that the 15-day notice was given or that all mediation/arbitration steps were exhausted – it risked acting as a rogue actor above the law.

Indeed, recent court injunctions restraining union leaders from blocking supplies suggest that the judiciary already finds merit in the claim that PENGASSAN’s actions skirt legal boundaries. Yet in public statements, union leaders justify the shutdowns as necessary pushback against alleged mass dismissals of unionised workers and what they see as a betrayal of promise. On their side, Dangote management insists it must preserve operational integrity, guard against sabotage, and protect shareholder capital in the midst of global margins and foreign exchange volatility.

Both sides carry legitimate concerns. Workers deserve fair treatment and enforcement of union rights; investors demand certainty and rule of law. But in this conflict, PENGASSAN’s approach is legally untenable. The law does not permit unilateral shutdowns in essential services while alternative dispute resolution is ongoing, and while notice obligations remain unmet.

More than that, this refinery is not just a factory: it is Nigeria’s industrial reputation on the line. We must force ourselves to see it as a shared national asset. For years, the country has imported refined petroleum despite exporting crude – bleeding forex for lack of domestic refining capacity. Dangote built one of the most ambitious refineries on the continent precisely to reverse that paradox. If this refinery fails now, the message will be chilling: even when we build, we cannot protect.

Yes, the union is powerful. Yes, the grievances may be real. But rule of law is higher. If the law means nothing, then industrial peace means nothing. If unions may break the rules when pressured, management might act with impunity when threatened, and governance systems unravel.

We cannot accept a system where a union, by decree, shuts down oil production without due process. That is tantamount to running a nation hostage. The president, as commander-in-chief and guardian of stability, must intervene decisively. He must compel all parties to resume fair process and stop any action that threatens national supply or economic order. He must declare that no actor, whether corporate or union, is above legal obligation.

Nigeria owes itself (and Africa) a demonstration that we can build and manage projects of scale in a lawful, disciplined way. Dangote Refinery represents one of our clearest chances. It is too valuable to collapse under dispute tactics. The refinery must not die because we treat laws as optional.

We must demand: follow the protocol. Respect workers. Protect infrastructure. Build trust and enforce accountability. Only then will Nigeria prove that its industrial dreams are not built on fumes and fantasies, but on integrity, process, and shared resolve.

In only his first start for Atalanta in the on-going campaign, Ademola Lookman had an impressive performance as La Dea beat Club Brugge , 2-1.

Atalanta had to come from behind through Lazar Samardzic and Mario Pasalic to claim their first Champions League victory of the season over the Belgian side at the New Balance Arena last night.

There was no Isak Hien, Giorgio Scalvini or Sead Kolasinac in defence for La Dea, nor Charles De Ketelaere, Gianluca Scamacca or Nicola Zalewski further up the pitch.

That, however, meant that Ademola Lookman was called into the starting line-up for the first time this season, following his attempts to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window. There was also a first start of the campaign for Brazilian midfielder, Ederson.

Atalanta threatened early on through Lorenzo Bernasconi, who thundered a fierce volley just wide of the target from 25 yards out after less than four minutes.

Ederson, Lookman and Mario Pasalic all tried their best to get Atalanta ahead, but it was the visitors who would claim the first-half lead.

Atalanta had to wait until the final 20 minutes to find the equaliser. Nordin Jackers did brilliantly to stop Musah while charging into the area, but the Brugge goalkeeper overcommitted and brought down Mario Pasalic on the follow-up.

Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty just inside the right post to level for Atalanta with what was his first competitive goal this calendar year.

Then, with three minutes of regular time remaining, Pasalic stole the lead with a well-placed header from Samardzic’s corner delivery, sending the New Balance Arena into a frenzy.

Atalanta, who had been eliminated by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round last season, are now off the mark with their first victory in Europe this season.

Incidentally before the game, Atalanta coach Ivan Juric said he called on Lookman and Emerson in the starting line-up for the match because they are ‘excellent athletes’.

‘They’re quality players. They’ve been training with us for a while, I think that today is a good opportunity for them to start playing in matches,’ Juric told Sky Sport Italia about the return of Lookman and Ederson to the starting line-up. ‘They’re two excellent athletes, we’ll see how they get on during the game.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed as false claims of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

‘They are lying that we have religious persecution and differences. They lie all over the place that we have religious persecution.” Tinubu said at the presentation of a book authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, in Owerri.

The event, held at the Emmanuel Iwanyanwu International Conference Centre, which is one of the three newly completed projects earlier inaugurated by the President.

