Category: Daily Trust

Let’s begin with an anecdotal story, or rather, two stories. In November 2024, Hamdiyya Sidi Shariff, then a 19-year-old lady from Sokoto State decried the state government’s handling of banditry. But despite her life-threatening travails at the hands of the Sokoto State government over many months, she received little support from the northern public. In contrast, when another young lady, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a youth corps member serving in Lagos, took to social media to criticise President Bola Tinubu over the cost-of-living crisis in the country, many Nigerians down South rose to her defence, which made attempts to persecute her difficult.

Hamdiyya’s and Rita’s circumstances were different, but both cases highlighted an increasing divide between the North and South in our attitudes to civic participation and the culture of collective demand for accountability and better governance. It is not that the South is a shining example of democratic governance itself as such, no. But at least on issues of collective security or some fundamental rights, southern publics, media and civil society tend to be more willing to draw a line and demand better, regardless of who is president or governor.

The North must learn from this, because, right now, the general tendency is not to transform individual suffering into collective demands for accountability, but to endure in silence. This diverging trend in civic culture was illustrated, again, by the recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo and Borno states on the same day. While one incident triggered protests and strikes, people largely resigned themselves to fate and prayers in the other. All Nigerian lives are equal, but one part of the country appears more willing to turn personal insecurity into collective pressure for better governance, while the other largely absorbs repeated incidents into normality. Yet, absorbing crime and cruelty into normality is precisely how evil thrives in a society.

It is true that southern media, civil society and public have tended to be generally indifferent to the insecurity situation in the North, except where there is divisive regional or religious politics to be played. But for me, the real question is not why others are not speaking loudly enough for us, but why we are not speaking loudly enough for ourselves. When governance failures cross certain thresholds, southern Nigeria appears to demonstrate a stronger culture of demanding accountability from leaders. Think the EndSARS protests, the Hunger Protest, and of course the recent protests and strikes following kidnapping incident in Ibadan.

What does the North do in the face of similar, and even worse situations? The point is simple: no one can value your life more than yourself. But perhaps the most worrying consequence of this trend is the normalisation of dysfunction. Kidnappings, mass abductions, bandit attacks and other forms of insecurity have become so frequent in the North that they increasingly appear to be treated as unfortunate realities of life rather than unacceptable governance failures that require collective action at all levels of state and society. Communities grieve, sympathise and pray, but rarely organise sustained pressure on leaders to do better. But when leaders do not feel the collective pressure of citizens, they tend to have few incentives to do better.

More importantly, for me, this culture of silence and fatalism in the face of mounting insecurity in northern Nigeria is structural, cutting across all levels of northern society, from the leadership to the followership. First, northern governors routinely issue statements condemning insecurity, but you would struggle to see evidence of their sustained advocacy and engagement with federal security institutions, and even less of their own internal collective efforts at solving the problem or at least improving the situation. This is despite the fact that many security challenges transcend state boundaries and therefore require collective political action.

Similarly, northern federal legislators rarely act in concert to keep these issues consistently on the national agenda. When last does anyone hear or see the heads of Nigeria’s security agencies being seriously grilled in either chamber of the National Assembly about the insecurity situation in the North and the rest of the country? When last did anyone hear National Assembly members demanding accountability for the trillions pumped into security budgets annually?

Northern civil society, as well as traditional and religious leaderships also appear less assertive than they once were in asserting public concerns. Organisations like the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and other civic bodies often respond episodically rather than sustained long-term campaigns around governance failures. Labour and professional unions have similarly been less visible in demanding accountability around security challenges directly affecting their constituencies and often even members. For example, until the incident in Ibadan, many Nigerians may have forgotten that the NUT still exists. Yet, it has state chapters across all 19 states of the North where one or other form of school kidnappings have occurred in virtually every state in the past five years or so.

Northern media organisations, with the notable exception of the Daily Trust and Trust TV, also sometimes treat these incidents as isolated tragedies rather than symptoms of deeper governance failures requiring sustained scrutiny. It is often said that the North suffers some disadvantage within Nigeria’s national media landscape. But this is only partly true. The South doubtless has more established national media outlets than the North, but the North has a far richer local and local language media culture than the South. But if these media spend more effort in cannibalising content from other media, as they often do, they would have little space or incentive to produce original material that reflects the governance situations in their own local environments on a sustained basis.

