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Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has disbursed a total sum of N14.6 billion for the State’s pensioners as gratuities, covering three years of gratuity outstanding.

The governor stated this on Monday when he disbursed a sum of N2 billion to 800 pensioners to defray backlog of gratuity arrears, saying ‘wiping out tears from the faces of the citizens brings him great joy as a leader.’

The governor noted that the N2 billion disbursed formed part of N14.6 billion so far expended on gratuity, adding that a staggering amount of N25 billion had been also been paid as pensions to the elder statesmen in three years.

Governor Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while presenting cheques to a new set of 800 pensioners who bowed out of the service in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor, who was represented by Monisade Afuye, his deputy, was ecstatic that his government had fulfilled all righteousness, by keeping to his promise during electioneering to make elders happier in line with his vision.

Having a retrospect of the good dealings he had dispensed to the retirees, Oyebanji revealed that his government in 2024 paid out a sum of N1.3 billion gratuity arrears, saying he then promised to upscale the amount, which now reflected in the N2 billion disbursement .

Oyebanji maintained that as at September 2025, there were 10,106 retirees on the State Pensioners’ Payroll, whose pensions are being paid regularly and timely. He said part of efforts to enhance the welfare include the approval of N20 million upward review of monthly pension across board for all categories of pensioners.

Responding, Kolapo Olatunde, Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Omotola Farotimi, Chairman, Trade Union of Congress and Oluwafemi Ajoloko, Chairman og the Joint Negotiating Council, saluted Oyebanji for changing the sordid narrative of the past, by palliating the sufferings of the retirees through prompt payment of all entitlements.

Similarly, the Nasarawa State Government has approved the release of N5 billion to clear outstanding gratuities being by owed by the State Government to the pensioners across the State. The initiative aims to address long-standing pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired civil servants.

Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the State Accountant-General, made the announcement during a news briefing held on Monday in Lafia, disclosing that N1.5 billion had already been disbursed to the State Pensions Bureau for the immediate payment of gratuities to State Government pensioners, dating back to 2012.

Mohammed also revealed that over N3 billion would soon be released to settle the entitlements of Local Government pensioners. He noted that the payment would be made in phases, ensuring that both State and Local Government’s pensioners benefit from the approved funds.

He emphasised the Administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions to the development of the State and the Country. He assured the pensioners that the disbursement would begin without delay.

The Nasarawa State Government has approved the release of N5 billion to clear outstanding gratuities owed to retirees across the state.

The initiative aims to address long-standing pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired civil servants.

Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the State Accountant General made the announcement during a news briefing on Monday in Lafia.

He disclosed that N1.5 billion has already been disbursed to the State Pensions Bureau for the immediate payment of gratuities to state government retirees dating back to 2012.

Mohammed also revealed that over N3 billion would soon be released to settle the entitlements of local government retirees. He noted that the payment will be made in phases, ensuring that both state and local government pensioners benefit from the approved funds.

He emphasised the administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions to the development of the state and the country. He assured retirees that the disbursement would begin without delay.

The Accountant General called on beneficiaries to cooperate with relevant agencies to facilitate a smooth, transparent, and efficient disbursement process.

He stressed the importance of accurate documentation and open communication to avoid unnecessary delays.

In a related development, Mohammed announced that the state recently received an Award of Excellence for Exceptional Tax Compliance from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

He credited the achievement to Governor Abdullahi Sule’s dedication to accountability, transparency, and good governance.

Wema Bank has marked the 10th anniversary of its Wemalympics, seen as the biggest internal sports event in the banking industry.

Launched in 2015, Wemalympics is the bank’s internal sports tournament hosted annually to promote camaraderie, work-life balance, and sportsmanship among the employees of Wema Bank.

Themed ‘We Strive, We Bond, We Win’, Wemalympics at 10, convened over 7,000 employees of Wema Bank, their families, partners and sponsors, to participate in an array of indoors and outdoors games to test their agility, promote health and fitness, and strengthen the bond among the Bank’s employees, fondly referred to as Knights.

Team South West emerged as the overall winner, dominating the medal leader boards for both indoor and outdoor games, while Team Lagos took the second position with a close margin in the football finals, and Team South South/South East and Team North came third and fourth, respectively.

Moruf Oseni, managing director/CEO of the financial institution, expressed gratitude to employees, families, sponsors, and partners for their participation and support.

Oseni noted that the event’s success demonstrated the bank’s commitment to promoting work-life balance and employee well-being.