The launch of the book titled ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’ drew political heavyweights such as Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, House of Reps Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy House of Reps Speaker Benjamin Kalu, All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Traditional rulers at the event included the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Obi of Onitsha Alfred Acbebe.

The President, who also listed his administration’s main achievements, added that those who made the allegation against the country failed to realise that Nigerians were advanced enough to engage in religious persecution.

”We are more developed, civilised and well educated. Our Muslim brothers and sisters and Christian brothers and sisters are helping us to build a nation.

”We are united, no religious persecution in Nigeria – it’s a lie from the pit of hell,’ Tinubu said.

Opening his remarks on an optimistic note, he took a jab at his administration’s critics.

‘Our critics can say whatever they want because they don’t know any better; their Arithmetic has always been wrong. We understand financial engineering and progressive methodology much better than they do. That’s why we are here.’

The President restated that Nigeria has ‘turned the corner’ and that ‘the worst is over.’

He therefore urged Nigerians to ‘stay the course’ as his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible recovery.

‘I stand before you confident, yet humble enough to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago. Today, I can confidently tell you that the worst is over. Stay the course. Believe in us because we believe in you. We trust the future’, Tinubu said.

The President pointed out that the country is steadily regaining economic credibility, citing a rise in external reserves and improving macroeconomic indicators.

‘Today, our external reserves stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019. This is the proof that Nigeria is regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy,’ he stated.

He added that in the second quarter of this year, the economy grew by 4.23 percent while inflation eased to 20.12 percent in August.

The drop in inflation rate, which is described as ”relief ” is ‘the lowest in more than three years.’

”Slowly, but surely, the effects are reaching out to our people,” Tinubu said. But he had a message for Nigerians: ”You may not feel it yet, be patient.’

Underscoring a rebound in the real sector, President Tinubu reported that Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by more than 44 percent in the last quarter, while manufactured exports surged by 173 percent.

‘These numbers speak of a Nigeria that’s producing, exporting and competing more than ever before,’ he said, adding that the Naira has steadied as foreign-exchange reforms and new investment flows ‘restore confidence in our economy.’

While insisting that the upward climb ‘has been steep,’ President Tinubu maintained that the trajectory is now durable.

‘We will continue to work slowly up, but steadily now with our hands on the plough, no looking back. We are going to get to the top of the mountain,’ he said.

The President linked today’s momentum to the political turn Nigeria took a decade ago.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress, came into office on the promise of change. That change is being witnessed here today,’ he said.

Tinubu credited the late President Muhammadu Buhari with beginning ‘the work of stabilisation,’ noting: ‘ Many years passed, mistakes were made, but the direction of our country shifted for the better ever since we came to power.’

He framed the events in Owerri as both a celebration and a record of stewardship.

Commending Governor Uzodimma for combining governance with authorship, Tinubu said: ‘Good job, good thinking, highly progressive, a man of great vision. Well done.’

By documenting ‘the milestones and struggles of the 10 years that we’ve gone through,’ said the President, the governor had given Nigeria ‘a gift.’

‘No nation can afford to forget its own journey, and no leader should escape the duty of stewardship,’ Tinubu said.

Reiterating his faith in Nigeria’s federal structure, Tinubu said the country is seeing practical dividends of reform.

‘By true federalism, there is no state governor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is struggling to pay salaries,’ he asserted, adding that new infrastructure ‘may outlive some of us.’

On education and social mobility, the President said: ‘Today, your children are in school. No child should go to bed hungry or be excluded from being able to pass and be admitted for higher education.’

The President highlighted improvements in healthcare capacity, saying Nigerians ‘can say confidently’ that there are well-equipped hospitals able to treat critical illnesses such as cancer.

‘We are investing in the welfare of our people. Right now, this economy will work for you, not for the smugglers, not for the corrupt,’ he said.

Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their ‘resilience,’ ‘endurance,’ and ‘perseverance,’ promising: ‘You will see prosperity, you will have it.’

Calling for patriotism as Nigeria marks 65 years of nationhood, Tinubu urged citizens to stop ‘talking ill’ of the country.

‘It’s 65 years of Independence – it is not a joke. We are proud of our forefathers. that Nigerians should be one, that it must be an inclusive government, that we must take care of the elderly, we must take care of the vulnerable, we must educate our children, build welfare that will take care of our healthcare system, [and] invest in agriculture mechanisation and irrigation,’ he said.

With adequate food production, he said, Nigeria would not only feed itself but ‘export to other countries.’

President Tinubu contrasted Nigeria’s present with ‘the old way’ that ‘brought our nation close to collapse.’

A ‘break with that past,’ he said, ‘was not an option; it was the only way forward. We broke the jinx.’