Traditional and religious leaders, meanwhile, frequently encourage patience and prayer. These have their place, but they cannot replace policy or governance performance. Thus, given these structural dimensions of a weak civic culture, ordinary citizens tend to suffer their pain in silence and the leaders have little incentives to do better. Yet governance improves only when citizens consistently remind leaders that poor performance carries political and social consequences.

The sad irony is that northern Nigeria was not always like this. The North used to have a strong civic culture that spoke out against poor governance, that demanded accountability and improved governance, and that stood up for the region’s interests within Nigeria’s fractious national politics. During the struggle against colonial rule and throughout the First Republic, northern politics featured vigorous contestation. Political parties such as the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and the Middle Belt People’s Congress (UMPC) challenged both colonial Native Authorities and the dominance of the ruling Northern People’s Congress (NPC). Opposition politics was robust, and dissent was viewed as a legitimate component of public life. Indeed, even NPC politicians consistently educated the public against political complacency.

This tradition was carried forth into the Second Republic by parties like the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) who actively challenged incumbent federal and state governments and offered alternative visions of governance. Northern politics and political leaders accommodated disagreement and recognised that those in authority should be subjected to scrutiny, even though it was inconvenient. Individual activists, student movements, labour organisations and academic unions consistently pushed governments to perform better and defend public interests, often at great personal costs.

Even more recently under the Obasanjo administration (1999-2007), northern political and civil society leaders actively challenged federal overreach when they believed regional interests were at stake. Speaker Ghali Na’Abba and others in the National Assembly frequently confronted the presidency in defence of legislative independence. Governors such as Abdulkadir Kure asserted state rights. Senior figures in Obasanjo’s own cabinet like Adamu Ciroma spoke openly when they considered it necessary. The ACF emerged partly to articulate northern concerns, while traditional rulers such as Emir Mustapha Jokolo were willing to publicly express dissenting views. Their actions mirrored the assertiveness with which then Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu defended the interests of the South-West during the same period.

The lesson from recent events, therefore, is not that some Nigerians care more than others. Rather, it is that some parts of the country have become more willing to embrace silence and fatalism in the face of unacceptable governance failure. This is what must stop. For enduring change, the North must rediscover its activist voice.

For many Nigerian parents, recent school abductions in Borno State and Oyo State have revived painful memories of past incidents such as the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.

Years after those tragedies, many Nigerians are still asking why schools remain vulnerable and whether enough has been done to protect children.

Join us in this episode of Nigeria Daily as we examine the return of school kidnappings and what must change to stop them.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended men of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, saying the country does not take their sacrifices for granted.

The President, in a message posted on his X handle and addressed to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, commended the soldiers for their sacrifices and commitment, saying they are the shield protecting Nigerians and preserving the nation’s peace and stability.

While describing the fight against insecurity as more than a military operation, the President said it is a national duty, urging citizens to support the security forces ‘by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.’ he said.

He wrote, ‘I commend all our patriotic front-line soldiers in the fight against terrorism in all forms. You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities.’

He commended the soldiers for carrying the burden of protecting Nigerians across difficult terrains, saying the country will not take the sacrifice for granted.

‘This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted.’

‘To every officer and soldier of our Armed Forces, to the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, intelligence services, local security formations, and all who work day and night to keep Nigeria safe, I say thank you.

‘I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights, and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.

‘We honour those who have paid the supreme price in defence of our country. Their names may not always trend, but their courage lives on in rescued communities, protected families, and the survival of the nation they served.’

The President reaffirmed the importance of the military operation, insisting that the fight against terror is not only a military operation.

‘It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.

‘Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community.

‘To our troops and all front-line patriots, thank you for your courage.’ he said.

Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned that Nigeria could face a period of deep instability and even existential threats if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) retains power beyond the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Sunday, Baba-Ahmed painted contrasting scenarios for Nigeria’s future, arguing that the country’s trajectory over the next decade would largely depend on the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, Nigeria is currently on a dangerous path and risks descending into serious political and social turmoil if the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secures another term in office.

‘We are headed for chaos,’ Baba-Ahmed declared. ‘That’s a bullet answer to the way you presented your question at the end.’

The former senator outlined what he described as three possible outcomes for the country.

