Category: Nigerian Tribune

AN emerging voice within the Nigerian literary space, Oluwatosin Akinrinde, is set to captivate readers with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated literary collections – Deathbed and Other Poems and Out-of-School Children and Other Stories. These books, published by the Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), offer an unflinching examination of the complex socio-political landscape of modern-day Nigeria.

These literary publications mark a significant moment for Nigerian literature, as they directly confront the nation’s most pressing challenges, ranging from systemic poverty, insecurity, poor educational standards, mental health struggles, and the yearning for a better life abroad.

Out-of-school Children and Other Stories is a tapestry of human experiences woven through deeply evocative narratives. The titular story follows an aspiring journalist struggling to publish an article on out-of-school children, which highlights the devastating impact of poverty and insecurity. Other stories delve into the harsh lives of street beggars from Northern Nigeria in Lagos (‘Arewa’); the tough economic realities faced by the youth (’79 Missed Calls’); and the difficult decisions made by mothers grappling with neglect and poverty (‘The Fateful Mother’). The collection boldly tackles subjects often relegated to the shadows, including the trauma of ‘kitoing’ within the LGBTQIA+ community (‘Kitoed!’) and the emotional cost of emigration (‘The Cost of Flight’).

The accompanying poetry collection, Deathbed and Other Poems is a masterful dual exploration of mortality and societal decay. The opening poems on mortality are a ‘Triptych on Mortality,’ featuring speakers grappling with the liminal space between life and death. The second, more expansive section serves as a direct, lyrical Societal Critique, touching on topics from ‘Healthcare’s Collapse’ and ‘Tribalism’s Divide’ to ‘Boko Haram’s Terror’ and ‘Police Brutality’s Yoke.’

Speaking about the publications, the literary writer, Akinrinde, noted that his works reflect the lived experiences of the Nigerian people.

‘These two books are not just creative works; they are interventions. In the stories, I wanted to reflect the human cost of Nigeria’s social fractures, ranging from children denied education to women trapped in cycles of neglect and poverty. In the poems, I sought to hold a mirror to our collective struggles, while also insisting that literature must act as a voice of resistance and possibility. My hope is that readers find both discomfort and courage in these pages,’ he noted.

Director of Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos, Dr Moji Shodipe, commended the author’s ambitious work.

‘These two collections are a necessary intervention in contemporary Nigerian discourse. Oluwatosin demonstrates a rare courage through tackling the multi-dimensional poverty,insecurity, and social injustices that define our time. The stories and poems serve as a vital, unvarnished record of the Nigerian experience, and these publications serve as a significant event for our literary community,’ Shodipe said.

Nigeria’s mining sector is standing at a critical crossroads at one where capital market innovation meets the urgent call for indigenous ownership and sustainability.

At the ongoing Nigeria Mining Week 2025 in Abuja, experts and policymakers agreed that while Nigeria’s legal and regulatory reforms have opened the door for global investment, the next stage of transformation must be locally driven.

Professor Akinade Olatunji, Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, described Nigeria’s mining framework as ‘world-class’ but cautioned that without homegrown participation, the country risks repeating the mistakes of its oil sector beginnings.

‘Reforms have rekindled interest, both nationally and internationally,’ he said. ‘But transformation won’t come from foreign investment alone. It will come from deliberate policies that create room for Nigerian operators to grow, innovate, and compete.’

Olatunji drew lessons from the oil and gas industry, noting how the 2001 marginal fields initiative birthed indigenous giants such as Seplat, Aradel, and NDWestern.

‘What changed then was deliberate policy action,’ he recalled. ‘It created opportunities for local players, built technical capacity, and ensured that ownership stayed within Nigeria. That same kind of intentionality is what the mining sector now needs.’

He also questioned whether global mining firms currently entering Nigeria were committed to long-term development.

‘We must ask if these investors plan to stay and integrate into our economy-or just extract and leave. True progress means sustainable partnerships that empower Nigerians at every level of the value chain.’

Another participant added that ‘mining should no longer be a one-way street for foreign capital. It must be a launchpad for Nigerian-owned enterprises and professionals.’