‘This is our 10th year doing Wemalympic and today, I’d like to say a big Thank You to you all; staff of Wema Bank who continue to make out time and actively participate year-in-year-out, families of Knights who have been on this journey with us, our sponsors and partners who continue to support meaningfully, and everyone else who has been a part of this journey in any capacity.

‘The energy I have seen here today gives me the confidence that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a bank if we set our minds to it. As we compete with passion, I urge us all to remember that we are one, and we are all winners. I wish you all the best, thank you once again.’

Receiving the grand prize trophy on behalf of the winning region, Sunday Olaitan, Wema Bank’s regional executive for the South West region, noted the importance of events like Wemalympics in boosting employee morale and promoting work-life balance.

‘South West has been a formidable force throughout the decade-long history of Wemalympics, and it goes without saying. This is our 4th consecutive victory at Wemalympics and our 6th time in total receiving the trophy for Overall Best,’ Olaitan said.

Nigeria’s foremost evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai has passed away at the age of 80. The respected preacher, known for his fiery sermons and nationwide crusades, died on October 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and philanthropy that spanned over five decades.

Family members and close associates confirmed his passing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he had lived for much of his later years. According to sources close to the family, the revered cleric had been battling age-related ailments in the weeks leading up to his death. His transition, they said, was peaceful.

Ukpai’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement. For decades, he was one of the country’s most recognisable Christian figures, a man whose name was synonymous with large evangelistic crusades, faith healing, and bold preaching across Africa and beyond.

Rev. Uma Ukpai’s ministry journey began in the 1970s when he founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational Christian organization focused on spreading the gospel through massive outreach programs, healing campaigns, and leadership training. Through the UUEA, Ukpai organised some of Nigeria’s largest Christian gatherings, drawing tens of thousands of worshippers from across the country. His crusades were known for passionate preaching and reports of miraculous healings that drew even skeptics to listen.

Over the years, his message centred on faith, forgiveness, and national unity. Ukpai was one of the few religious leaders who consistently emphasized peace and inter-ethnic harmony during Nigeria’s difficult political transitions. He often urged political leaders to embrace humility and servant leadership.

Born in 1945 in Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Uma Ukpai came from humble beginnings. He often shared stories of his early struggles including the loss of his parents at a young age and how his faith in God shaped his purpose. He studied Engineering but later dedicated his life fully to Christian ministry. Over the years, he earned several honorary doctorate degrees in Theology and Christian Leadership, recognizing his influence in global evangelism.

Rev. Ukpai was married to Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, his longtime partner in ministry. Together, they raised children and led numerous humanitarian initiatives through the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association’s charity arm, focusing on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

Ukpai’s evangelistic work was not limited to Nigeria. He preached in many African countries, Europe, and the United States, often partnering with other international evangelists. His annual ‘Uma Ukpai Miracle Convention’ became one of Nigeria’s most anticipated Christian events, attracting thousands of people seeking spiritual renewal and healing. Many Christians across the country credit their faith journey or healing testimony to an encounter at one of his crusades. His ministry also produced several spiritual protégés who went on to establish their own churches and ministries.

In addition to evangelism, Ukpai established the Uma Ukpai College of Theology and Management Studies and the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre in Uyo, aimed at raising Christian leaders and providing free eye care services to the poor. These institutions reflected his belief that faith must be practical and compassionate.

Following news of his death, tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Tinubu, in a condolence message, described Rev. Ukpai as ‘a beacon of faith whose voice inspired millions and whose ministry strengthened the moral fabric of the nation.’ Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) hailed him as ‘a unifying voice who stood for righteousness and truth in public life.’ In a statement, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said, ‘Rev. Ukpai’s ministry touched lives across denominational lines and brought healing to broken souls.’

Governors, church leaders, and public figures from across the country also expressed shock and sadness at his passing, describing him as a father figure and a national spiritual pillar. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, called him ‘a man of God who carried his cross with grace and preached the gospel without fear.’

Uma Ukpai will be remembered not only for his revival crusades but also for his practical teachings on integrity, faith, and service. He was known for his down-to-earth preaching style often combining humor, storytelling, and deep biblical insight. He frequently spoke against corruption and moral decay in public life, insisting that ‘a nation cannot rise above the character of its people.’ His teachings encouraged Christians to be responsible citizens and to live out their faith through service.

Beyond the pulpit, Ukpai was a bridge-builder between generations. He mentored young pastors, supported gospel musicians, and helped emerging church leaders navigate ministry challenges. Many describe him as a man who gave freely without expecting recognition.