The first scenario, he said, would involve the APC being voted out of office but replaced by politicians drawn from the same political establishment that has dominated governance for decades.

In such a situation, he argued that Nigeria would likely experience little progress but avoid major crises.

‘The present APC government under Tinubu is successfully and peacefully voted out and it is replaced by the same cream of politicians. In that case, what you’re likely going to have is apparent stagnation. There’s no progress. There’s not going to be much crisis. We’ll continue to manage ourselves as we’ve been doing,’ he said.

Using a vivid analogy, Baba-Ahmed compared the country’s current state to a frog slowly being boiled.

‘Cooking slowly in the water that is warming up and heating up slowly. Maybe for the next 56 years, if you have the same, and especially if they are succeeded by their own cronies and their own people.’

His second scenario envisioned a dramatic political shift driven by a new generation of leaders capable of transforming the country.

According to him, Nigeria possesses the human and economic potential to become Africa’s dominant economic power within a decade if genuine leadership emerges.

‘If they are voted out and replaced by a new generation of desirable, much needed leaders. My words carefully, not politicians. Nigeria needs eight to 10 years to be the China of Africa,’ he stated.

‘And that can happen. But only if, and this is really, really like wishful thinking, but tell you what, dreams come true only if you walk towards it.’

Baba-Ahmed reserved his strongest comments for what he described as the third scenario – the continuation of APC rule beyond 2027.

He suggested that the consequences could be far-reaching and potentially threaten Nigeria’s unity as a nation-state.

‘Then answer number two is that if APC were to continue, if Tinubu were to continue beyond 2027, sometimes I wonder if I should discuss this even in a living room, not to talk of discussing it in public. I tend to see the end of Nigeria as a nation,’ he said.

The former vice-presidential candidate argued that the country’s current challenges are rooted in years of poor governance and unmet expectations dating back to 2015.

‘Nigeria hopelessly mismanaged since 2015 to date. Promises dashed unbelievably because if there was any time that Nigeria took the wrong turn, it was 2015, or if there was any time that Nigeria was disappointed, it was 2015,’ he said.

He criticized the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a period that shattered the hopes of many Nigerians.

‘For a federal government under the so-called late Baba Buhari to be as corrupt as it were at that time, to be as incompetent and inept as it were then, Nigeria’s heart was broken in 2015 by that.’

Baba-Ahmed also questioned what he described as President Tinubu’s long-term political agenda.

‘How he came to power, how he schemed for power, looking beyond what is the specific agenda of post-2027 Alhaji Tinubu,’ he said.

‘I have argued before now that his post-2023 agenda was 2027 electoral victory. So if he wins 2027, what is next? Who is good enough, what is good enough to take over from him?’

The Labour Party chieftain pointed to Tinubu’s reputation as a powerful political strategist with influence across multiple levels of government.

‘This is a politician who has installed from councillor to president and removed at will. He can put a president, he can remove a president. He has made himself president, he has made himself president again. Who else is good enough?’

Baba-Ahmed further alleged that the current political environment has become increasingly characterized by intimidation and selective anti-corruption actions.

Referring to developments in northern Nigeria, he claimed that several prominent political figures in the North-West had either been detained or were under investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

‘Consider where they claim they got their votes from in the northwest. If you check now, nearly every state in the northwest has a major politician or a major son in detention or being chased by EFCC or ICPC,’ he said.

He suggested that such developments could deepen political distrust and fuel divisions within the country.

‘I’m telling you that in the next 50 to 60 years, nobody will trust him and his people again.’

According to Baba-Ahmed, a combination of poor governance, political exclusion and growing public frustration could create conditions that threaten national cohesion.

‘So because of all that fear, we have misgoverned, we have bullied, we have cheated. The only way out for us is just to close the shop down. Go on our own. Everybody goes on their own.’

While emphasizing that he was not advocating a new idea, he argued that history shows that political systems can collapse when leaders ignore warning signs.

‘I’m not saying anything new. Go on our own. Everybody goes on their own. I’m not saying anything new. I’m not kidding about it. The history of the world post-Second World War has shown that what you don’t imagine can easily happen.’

The Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has raised the alarm over the outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting sheep and goats, urging livestock owners to vaccinate their animals immediately to prevent further spread.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, the Director of Veterinary Services in the ministry, Dr. Adebayo Ehinmowo, disclosed that cases of the disease had already been reported in parts of the state.