Amid these conversations on local participation, a new financing model is emerging to power the shift.

Abdulmajeed Amussah, Technical Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), announced a groundbreaking collaboration between SMDF and NASD Plc to unlock access to capital for credible mining ventures.

In his presentation, ‘SMDF-NASD Collaboration: Accelerating Nigeria’s Mining Sector,’ Amussah said the initiative is designed to convert Nigeria’s $700 billion in untapped mineral resources into real, measurable economic growth.

‘Despite the enormous potential, mining contributes less than one percent to GDP,’ he explained. ‘The biggest barrier has always been limited access to long-term, risk-tolerant capital. That’s the challenge this partnership seeks to solve.’

According to him, NASD Plc will deploy its capital market infrastructure to create regulated digital financing platforms – such as Digital Securities Platforms (DSPs) and Security Token Offerings (STOs) – tailored to the unique lifecycle of mining projects.

‘This innovation ties investment instruments directly to project milestones, ensuring transparency and protecting both investors and operators,’ Amussah said.

He added that the collaboration, supported by Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development, aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on industrialization, local content, and resource-based economic expansion.

‘This could mark the turning point Nigeria’s mining sector has been waiting for,’ Amussah concluded. ‘With structured, transparent capital now entering the space, we are closer to turning our mineral wealth into broad-based national prosperity.’

Zenith Bank Plc’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, accompanied by the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, carried out the prestigious closing gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), marking a significant milestone in the bank’s continued partnership with the capital market and the official closing of the trading day. The ceremony highlights Zenith Bank’s strong relationship with the NGX and its commitment to transparency, accountability, and bolstering investor confidence.

While speaking at the Nigerian Exchange, Dr. Umeoji expressed her delight in participating in the closing gong ceremony, acknowledging the NGX’s visionary leadership and innovative initiatives. ‘We are delighted to be here today to perform the closing gong ceremony – a symbol of shared progress and enduring partnership,’ Dr. Umeoji said. ‘The NGX’s leadership has been very creative and innovative, and their electronic trading platform – X-stream played a pivotal role in the success of our recapitalization exercise, which achieved a 160% subscription. The bank’s stock price has doubled since the recapitalization exercise, from N36.50 per share to N68. Zenith Bank has also reported impressive financial results for the Half Year (H1) of 2025, becoming the most profitable bank in Nigeria and paying the highest dividend in the industry for the half year.’

‘We are committed to creating value for our stakeholders and will continue to partner with the NGX to boost the Nigerian economy,’ Dr. Umeoji added. ‘Our expansion strategy is focused on following our customers’ businesses and ensuring that we go to countries and economies where we can scale and provide more returns for our shareholders.’

She stressed that the bank plans to make good on its promise of being investors’ delight by paying quantum dividends to its shareholders by year’s end. According to her ‘For us in Zenith, we are looking forward to paying more based on the confidence the market reposed on us. We are working assiduously to ensure that we do not disappoint the Market. We are going to continue to be the investors’ delight, and we assure the market that we would continue to pay enhanced dividends come end of the year.’

Also commenting, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasised the role of the NGX in creating value in the Nigerian economic space.

He said, ‘I want to thank you all for making the market what it is. Without you, the market wouldn’t have seen the leap that it has achieved in the last one-and-half year. I spoke earlier that at my assumption of office, market capitalization stood at N55 trillion, today it is hovering around 89 trillion and 93 trillion. That was not done by a spirit, it was done by you. Your ability, tenacity, courage, vision and transparency have moved the market where it is. Our vision is that by next year, we will have the market at 200trn.’

The Doyen of the NGX, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf while giving his remarks, lauded the Founder andamp, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia for his vision and leadership. He ended by referring to him as the ‘Doyen of the Commercial banking sector’.

Zenith Bank remains committed to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while driving economic development in Nigeria. As the bank continues on its growth trajectory, it has its sights set on global expansion. The bank intends to strategically leverage the capital raised from the Market to enhance its scalability and deliver enhanced services to its valued customers.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and ‘Nigeria’s Best Bank’ at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years, from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 at the BAFI Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged’ Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commenced the issuance of employment letters to the 5,000 contract teachers earlier engaged by the immediate past administration in the state, thereby officially absorbing them as permanent staff.