Plans for his burial are underway, according to family sources. The Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association has announced a week-long celebration of his life, beginning with a night of tributes in Uyo and concluding with a thanksgiving service in his hometown of Asaga, Abia State. In a brief statement, the UUEA said, ‘Our father has gone to be with the Lord. His life was a testimony of unwavering faith, tireless service, and love for humanity. Though he has departed, his message lives on.’

As the Christian community mourns his passing, many agree that Rev. Uma Ukpai’s influence will endure through the lives he touched, the souls he led to faith, and the institutions he built. At 80, Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai had become more than a preacher; he was a movement, a symbol of faith in turbulent times, and a reminder that one life devoted to service can change a nation. In death, as in life, his message still echoes that ‘God is bigger than our fears’ and that faith, when lived sincerely, can heal nations.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to domestic airlines over their continued delay in refunding passengers, describing the practice as a violation of existing aviation regulations and an affront to the authority’s powers.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection NCAA, in a post on his X handle, on Monday, said that some domestic airlines have continued to tell passengers that refunds take up to four weeks, instead of the 14 days stipulated in the NCAA Regulations 2023.

‘Domestic airlines need to stop telling passengers that their refund process takes 4 weeks. There can’t be two captains-in-command on an aircraft,’ Achimugu stated.

He stressed that the NCAA’s rules are binding and must be followed to the letter by all operators. ‘The NCAA regulations are clear about the timeframe for ticket refunds, and it is 14 days. Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 remains in force. Operators cannot create a different rule in this regard,’ he said.

Achimugu further called on air transport users to report airlines that violate this regulation by forwarding evidence of communication to his official email and those of other Consumer Protection Department officers.

‘To all the passengers: if you apply for a refund and an airline tells you that it would take 4 weeks, kindly forward that communication to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] immediately,’ he advised.

He emphasised that the NCAA would no longer tolerate practices that undermine its authority or subject passengers to unfair treatment.

‘Enough of this. We cannot all claim to be working for the improvement of the industry and be duplicating rules in a manner that undermines the Authority and is unfair to passengers,’ Achimugu warned.

The federal government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to strictly implement the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on strike.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, the government ordered university heads to conduct a roll call and submit reports identifying lecturers who are absent or participating in the industrial action, warning that salaries will be withheld for the period of work stoppage.

The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws.

‘In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,’ the circular reads.

The minister directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions.

He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.

Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.

He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions.

The minister also tasked the NUC to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.

‘Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,’ Alausa urged the university heads.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, alongside wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat, recently led wives of top government officials under the auspices of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) for the 25th National Women’s Pre-Conference Walk held in Ikorodu, Lagos East Senatorial District.

As the COWLSO leader in the senatorial district, Feyisola Abiru, wife of Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East, rallied members from across the Ikorodu Division to warmly receive the First Lady, her entourage, and over 470 women from across the state for the landmark event.

On the sideline of the walk, the delegation visited the iconic SAIL Innovation Lab, an initiative of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Abiru and his wife which is a cutting-edge tech, digital and innovation lab, where hundreds of young people are trained and placed on decent jobs, and other life-transforming opportunities.

The First Lady, impressed by the scale of transformation and empowerment being driven through the Lab, commended Abiru and his wife for their visionary leadership and life-changing initiatives.

She noted that the SAIL Innovation Lab has become a beacon of hope for young people across Lagos East, providing free world-class training in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

‘I am truly inspired by what I’ve seen here today. The work being done at SAIL Innovation Lab is transforming lives and securing the future of our youths. I commend Senator Tokunbo Abiru and his wife for this outstanding initiative and urge the beneficiaries to maximize this rare opportunity,’ Mrs. Sanwo-Olu said.

The COWLSO team also visited the Industrial Development Centre of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and paid a courtesy visit to Oluwagbemiga Olabisi Benson, first executive chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB).

Earlier, in her welcome address, Feyisola Abiru expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its continued support for women and families across the state. She lauded the transformative leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the compassionate role of the First Lady in promoting welfare, empowerment, and inclusion among women.

She said, ‘Your Excellency, we thank you once again for your leadership, kindness, and unwavering support for women across our state. We can attest to the transformative progress we are experiencing under the dynamic leadership of your husband, and our own dear Governor, His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

‘The THEME + agenda of this administration is impacting the lives of citizens, complementing the laudable strides of the Renewed Hope agenda of our esteemed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our mother, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, The Iya Oba of Ikorodu.’

The 25th Pre-Conference Walk, an annual build-up to the COWLSO National Women’s Conference, aims to promote wellness, unity, and social impact among women in leadership and governance.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has set a target to register 545,000 children under one year in Lagos State before the end of 2025, as part of a nationwide campaign to ensure that no Nigerian child is left without a legal identity.