He warned farmers against waiting for the government’s planned vaccination campaign before taking preventive measures.

According to Ehinmowo, PPR, commonly known as ‘goat plague,’ is a seasonal viral disease that often emerges at the onset of the rainy season and can cause significant losses among sheep and goat populations.

‘The outbreak is already in town. Farmers should not wait for government vaccination. The disease is viral and cannot be treated; it can only be prevented through vaccination,’ he said.

Explaining the symptoms of the disease, Ehinmowo said infected animals usually exhibit mucus discharge from the nose and eyes, diarrhoea, weakness and reduced productivity, with younger animals being particularly susceptible.

The veterinary expert clarified that PPR affects only small ruminants, specifically sheep and goats, and poses no threat to cattle.

To contain the outbreak, he disclosed that the Federal Government has already supplied vaccines to Ondo State and that preparations are underway for a statewide vaccination campaign.

However, he noted that the exercise is awaiting logistical support from the state government before deployment to communities.

‘The vaccines are already available and safely stored in our cold storage facility. They remain effective and have not expired. We are only waiting for the necessary logistics to commence mass vaccination,’ he said.

Ehinmowo further revealed that private veterinary practitioners and veterinary outlets currently have vaccines available for purchase, encouraging farmers who can afford them to vaccinate their animals without delay.

The ministry is targeting more than 100,000 sheep and goats across Ondo State during the planned vaccination exercise, although Ehinmowo said the actual livestock population could be much higher due to the absence of recent census data.

He urged livestock owners to cooperate with veterinary officials when the campaign begins, emphasising that widespread vaccination coverage is essential to halting the spread of the disease.

‘If even one infected animal is left unprotected, it can expose others to infection. Farmers must willingly bring out their animals for vaccination when the exercise starts,’ he said.

The ministry also plans to intensify sensitisation campaigns across rural communities, where most sheep and goats are raised, to educate farmers on the dangers of PPR and the importance of vaccination.

The Oyo State League of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim Community of Oyo State on Sunday converged on Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan, for a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the release of teachers and pupils recently abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

Terrorists abducted 46 pupils and teachers in a coordinated attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

On Sunday, the Muslim community in the state, led by the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, held a prayer session for the safe return of the victims.

The prayer session attracted hundreds of clerics, Islamic scholars, and community leaders from across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sani, Secretary-General, Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, said the prayer was borne out of deep concern over the incursion of bandits into Oyo State through Oriire.

‘If they enter through Oriire and gain access to the South-West, they will go further down to the South-South and South-East. We must seek the face of Almighty Allah for the speedy and safe release of all abductees, and for this evil to stop permanently,’ he said. The Muslim leaders emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous act do not represent Islam.

‘Those carrying out these heinous crimes are not Muslims. They are criminals here to endanger the peace and tranquillity of this country,’ Siyanbade declared.

Christian youths rally in Ogun

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, youths from different Christian groups came together to organise a peaceful prayer walk for Nigeria, calling for peace, security, unity, and national prosperity.

The event, which took place in Abeokuta, attracted many young people who marched through major streets while praying for the country and carrying placards with messages of hope and encouragement for Nigerians.

The youths said the prayer walk was organised to seek God’s intervention in the challenges facing the nation, especially insecurity, kidnapping, economic hardship, and disunity.

Some participants explained that Nigeria still has a bright future and urged citizens to remain hopeful and continue praying for the country. They also called on government authorities and security agencies to do more to protect lives and ensure the safe return of missing and kidnapped children.

Security agencies urged to probe allegations

A group operating under the banner of the National PDP Consensus for the Survival of Democracy in Nigeria has called for an urgent investigation into comments allegedly made by a former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, regarding recent abductions in Oyo State.

Fayose had alleged that the Oyo State Government may have orchestrated the May 2026 abduction of school children in Oriire LGA to blackmail President Bola Tinubu.

The group’s convener, Mr Ochachangolo Armstrong Adah, told journalists that the former governor’s remarks had raised security concerns that should not be ignored.

Mr Adah argued that any individual perceived to possess information relating to criminal activities should be questioned by law enforcement agencies.

He maintained that the call was not politically motivated but aimed at supporting efforts to tackle insecurity.

The group also urged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure those responsible for the kidnappings are brought to justice.