It was learnt that the teachers, who upon their engagement by the Godwin Obaseki administration had been on a monthly stipend of ?65,000, were formally handed their appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday – a landmark move hailed as historic in Nigeria’s education sector.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally oversaw the distribution of the letters, emphasised the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

The Governor said: ‘Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters.

‘The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.’

He further acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

He noted: ‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

Addressing the teachers earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

Dr Iyamu said: ‘You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes.

‘Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come – a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

He also highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noting the construction of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

He said: ‘He met Ambrose Alli University with a ?41 million subvention and increased it to ?500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.’

Dr Iyamu added that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

The Federal Government has dismissed what it described as false and malicious claims portraying Nigeria as a genocide destination.

The declaration was made during a meeting of Commissioners of Information held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, said the government was aware of deliberate attempts to misrepresent the country and sow division through false information.

According to him, the campaign was designed to spread panic, undermine national unity, damage Nigeria’s image abroad, and discourage investment.

He said the government would not allow such falsehoods to go unchallenged, calling on information managers at all levels to counter them with facts and verifiable evidence.

‘Our first strategic imperative is to disarm and dislodge this corrosive narrative. Nigeria is not a destination for genocide, and we must rise up to protect our nation in the face of this,’ the Minister said.

Malagi commended Borno State for its resilience and courage in overcoming the challenges of insurgency, noting that the state had demonstrated strength in rebuilding lives and communities affected by conflict.

The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in defending the country and ensuring peace across affected regions.

He urged Commissioners of Information to work closely with state governments, community leaders, and civil society to promote credible information that reflects the true situation in the country.

Malagi said the forthcoming UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja would strengthen government efforts to address misinformation and train information officers to identify and counter false campaigns.

He also drew attention to the new fiscal reforms passed into law by the National Assembly, which will take effect in January 2026, urging information officers to sensitise citizens about the reforms and their benefits.

‘The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking deliberate steps to build a more secure and equitable Nigeria. It is the responsibility of information officers to tell the story and show the direction the government is taking,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has called for a comprehensive review of the disciplinary control system in the civil service.

Olaopa made the call at a one-day joint retreat between the Commission and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to him, such reform is necessary to drive culture change, value reorientation, and address the persistent delays in handling disciplinary matters within the system.

Head of Press and Public Relations, FCSC, Taiwo Hassan, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, quoted Olaopa as describing the relationship between the Commission and OHCSF as ‘Siamese twins,’ given their shared roles in implementing policies, enforcing regulations, and providing leadership for the nation’s civil service.

‘The Chairman called for a holistic review of disciplinary control in the civil service to drive deep-seated culture change, value reorientation, and reverse the delays in handling disciplinary cases in the service.

‘There was a thin line in the shared central governance responsibilities of the two offices, and there are bound to be some measures of conflict and tension around the boundaries of roles, jurisdictions, and operations in actual practice.

‘The retreat was organised to enables open communication, regular meetings and dialogue, problem-solving, co-creation, sharing and learning in an atmosphere that helps prevent misunderstanding, build trust and foster strategic partnership,’ the statement added.

The FCSC boss also emphasised the importance of rethinking the link between merit, competency-based human resource practices, performance management, and the wage structure, noting that such integration was crucial to restoring the Federal Government’s image as an ’employer of choice.’

Speaking earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, said the retreat represented a renewed partnership between the two bodies and a deliberate effort to deepen collaboration in service to Nigerians.

She lauded Olaopa for his ‘unwavering support’ and described him as a dependable ally in the ongoing civil service transformation.

Walson-Jack also commended the FCSC for introducing reforms such as the Computer-Based Test for promotion examinations and merit-based recruitment, which she said would enhance transparency and fairness in the system.

In this digital world, LinkedIn serves as one of the major platforms where potential employees and employers connect and offer job opportunities.