He urged Nigerians to ‘look forward,’ not back, and to measure progress by steady, real-world gains: ‘That growth is with purpose, not just on paper; it is real growth.’

Tinubu also defended the nation’s intellectual and cultural confidence amid international scrutiny.

‘We learn English, but we teach English too,’ he said, invoking a broader point about Nigeria’s capacity, cohesion, and ambition.

‘The last decade was a time of change; the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability, and in that future, together, Nigeria will win. We will win with you’, the President assured.

Turning to Uzodimma, who is also chairman of the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, the President said: ‘You are a man of great vision, and I commend you for good thinking. Well done, seeing the projects that have been inaugurated and authoring a book is a challenging feat.’

Uzodimma reflected on Nigeria’s journey under the APC from 2015 to 2025, highlighting milestones, challenges, and lessons learned.

He emphasised that the book is not just a personal achievement but belongs to the APC family and Nigerians.

The governor described the book as a product of deep reflection that explains ‘progressivism’ in the Nigerian context.

He praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and role in forming the APC. He commended him for the economic progress in Nigeria.

Uzodimma told the gathering that Imo State has seen rapid infrastructure growth.

Senate President Akpabio hailed Uzodimma’s efforts in putting together a book that chronicles the APC’s achievements and his vision for Imo State.

Akpabio also commended the President for his leadership sagacity that attracts members of the opposition party to the APC.

‘Many more governors will defect to APC because of the President’s visionary leadership.”

The Obi Onitsha, who spoke for traditional rulers, also commended Uzodimma’s effort and described the book as a great service to the people.

Chairman of the IRS Group of Companies and the book presenter, Isyaku Rabiu, lauded Uzodimma for documenting the achievements of the ruling APC.

He said though not a politician, he is supporting the President for second term because of his economic policies.

Rabiu said: ‘Today, the price of a bag of rice has decreased to N50,000 due to the President’s initiatives to support farmers through fertiliser provision.’

Also, APC National Chairman, Yilwatda, described Tinubu as a custodian of transformation and a master strategist.

He also praised Governor Uzodimma for his leadership.

The governors present at the event were Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Monday Okpebholo(Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Francis Nwofuru (Ebonyi), Inuwa Yahaya(Gombe), Abudulahi Sule (Nasarawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Bago (Niger) .

Some of the traditional rulers were Cletus Ilomuanya, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abadi of Calabar, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar and Eze E C Okeke.

Others at the event are Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Budget and Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu and his Information and National Orientation counterpart Mohammed Idris.

Victor Osimhen last night scored the winner as Liverpool slumped to a shock 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray as the Nigeria International’s 16th-minute penalty handed the Turkish giants victory.

The English champions were punished for the latest in a series of poor performances in Istanbul as they suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time under Arne Slot.

Liverpool were beaten for the first time this season at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but a series of late winners have masked an unconvincing start since a summer transformation of the squad that strolled to the Premier League title last season.

Slot responded by leaving Mohamed Salah and £125 million ($168 million) signing Alexander Isak on the bench among four changes.

The Dutchman was scathing in his assessment of Liverpool’s first-half performance at Palace as only Alisson Becker prevented an embarrassing half-time score.

However, Slot got little in the way of a response in another disjointed display from his array of star names.

Galatasaray had been thrashed 5-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt to start their Champions League campaign.

The Turkish champions are a far more formidable force on home soil, though, and made the most of Liverpool’s defensive deficiencies.

Slot’s decision to play midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back backfired.

Baris Alper Yilmaz gave the visitors a warning of the threat down Galatasaray’s left when he failed to beat Alisson when one-on-one with the Brazilian.

Liverpool should have led just seconds before they fell behind.

Hugo Ekitike was denied by Ugurcan Cakir as he tried to round the goalkeeper and Ismail Jakobs cleared Cody Gakpo’s follow-up effort off the line.

Galatasaray swiftly broke upfield and Yilmaz was awarded a soft penalty for a stray Szoboszlai arm into the Turkish international’s face.

Osimhen had previously seen a Champions League penalty saved by Alisson, but this time converted the resulting spot-kick.

Florian Wirtz has struggled badly to deliver on his £100 million price tag and is still waiting for his first Liverpool goal after his effort was turned behind by Cakir, while Ibrahima Konate headed just off target from a corner before half-time.

Konate’s poor form has been a major factor in the Reds’ defensive issues at the start of the season and the Frenchman nearly cost his side a second goal early in the second half.