While expressing sympathy with affected families, the organisation commended authorities for ongoing efforts to rescue the victims.

Fayose has yet to respond publicly to the group’s call.

International health experts participating in a Harvard University-led malaria elimination programme have endorsed efforts to localise the production of diagnostic kits in Nigeria, describing the move as important for strengthening disease detection and public health response across Africa.

The experts, who are in Abuja for the Science of Defeating Malaria leadership development programme, made the observation during a visit to the NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies factory, a facility established to produce rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing materials.

A statement by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) said the delegation comprised about 85 medical professionals, scientists and policymakers from different countries.

The visitors toured various sections of the factory, where they were briefed on plans to manufacture diagnostic kits for malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19 and other health conditions.

Speaking during the visit, the team leader and a malaria researcher at Harvard University, Prof. Dyann F. Wirth, said expanding local capacity for the production of diagnostic tools could contribute to efforts aimed at tackling malaria and other infectious diseases on the continent.

‘This is an amazing facility that would add value to the eradication of malaria and other public health diseases in Nigeria and the continent,’ she said.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of NASENI-Troment Biotechnologies, Selim Hani, said the facility was established through a partnership between NASENI and Troment Nigeria Limited to support local manufacturing of healthcare technologies.

He said the factory, completed within 18 months, is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, with the aim of reducing dependence on imported medical diagnostics.

Hani added that products from the facility would be marketed under the N-CheckUP brand and would target some of the most common infectious diseases affecting Nigerians.

Also speaking, Technical Partner of the company, Dr Engin Narinc, described the factory as the first fully localised rapid diagnostic test kit production facility in Africa.

The Rotary Club of Abuja Gwarinpa Central has commissioned a soakaway system, planted trees and distributed sanitary pads to pupils of LEA Primary School, Gwarinpa, Abuja, as part of efforts to improve sanitation, environmental sustainability and menstrual hygiene.

The projects were inaugurated on Friday at the school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking during the event, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Gwarinpa Central, Rtn. Ama Umoren, said the interventions were designed to address sanitation, environmental and menstrual hygiene needs within the school community.

She said the soakaway system would contribute to a cleaner and healthier learning environment, while the tree-planting exercise would promote environmental sustainability.

Umoren added that the distribution of sanitary pads was intended to support female pupils who face challenges accessing menstrual hygiene products.

‘The soakaway system is more than a physical structure. It is an investment in public health, dignity and a cleaner learning environment for pupils and teachers,’ she said.

She noted that access to menstrual hygiene products remains a challenge for many girls.

‘Too many girls miss school or face unnecessary challenges because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products,’ she added.

The Head Teacher of LEA Primary School, Gwarinpa, Mrs Aishatu Mewada, said the intervention would benefit many pupils, especially girls who struggle to access sanitary pads.

‘From time to time, some of the girls come to my office and ask for help. Sometimes I buy sanitary pads and keep them in my office so that when they come, I can give them,’ she said.

Mewada said the tree-planting initiative would also improve the learning environment, especially during periods of extreme heat.

‘The pupils can hardly learn when the temperature is too high because the heat from the sun is too much,’ she said.

‘With more trees and a greener environment, pupils can learn comfortably because the trees help reduce the effect of the sun.’

She further appealed for support to address the shortage of classroom furniture in the school.

‘We are in need of chairs and desks. If there is any way assistance can come to the school, we will be grateful,’ she said.

Representing the District Governor, Dame Princess Joy Nky Okoro, the Assistant Governor, Rotn. Olajumoke Ekeinde, said the projects addressed critical needs within the school community.

She said the soakaway system would improve sanitation and hygiene, while the tree-planting exercise would contribute to environmental protection.

‘The soakaway system supports sanitation and hygiene, helping to create a healthier and cleaner learning environment for pupils and staff,’ she said.

Ekeinde added that the distribution of sanitary pads would promote the wellbeing and confidence of female pupils.

The Head Boy of the school, Onuigbo Chinonso, thanked the Rotary Club for the interventions and pledged that pupils would take care of the trees and facilities provided.

‘We will take care of the trees and make sure they grow well. We will also help protect the facilities so other pupils can benefit from them,’ he said.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering girls and young people in technology through targeted policies, digital skills programmes and investments in ICT infrastructure across the country.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the government is creating opportunities for young innovators, particularly girls, to develop solutions that can address societal challenges and eventually become marketable products.