To make your LinkedIn profile truly effective and stand out in today’s competitive job market to the extent of attracting six-figure jobs, there are smart ways to go about it.

Jobs and services such as Software Developer, Data Scientist, Financial Manager, Physician, Lawyer, and Airline Pilot are all available, depending on how you present yourself to the outside world. Therefore, it’s essential to go beyond the basics.

What is LinkedIn?

According to Concordia University Irvine, LinkedIn is a professional networking site that connects users with employers and fellow employees to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. It can also be used to connect prospective students, current students, or alumni to programs of interest.

Also, Wycliffe Opondo, a LinkedIn marketing specialist, stated that LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools for professionals to showcase their expertise, network with industry peers, and attract career opportunities.

According to LinkedIn itself, there are ‘more than 1.2 billion members (accounts) in 200 countries and regions worldwide.’

For a LinkedIn profile to stand out among this number of users, it is crucial to optimize your profile. Hence, Tribune Online recommends five strategies that will help you optimize your profile, expand your network, and maximize your job-seeking potential on LinkedIn.

1. Optimize your profile for maximum impact.

Craft a compelling headline: Your headline is one of the first things potential employers see. Instead of just listing your job title, use keywords and phrases that highlight your expertise, career aspirations, and unique value proposition. For example, Expert in Sustainable Building Practices | Driving Efficiency and Innovation in Construction.

Write a powerful summary: Your summary should be a narrative that showcases your professional journey, key achievements, and career goals. Utilize bullet points to highlight critical skills and accomplishments, and incorporate relevant keywords to improve search visibility. And also convey your passion and personality.

Professional profile picture and banner: A high-quality, professional headshot is very important. Your background banner can also be used creatively to reflect your personal brand and highlight your field of expertise, letting potential employers understand you better.

Custom URL and contact information: Customize your LinkedIn URL to make it more professional and easier to share. Ensure your contact information, including email and links to other professional social media or personal websites, is up to date.

Showcase your skills and experiences: To showcase your skills, add detailed descriptions of your roles and responsibilities, focusing on measurable outcomes and achievements. Highlight the specific skills and technologies relevant to your industry.

2. Build and nurture a strong network.

Connect strategically: Start by connecting with people you know personally, such as colleagues, classmates, and industry peers. Expand your network by reaching out to professionals in your field, alumni from your school, and influential figures whose work you admire.

Join and participate in groups: LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests are excellent for networking. Engage actively in discussions, share your insights, and contribute valuable content to establish your presence.

Personalise connection requests: When sending connection requests, include a personalized message explaining why you want to connect. This increases the likelihood of acceptance and helps you stand out.

Engage with your network: Regularly engage with your connections by liking, commenting on, and sharing their posts. Congratulate them on their achievements and participate in meaningful conversations to build rapport and maintain relationships.

3. Engage with and create timely content

Share relevant content: Regularly share articles, reports, and insights related to your industry. This not only keeps your profile active but also positions you as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.

Write publishable articles and posts: Publishing your own articles or posts about industry trends, challenges, and solutions can significantly enhance your visibility. Share your expertise, insights, and opinions to demonstrate thought leadership.

Comment thoughtfully: Engaging with content from others by adding thoughtful comments can help you build connections and demonstrate your expertise. Avoid generic comments; aim for contributions that add value to the conversation.

Use media and rich content: Enhance your profile by adding media such as presentations, videos, or links to projects you’ve worked on. This makes your profile more interactive and provides tangible proof of your skills.

4. Leverage LinkedIn’s job search features

Use advanced search filters: LinkedIn’s job search tool allows you to filter job postings by location, industry, experience level, and more. Take advantage of these filters to find the most relevant opportunities.

Set up job alerts: Create job alerts for positions that match your career goals. LinkedIn will notify you of new postings that fit your criteria, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

Research and reach out to employers: When you find a job of interest, research the company and identify key contacts. Reach out to hiring managers or recruiters with a personalized message to express your interest and ask for more information about the role.

Show interest in companies: Follow companies you are interested in to stay updated on their job postings, news, and updates. Engage with their content to get noticed and demonstrate your interest.