Speaking at the Birth Registration Multi-Sector Dialogue, in Lagos, on Monday, Celine Lafoucriere, chief of UNICEF Lagos field office, emphasized that birth registration remains the first line of protection for every child, without which children cannot access essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection.

‘Without registration, children are invisible. They cannot access healthcare, education, or social services. Lagos State has made impressive progress with 94 percent of children under five already registered, but we must ensure that no child, especially in hard-to-reach and low-income communities, is left behind,’ Lafoucriere said.

According to Lafoucriere, Lagos is one of 15 priority states in UNICEF’s 2025 plan to register 3.69 million children nationwide. She revealed that the state received the highest allocation of over six million birth certificates from the National Population Commission (NPC) last month, an indication of the trust placed in Lagos’ registration systems and its capacity to deliver results.

‘The foundation has been laid. Training has been completed across all 20 local government areas, supplies including tablets have been distributed, and registration points are active. Lagos is ready, but success depends on everyone in this room,’ she said.

Lafoucriere urged ministries, traditional institutions, civil society, and the media to drive awareness and integration of birth registration into everyday services, stressing that collaboration among health, education, and social development sectors would be crucial to achieving the 2025 goal.

‘The Ministry of Health must integrate registration into immunization and maternal health services. Education authorities must ensure that birth certificates are required for school enrollment. Traditional and community leaders must champion registration as a civic duty, and the media must keep the message alive,’ she said.

She announced that the dialogue would produce a Lagos State Birth Registration Action Plan, a roadmap to strengthen community participation, drive demand at the grassroots, and identify pilot programs linking registration with immunization and child welfare services.

‘Today, we are moving beyond talk. We want concrete commitments, not just plans, that will be captured in a communique and implemented across sectors. The resources are here; the will is in this room,’ Lafoucriere added.

This work belongs to all of us. Let us leave here today with commitments, not just intentions, so that every child in Lagos can be counted, protected, and given the identity they deserve,’ Lafoucriere appealed.

Olayinka Oladunjoye, federal commissioner of the National Population Commission, Lagos, called on parents, community leaders, and local councils to intensify mobilisation efforts.

‘Without registration, there is no identity. And without identity, we can’t plan for them. Accurate data helps government determine how many schools, hospitals, or social facilities are needed in each community. That’s why birth registration is not just an administrative process, it is about proper planning for our children’s future,’ she said.

Oladunjoye applauded UNICEF, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and civil society groups for their consistent collaboration, describing the initiative as a shared responsibility. ‘All our children must be registered and given certificates. We appreciate UNICEF for being a strong partner and for always standing by us,’ she added.

Despite Lagos’ progress, stakeholders acknowledged that several barriers continue to hinder universal registration.

Mrs. Olajumoke Otitoloju, welfare officer of the Child Protection Network (CPN) and project coordinator at Yanuora Children’s Care Foundation, said many families in informal settlements still lack awareness or face exploitation from unofficial agents. ‘Birth registration is the first legal proof of a child’s existence, yet millions of children in low-income areas remain unregistered. Some parents are charged illegally or issued fake certificates, which discourages genuine registration,’ she noted.

Otitoloju proposed practical solutions, including setting up birth registration desks in primary schools and requiring certificates during school enrollment and naming ceremonies. ‘If schools and religious institutions request birth certificates, parents will see it as part of civic responsibility, not an option. It is not just about giving a name, it is about giving an identity,’ she said.

The dialogue, themed ‘Every Child Counts: Accelerating Birth Registration in Lagos State,’ brought together key officials from the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, ALGON, civil society, and the media. Participants agreed to co-create a State Action Plan to improve awareness, integrate registration into health and education systems, and track progress toward universal coverage by year-end.

The Nigerian Police said it is investigating the origin of two English-made pistols used by a nine (9)-man armed robbery syndicate arrested in connection with, deadly robbery attack carried out in the Kano metropolis, recently.

The two weapons: an English Falcon pistol with breach number RFJA 170521867, and one scrapped Phoenix pistol, were among several other arms recovered from the robbers, linked to a dastardly robbery attack at a residence in Unguwar Wambai, Dorayi Babba Quarters, last week.

Briefing journalists on Monday on recent breakthroughs recorded by the operatives of the command, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, Kano State Commissioner of Police, said that the source of the two English pistols used for the robbery operation is part of the information that his detectives are trying to uncover.