Speaking at the grand finale of the National Girls in ICT 2026 Competition in Abuja, Tijani said innovation goes beyond generating ideas, noting that young people must be equipped with the skills, mentorship and support needed to transform their ideas into practical solutions.

He commended teachers mentoring students in technology and disclosed that the government has supported schools to establish technology clubs to help young innovators refine and commercialise their projects.

He said Nigeria has produced several successful technology entrepreneurs, including women who have developed impactful solutions in sectors such as healthcare and digital services.

‘The future of Nigeria is bright because of these young girls. Programmes like this give us confidence that the next generation of innovators is already emerging,’ he said.

Meanwhile, students of the Special Education Centre, Bauchi State, have emerged overall winners of the National Girls in ICT competition organised by the ministry.

The Bauchi team, which included a deaf student, clinched the top prize with an AI-powered application, Hands That Speak (Sign Care), designed to bridge the communication gap between healthcare workers and deaf patients.

The team, comprising Aisha Mustapha Bala, Rukayya Ahmad and Mary Agwon, represented the North-East and outperformed contestants from the five other geo-political zones at the grand finale held in Abuja.

Speaking during the presentation, the team leader, Aisha Mustapha Bala, said the idea was inspired by the communication challenges deaf patients often encounter when seeking medical care.

Other finalists included Federal Government Girls College, Cross River (South-South), which came second; Resonance Science School, Abia (South-East), third; Sweet Heaven High School, Kano (North-West), fourth; Government Science Secondary School, Abuja (North-Central), fifth; and Kidvarc High School, Osun (South-West), sixth.

The six finalist teams received cash prizes of N1 million each during a dinner hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Payaza Africa Limited, a leading payments infrastructure company, has earned strong credit ratings from four major rating agencies, reinforcing its growing reputation as a resilient and credible player in Africa’s financial services ecosystem.

The payment company recorded upgrades across the board, with DataPro raising its rating from A to AA-, Intelligence Africa assigning it an A- investment-grade rating, Agusto upgrading it from BBB to A-, and GCR an affiliate of Moody’s also moving it from BBB to A-.

A credit rating reflects a company’s financial strength and its ability to meet debt obligations, indicating how safe it is for lenders and investors to extend credit.

In a statement on Monday, the company described the achievement as a validation of its disciplined growth trajectory and operational resilience in a dynamic fintech landscape. It added that the upgrades position Payaza as a future-ready brand with increasing relevance not only within Africa but also in the global fintech space.

Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Payaza Africa, Seyi Ebenezer, said the ratings reflect years of deliberate effort to build a sustainable and globally competitive institution.

‘This milestone is a strong affirmation of the work we have done to build Payaza on a foundation of discipline, trust, and long-term value creation. Receiving these upgraded ratings sends a clear message that Payaza is not only growing, but growing with strength, structure, and sustainability,’ he said.

Ebenezer noted that the recognition goes beyond financial performance, highlighting the company’s ability to execute strategically while maintaining strong risk management practices.

‘For us, this is bigger than recognition. It reflects our commitment to building a world-class institution that can compete globally while continuing to serve businesses and consumers across the continent with excellence.

‘Over time, our ratings journey has reflected more than strong financial performance. It speaks to a business built on disciplined execution, prudent management, and the ability to scale responsibly in a dynamic market. This has helped us stand out not only as an innovator in digital payments, but as a maturing financial institution with the operational depth to compete globally.

‘These new ratings are expected to further strengthen Payaza’s standing with investors, regulators, partners, enterprise clients, and the wider financial community. In a sector where trust, resilience, and compliance are increasingly central to long-term success, independent ratings remain a powerful endorsement of a company’s ability to manage risk, meet obligations, and sustain growth,’ Ebenezer said.

Payaza Africa provides payment infrastructure solutions focused on collections, payouts, embedded finance, and digital commerce enablement for businesses across Africa.

The company has also continued to expand its product ecosystem with solutions such as Payaza Checkout for payment collections and payouts, Chat and Pay by Payaza for WhatsApp-based transactions, Payaza Give for donations and digital contributions, and Shopaza, its e-commerce platform designed to help businesses sell and receive payments more efficiently.