5. Harness recommendations and endorsements

Request specific endorsements: Reach out to former colleagues, managers, and mentors and request endorsements for key skills relevant to your career goals. These endorsements add credibility to your profile and highlight your strengths.

Ask for detailed recommendations: Personalized recommendations from people who can vouch for your work ethic, expertise, and achievements are invaluable. Request recommendations that highlight specific projects or skills.

Give recommendations and endorsements

Be proactive in endorsing and recommending others. This not only helps your connections but also encourages reciprocity and strengthens your professional relationships.

6. Showcase your strengths

Display your top skills and endorsements prominently on your profile. Regularly update them to reflect your evolving skillset and professional development.

Optimizing your profile for maximum impact, building and nurturing a strong network, engaging with and creating timely content, leveraging LinkedIn’s job search features, and harnessing the power of recommendations and endorsements are the smartest ways to secure top job offers.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has emphasised that forging strategic partnerships remains vital to unlocking value, achieving sustainability and advancing commercialization within the nation’s downstream petroleum sector.

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The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the nation’s oil company, Bayo Ojulari, stated this while delivering an address during the 2025 Inaugural Annual Downstream Petroleum Week, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), on Tuesday.

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Ojulari, who was represented by the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mr Mumuni Dagazau, describedý Nigeria’s downstream landscape as one shaped by transition, opportunity, and strategic reform highlighting the importance of collaboration as a yardstick to sustainable energy future.

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According to him, Africa’s energy demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with Nigeria at the forefront as he called for coordinated efforts and collective responsibility to harness emerging opportunities and ensure inclusive, long-term sectoral growth.

A statement signed Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of NNPCL, Andy Odeh, said NNPC boss reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring consistent fuel availability, competitive pricing and uncompromising quality assurance across all its retail network nationwide.

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He said, The opportunity to create sustainable economy for today and the future is hinged on supply partnership, infrastructure co-investments, security partnerships, host community cooperation and operational alliance. Everyone needs to get involved in the activities that will ultimately create a sustainably promising future for Nigeria.’

ýýOjulari commended the National Assembly and the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for convening the strategic forum, assuring that as a commercial and national energy entity, NNPC remains committed to fostering stakeholder engagement and advancing collaborative models for sector-wide growth.

Remember when you needed a Wall Street address, an Ivy-League network, and a seven-figure deposit just to trade house money? That model is crumbling. A new wave of prop trading firms is writing a different story-one where a $79 fee and a proven strategy can unlock $200,000 of live capital in under 15 minutes. The catalyst is instant funding, a plug-and-play model that skips the traditional two-phase evaluation and hands traders a live account on day one. Google Trends shows that searches for ‘instant funding prop firm’ have quadrupled since 2022, while industry blog mentions are up 280 % year-over-year.

Below, we break down the mechanics, separate hype from hard facts, and show you how to choose a program that actually pays out.

What Is a Prop Firm In 2025?

A prop trading firm (prop firm) stakes its own capital on traders who trade selected asset classes-Forex, indices, gold, crypto CFDs-and then splits the profit. The trader risks little or none of her own money; the firm risks its balance sheet in exchange for a share of gains.

The twist today is speed. Classic prop models (Topstep, FTMO) force applicants through 30- to 60-day ‘evaluations’. Instant-funded shops flip the script: pay a one-time licence, sign a risk disclosure, and you’re live the same afternoon.

How does instant Funding Actually Work?

Choose account size ($1k-$50k).

Pay a refundable or non-refundable license fee (HTrader starts at $39).

Receive MetaTrader 5 credentials within minutes.

Trade under pre-set draw-down rules (usually 5 % daily, 10 % total).

Request the first payout after 14-30 days, depending on the firm.

Because the firm forgoes a demo phase, risk controls are stricter: lot-size caps, news-trading blackout windows, and EAs often require approval. Break the rules and you lose the account-but you cannot lose personal assets, a key selling point versus traditional margin accounts.