‘Good afternoon, distinguished ladies and gentlemen of the press. I am pleased to brief you on a significant breakthrough achieved by the Kano State Police Command in our efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property in the State.

‘Acting in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, charging all Commands and Formations to dominate the public space, and aggressively and strategically tackle all forms of criminal activities; today, I am pleased to announce to you the successful arrest of 9 suspects involved in a series of armed robbery operations in Kano State.

‘The arrest was triggered by a report of an armed robbery incident that occurred on October 8, 2025, at about 2 am, at a residence in Unguwar Wambai, Dorayi Babba Quarters, Kano. The robbers, armed with rifles, made away with a Toyota Yaris motor vehicle, foreign and local currencies amounting to N3,700,000, three mobile phones, and other valuables.

‘In the process, they also brutally assaulted the complainant’s wife, removing one of her teeth with a diamond, causing her grievous hurt. Police officers attached to the Dorayi Divisional Headquarters responded and arrested one suspect.

‘On my instruction, the Command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) moved in and rounded up the other eight suspects at different locations within Kano and Kaduna States. The suspects, who were arrested following this coordinated intelligence and tactical operation, include:

‘Abubakar Aminu, 22 years old, Aliyu Aliyu, 23 years old, Abubakar Usman, 22 years old, Sulaiman Sani, 20 years old, Yusuf Yusuf, 17 years old, Abdulrahman Aliyu, 23 years old, Salisu Hussaini, 17 years old, Sulaiman Abdullahi, 20 years old, and, Abdulmutallab Sa’ad, 24 years old’, he disclosed.

According to Bakori, the suspects have confessed to their involvement in several armed robbery operations in Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano State, including the recent armed robbery at Unguwar Jakada, Dorayi Quarters, Kano State.

He said that during the investigation, the following exhibits were recovered: One double-barrel gun with breach number 273720 with eighteen rounds of live cartridges, one English Falcon pistol with breach number RFJA 170521867, and one scrapped Phoenix pistol

Other weapons recovered from the suspect, he stated, include: One iron cutter, two cutlasses, four sharp knives, three torch lights, and one operational vehicle Toyota Corolla LE with registration number ADK 787 EV, red in colour, as well as two mobile phones.

Responding to questions, he hinted that all the suspects arrested will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation, and the Command is working to recover more exhibits, as well as the sources of the origin of the pistols and guns used in the robbery operation.

‘I would like to commend the officers involved in this operation for their bravery and professionalism. Their dedication to duty has resulted in this significant breakthrough, and I urge all officers to continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the people of Kano State.

‘I also wish to appreciate the support of the public in providing valuable information that led to this achievement. We encourage the public to continue to support us with information that will aid our efforts in combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the State.

‘Notably, our community-based crime-fighting model, ‘Operation Kukan Kura,’ has contributed significantly to the reduction of crime in the State. We have seen a geometric reduction in all forms of crimes. Mobile phone snatching and robbery becoming a thing of the past Thuggery activities (Fadan Daba) being crippled’, the commissioner of police further stated.

Page Financials has once again emerged as a standout performer in Nigeria’s financial services industry, clinching two major awards at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards – Finance Company of the Year and Most Innovative Financial Institution of the Year.

The back-to-back victory marks the seventh consecutive year the finance company has been honoured at the annual event, which celebrates excellence, leadership, and innovation across the country’s banking and financial services ecosystem.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Segun Akintemi, the Chief Operating Officer, Ikem Nweke, said the recognition reflects Page Financials’ consistency and ambition.

‘We are excited about this recognition, and the excitement comes with a burden to do more,’ Nweke said. ‘We want to be back next year to collect the awards again.’

In his remarks, Akintemi credited the company’s success to its culture of innovation and continuous improvement. He disclosed that Page Financials observes a monthly Innovation Day, during which employees across departments share creative ideas to improve efficiency and enhance customer experience.

‘Every innovation we implement comes from within,’ Akintemi said. ‘We believe that the people closest to the process are best positioned to improve it.’

The company, founded in 2014, has built a strong reputation for speed and reliability in consumer lending. Once documentation is verified, loan disbursement is typically completed within minutes – a process that has earned the brand significant trust among retail customers.

Ola Moses, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said the consecutive wins were proof of the company’s long-term commitment to customer satisfaction.

‘Winning for seven years straight is not just a milestone, it’s validation that our customers see and appreciate our effort to make financial services faster, simpler, and more rewarding,’ he said.

As Page Financials marks its latest milestone, the company says it will continue to leverage technology, creativity, and customer insight to redefine access to finance and sustain its leadership position in Nigeria’s growing financial services sector.