Alisson saved his teammate’s blushes with another save from Osimhen but at a cost as the Liverpool number one suffered an injury sprinting off his line and had to be replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Slot introduced Salah and Isak on the hour mark, but Liverpool were still an impotent attacking force.

Isak fired tamely into the arms of Cakir with his first touch.

The closest the visitors came to a response was when French referee Clement Turpin initially pointed to the spot by a foul on Konate, but overturned his decision after a VAR review.

UCL: Yesterday’s Results

Atalanta 2-1 Brugge

Kairat 0-5 Madrid

Atletico 5 -1 Frankfurt

Bodø / Glimt 2-2 Tottenham

Chelsea 1 -0 Benfica

Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool

Inter 3-0 Slavia Prague

Marseille 4 -0 Ajax

Pafos 1-5 Bayern

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has declared support for Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing them as vital for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, ATAF pledged technical assistance to ensure Nigeria reaps the benefits of its tax reforms.

The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Ms. Mary Baine, who assumed office recently, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FIRS chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.

Baine recalled ATAF’s intervention in Zambia’s mining sector, where the organisation helped the country improve its capacity to generate revenue. She assured that Nigeria could expect similar support in key sectors of its economy.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision-people, technology and data-we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

Baine also said ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence on the continent and beyond to mobilise other member countries towards strengthening the organisation’s work.

In his remarks, Adedeji praised Baine’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism that her tenure would advance the forum’s objectives. He urged African countries to devise their own solutions to pressing challenges rather than rely on external assistance.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which are what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws,’ he stated.

Adedeji noted that Nigeria’s new tax regime replaced colonial-era legislation that had long outlived its relevance.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he added.

The new tax laws, he explained, were crafted to align with Nigeria’s current realities and position the economy for sustainable growth.

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has partnered Ouida Books and the Book Buzz Foundation to launch Iseda, a cultural exchange initiative. The launch, which held at the Ouida Bookstore in Lagos was aimed at fostering collaboration between American and Nigerian creatives while boosting economic opportunities in the arts.

Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate, Julie McKay, explained that Iseda-which means ‘creation’-was inspired by Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage. ‘We kind of went back to the Mbari Club. We’re thinking about a rich Nigerian tradition in culture and the arts-from Fela Kuti to Chinua Achebe to Wole Soyinka-coming together, collaborating, learning from each other, and becoming even more creative,’ she said.

McKay disclosed that the programme will spotlight a different creative sector each month, with fashion set for October and film in November. She added that Iseda would also serve as the kickoff for the U.S. Consulate’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Beyond Iseda, McKay also highlighted other U.S. exchange programmes that support the creative sector, including the American Music Mentorship Programme and the Africa Creative Television Initiative. According to her, six Nigerians participated in the music mentorship program last year, with three already inducted into the Recording Academy, granting them eligibility to vote in the Grammys.

Members of the Pipeline Vocal Project, Molly, Lisa, and Taylor, shared their experiences as cultural ambassadors.

They spoke about the power of music to build bridges across cultures.

‘What’s really cool is we’re able to connect and have a conversation through music. It doesn’t matter our background, but there’s a connectivity there,’ Taylor said.

The group also offered advice to aspiring musicians. Lisa emphasized discipline, Molly encouraged collaboration within communities, while Taylor urged persistence.

‘Never shut up and always keep going. No is not an answer I will take,’ she said.

Reflecting on their stay in Nigeria, the group expressed excitement about incorporating Afrobeats into their music. ‘We’re from Alaska. We would never meet Nigerian artists in Nigeria,’ Taylor noted, underscoring the value of the exchange.

IHS Nigeria, part of the IHS Holding group, said it has invested over $750 million in solar and hybrid power solutions over the past decade reflecting its commitment to the sustainability of the environment.

Its CEO, Mohamad Darwish, said who spoke during the announcement of a strategic collaboration with the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja to promote clean energy use and improve environmental health standards in the FCT, said with over 16,000 sites across the country, the company is aware of its responsibility to reduce carbon emission.

He said: ‘Climate and environmental responsibility are central to our sustainability agenda. With over 16,000 sites nationwide, we are fully aware of our responsibility to reduce carbon emissions and advance clean energy solutions. Our investments in solar and hybrid power solutions, totaling over $750 million in the past decade, reflect our commitment. Partnering with HSES enables us to expand this impact by supporting healthier communities and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy transition and environmental goals.’

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a collaboration agreement at the IHS Nigeria head office in Lagos, marking a significant step in advancing joint efforts towards environmental sustainability, climate action, and improved public health across the FCT.