A Quick Comparison: Instant vs. Evaluation vs. Broker Leverage

Metric Instant-Funding Prop Firm Two-Phase Eval Regulated Retail Broker

Skin in the trader’s game Licence fee Zero NO Monthly subscription Own deposit

Time to first live trade 15 min – 24 h 30-60 days Instant

Max leverage (effective) Up to 1:50 1:100 1:30 (ESMA)

Loss accountability Firm Firm Trader deposit

Typical profit split 75-90 % 75-90 % 100 % minus spread

Sources: Broker fee schedules 2025; author’s composite of 12 prop-firm TandCs.

Due Diligence Checklist – 7 Filters That Separate Scams From Serious Players

Payout receipts

Find proof of traders receiving payouts without any issues through various social handles.

Clear rules

Clear explanation of all rules with nothing hidden.

Technology stack

Do they have the industry-leading platforms along with stable technology and systems, ensuring traders have the best environment?

Community sentiment

Scan X, FPA, and Reddit new queues for recent withdrawal issues (= 90 days).

EEAT signals

About-Us page with real names, LinkedIn profiles, physical address, and media mentions (Benzinga, Finance Magnates).

Case Study – HMarkets Under The Microscope

Corporate snapshot

Parent: HMarkets Ltd (Spain), introducer arm registered with the CNMV under number 4512.

Execution venue: Key Way Markets Ltd, CySEC licence 292/16.

Capital partner: Santo Domingo-based quant fund providing A-book liquidity.

Programme tiers (June 2025)

Instant-Funding accounts: $5k, $10k, $25k, $50k, $100k, $200k.

Fee range: pound 89 – pound 1,099 (one-time, 80 % refundable after first pound 5k profit).

Split: 80 % to trader from day one; rises to 90 % once cumulative payouts top pound 25k.

Draw-down: 5 % daily, 10 % total, based on balance (not equity) – friendlier for swing traders.

First payout window: 14 calendar days; thereafter, weekly.

Scaling: +25 % capital every 10 % net gain, max $2 million.

Payout proof

Publicly posted bank wires: 1,847 withdrawals in Q1-2024, average pound 1,180, longest delay 48 h.

Educational ecosystem

Daily Spanish/English webinars, downloadable MT5 templates, and a free ‘H-Analytics’ indicator that plots real-time draw-down to keep traders inside the guard-rails.

Interview – ‘I Quit My 9-To-5 After 91 Days’

Name: Sofia R. (Madrid)

Account: $50k instant funding, HMarkets

‘I had five blown retail brokers behind me. The psychology changed when I realised I wasn’t gambling my rent money. I target 1 % a day, risk 0.25 %, and withdraw every Friday. My biggest loser so far is -2.1 %, but my average winner is +3.4 %. After 91 days, I matched my teaching salary-so I resigned.’

Sofia’s dashboard (shared via screen-recording) shows:

Gross return: 27.4 %

Max draw-down: 4.9 %

Payouts received: $10,960 (80 % split)

Risk Disclosure – The Dark Side No Instagram Mentor Mentions

Rule breach = instant liquidation; fees are not refunded if you violate lot size or hold through macro news.

Over-leverage is baked into human nature: 62 % of instant-funded accounts at major firms blow within 45 days (internal data leak, 2023).

Regulatory gap: most prop brands are marketing agents, not broker-dealers. If the execution broker fails, your profit share is an unsecured creditor claim.

Tax treatment varies: the IRS (US) classifies profit split as ordinary income; HMRC (UK) may treat it as trading income or capital gains, depending on frequency.

Step-By-Step: How To Get Your First Instant-Funded Account Today

Getting started with an instant-funded account is easier than ever in 2025. With HTrader’s Instant Funding Program, you can skip lengthy challenges and gain immediate access to a virtually funded trading account, allowing you to start earning from day one. No minimum trading days, up to 90% profit splits, and clear risk rules make it a fast and transparent way to begin your funded trading journey.

Self-audit

Print your last 100 retail trades; compute the Sharpe ratio and max draw-down. If DD 0.5, you’re ready.

Capital-size maths

Target monthly income ÷ 0.06 (6 % realistic net) ÷ 0.80 (split) = required account size.

Example: want $1,000/month ? $1,000 / 0.06 / 0.8 ˜ $20k account ? choose $25k tier.

Apply via the https://htrader.hmarkets.com/programs/instant-funding/

Complete KYC (passport + proof-of-address).

Pay licence fee with debit card or crypto; fees are locked for 48 h-enough time to change your mind.

Download MT5

Server: HMarkets-Real.

Load the free H-Analytics indicator to monitor drawdown in real time.

Trade, journal, review

Export daily statement ? upload to Edgewonk or Myfxbook ? tag setups ? prune losers.

First withdrawal ritual

Request via dashboard ? receive Wise or bank wire in EUR/USD within 24-48 h.

Celebrate, but recycle 20 % back into risk reserve-Sofia’s top tip.

Scaling Route: From $25K To $2 Million

Milestone Net Gain New Capital Cumulative

Phase 1 +10 % +25 % $31,250

Phase 2 +10 % +25 % $39,063

Phase 3 +10 % +25 % $2,048,000

At 90 % split, a single 10 % step on the final tier equals $184,320 profit share-more than the annual payroll of a hedge-fund analyst.

FAQ – The Questions Google keeps Asking

Q1. Is instant funding legit or just another MLM?

A: The model is legal and economically sound, provided trades are routed to a regulated broker and profits come from the market, not recruitment fees. Verify the execution broker’s licence on the regulator’s entity search page (e.g., CySEC, FCA).

Q2. Why do firms charge an up-front fee if they are confident in my talent?

A: The fee covers data, support, platform, and-crucially-filters out hobbyists. Data from three leading brands show accounts with refundable fees have 40 % lower blow-up rates, indicating skin-in-the-game works both ways.

Q3. Can I use robots (EAs) or copy-trade?

A: Most instant funding programs allow EAs if you submit the strategy logic for duplicate-trade detection. Signal copying from third-party providers is usually banned because it creates clustered risk for the firm.

Key Takeaways – Print And Pin These To Your Wall

Instant funding removes the capital barrier, not the skill barrier-discipline is still 80 % of success.

Treat the account exactly like a job: log hours, journal, file taxes.

Perform due diligence on both the prop firm and the executing broker; regulation beats marketing gloss every time.

Withdraw early and often-profit in your bank is safer than equity on a server.

Scale systematically; 25 % capital bumps compound faster than you think.

There are few things more dignifying than when a towering public figure extends the courtesy of respect wrapped in humility. General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Defence Staff, exemplifies that rare blend of strength and grace. When he invited me to the presentation of his new book, ‘SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ I was reminded that behind the imposing military uniform lies a man of reflection, intellect, and empathy – unless, of course, one dares to cross the line.

This quality stands in sharp contrast to the arrogance I have encountered at a strategic institute where a few officers’ inflated egos left little room for courtesy or intellectual exchange.

I could not attend the book launch due to a scheduling conflict with the International Public Relations Association’s (IPRA) Golden World Awards in Ghana, where the Nigeria Customs Service and Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) were honoured. On my return to Abuja, all copies of the book had sold out, and I was due to travel to Canada that same night. Learning of my predicament, General Irabor ensured a copy was sent to me – a gesture that spoke volumes about his character.

Taking the advice of his friend, Vice President Kashim Shettima, that ‘to truly enjoy a book, read it on a long journey,’ I opened it mid-flight and did not stop until I reached the last page. In less than twenty-four hours, I devoured the 300-page memoir – a deeply analytical, well-researched, and intellectually stimulating work that goes far beyond the typical autobiographical recount of a retired general.

Irabor’s SCARS stands out for its narrative style. It is not a self-indulgent memoir but a reflective chronicle that blends personal experience with historical analysis and policy critique. He writes with academic precision, referencing other scholars, field experiences, and verifiable data. Between the lines, the discerning reader can sense his measured but firm convictions on the Boko Haram insurgency, Niger Delta militancy, IPOB separatism, Yoruba nationalism, and the societal decay that has haunted Nigeria since independence.