Also speaking on behalf of HSES, Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said: ‘There is no health without a clean environment. This partnership with IHS Nigeria is a demonstration of how the public and private sectors can come together to drive sustainability and safeguard the well-being of our people. Through this collaboration, we aim to showcase practical solutions that reduce carbon footprints, promote the adoption of clean cooking and energy alternatives, and inspire other states across the country to follow suit. The FCT is proud to lead by example in this regard.’

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to address pressing environmental challenges, promote cleaner and more sustainable energy alternatives, and reduce carbon emissions in the country. The partnership also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in tackling climate change and fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for citizens.

Under the terms of the partnership, IHS Nigeria will work closely with HSES to implement community-based projects that promote the use of cleaner energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support initiatives designed to improve environmental health standards in the FCT.

This landmark agreement not only reinforces IHS Nigeria’s dedication to sustainability, one of its core values but also strengthens the FCT’s efforts to advance climate resilience, environmental protection, and public health.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (‘Sterling Holdco’), the parent company of The Alternative Bank, Sterling Bank, SterlingFI, and a number of other novel business solutions, has witnessed a very positive response to its public offer, as investors rally for a stake in the company’s future. The public offer, launched on September 17, 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market, with analysts predicting that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the sector’s investment landscape.

The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts noting that the price, which is about six per cent below its current trading price, presents an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors. The offer is set to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier than expected.

According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector.

The public offer is widely regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory. With a price point set at a discount to current trading prices, the offer is seen as a compelling opportunity for both long-term and short-term investors.

Sterling Holdco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. One of the most compelling indicators of the company’s underlying strength is the impressive growth of its share price. In the past year, the Holding company’s share price has grown steadily from N4.00 to nearly N8.00 per share. This increase in the company’s stock price speaks volumes about the underlying value and confidence in its business model, leadership, and growth trajectory.

Sterling Holdco, known for its strategic ownership of two banks, a wealth management company, and a number of innovative consumer businesses, is seeking to raise additional capital through the issuance of 12.58 billion ordinary shares at N7.00 per share. The proceeds from the public offer will be strategically deployed to further strengthen the Holdco’s capital base and fund its growth initiatives over the next 36 months.

About Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy.

The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technology- driven financial services.

Nigeria’s leading neobank, PalmPay, has shared N2million to the first set of winners in its Hustle Grant campaign. The campaign is a bold initiative designed to fuel the ambitions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Launched on August 28, and running until September 29th, the Hustle Grant is more than just funding; it is PalmPay’s promise to stand beside everyday Nigerians as they transform their hustle into thriving enterprises that create real impact in their communities.

In this first round, four outstanding entrepreneurs emerged from thousands of entries, each receiving N500,000 to scale their dreams. The winners, a prolific community builder in Kebbi State, two budding fashion designers in Lagos and Jos, and a farmer, embody the spirit of resilience and innovation that drives Nigeria’s economy. With this support, they can now take their ideas from the ground up, creating impact that ripples beyond their personal success.

Entrepreneurs across the country continue to submit their entries on social media with the hashtag #PalmPayHustleGrant. From these, the top entries will be shortlisted, with four more winners set to be announced in the final round.

For PalmPay, this initiative is a reflection of its core mission: building tools that don’t just make financial services smarter but make ambitions possible. The Hustle Grant is a platform for turning bold ideas into impact stories, ensuring that Nigerians chasing their dreams have the resources to reach the next level.

As the company celebrates its 6th anniversary, the Hustle Grant reinforces PalmPay’s role as a brand that doesn’t just process transactions but empowers transformation.

For every Nigerian who chooses PalmPay, the brand proves it is more than a digital banking platform, it’s a trusted financial partner committed to their growth.

Skin care brand, NIVEA, has given N46 million to BRICON Foundation to help cancer survivors.

This was announced at its R.I.S.E. Conference in Lagos.

Raised through NIVEA’s ‘You Buy | You Save | We Donate’ campaign, the funds will be channelled into microloans, training, and emotional care to help survivors live again.

Beiersdorf Nigeria’s Country Manager, Dele Adeyole, said ‘At Beiersdorf, care is more than a brand promise; it is our corporate DNA. By channelling everyday consumer choices into over N46 million lifeline for cancer survivors, we are affirming that care must touch both skin and soul,’ he said.

Marketing Director for Central, East and West Africa at Beiersdorf, Fiyin Toyo, emphasised that cancer support is a cause close to the company’s mission.

‘Most people know NIVEA for skin care, but our mission goes deeper; we care beyond skin. BRICON Foundation is doing good work to help survivors get back on their feet, and this partnership allows us to give survivors dignity.