The book is a panoramic chronicle – from the civil war and military coups to democratic transitions and insurgencies – offering a sober reflection on the choices and failures that have defined Nigeria’s evolution. Notably, Irabor avoids sensationalism or name-dropping; even his acknowledgments are strikingly modest despite the calibre of personalities, including former Presidents, who later attended the unveiling in Abuja.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his foreword, aptly describes the publication as ‘a soldier’s honest reflection on a nation’s unfinished journey.’ But the true revelations lie within the pages – in Irabor’s unflinching interrogation of Nigeria’s political and moral contradictions.

Among the book’s most intriguing points is his assertion that no full-fledged coup d’état in Nigeria has ever occurred without civilian collaboration. He argues that soldiers, bound by their oath of allegiance, often justify interventions ‘through the prism of national defence.’ This interpretation shifts part of the blame for Nigeria’s military incursions to opportunistic civilians who manipulate or enable such actions for personal gain.

Equally provocative is his historical framing of Northern Nigeria’s recurring religious conflicts. Irabor traces the roots to Usman Dan Fodio’s jihad of 1804, viewing it as the starting point of organized religious militancy in the region. While this perspective is historically grounded, it risks oversimplification. Thankfully, Irabor tempers his argument by contextualizing it within the broader ‘millenarian revolts of early colonialism,’ suggesting that both Islamic revivalism and Christian evangelism during the colonial era contributed to shaping Nigeria’s spiritual and social divides.

One area readers may find conspicuously absent is any mention of the tragic death of gallant General Ibrahim Attahiru, the late Chief of Army Staff who perished in a plane crash shortly after Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, was reportedly killed. Given Irabor’s position as the CDS, his silence on the matter is perhaps deliberate – an act of discretion from a professional soldier who values institutional continuity over personal disclosure.

The sections on Northern Nigeria’s political elite are unambiguously critical. Irabor faults the region’s leaders for presiding over deepening poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity despite their educational exposure and political dominance. He cites World Bank data showing that the ten poorest states in Nigeria are all in the North-East and North-West, with 87% of the nation’s poorest population concentrated there. He attributes this grim reality to elite hypocrisy, religious manipulation, and the failure to translate political power into social progress.

The former defence chief particularly denounces the politicisation of religion, using the Sharia Movement in Zamfara (1999) as a case study of how political opportunism derailed governance. Quoting Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Irabor laments the ‘commodification of piety’ – a process through which religion becomes a tool of control rather than a vehicle for moral upliftment.

He calls on Northern leaders to emulate progressive Muslim societies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which have harmonised faith with modernity rather than allowing religion to justify stagnation. His position on the Almajiri system is particularly powerful; he argues that no faith sanctions the institutionalisation of street begging or the abandonment of children in the name of learning.

The chapter on the ‘Dead Horse Theory’ is one of the most intellectually stimulating sections. Here, Irabor uses the metaphor to describe Nigeria’s tendency to keep ‘beating dead horses’ – sustaining failed policies and obsolete institutions instead of pursuing meaningful reform. He cites the duplication of examination bodies like WAEC and NECO, the Nomadic Education Programme, and the regional cut-off mark policy as examples of how Nigeria perpetuates inefficiency under the guise of inclusiveness.

The discussion on Boko Haram is both historical and diagnostic. Irabor situated the insurgency within a continuum of religious and socio-political crises, from the Maitatsine riots of the 1980s to the Sharia clashes of 1999-2000. He chronicles how Mohammed Yusuf, the sect’s founder, began as a member of Borno’s Sharia Implementation Committee, only to break away and radicalise disillusioned youth by preaching against Western education and government corruption.

The book exposes the irony of Boko Haram’s dependence on Western technology – weapons, communication tools, and propaganda platforms – even while denouncing Western civilisation. Irabor portrays Boko Haram not as a purely religious movement but as a symptom of governance failure, economic deprivation, and elite negligence. He identifies the drivers of extremism as ‘unaddressed political grievances, weaponisation of religion and tribe, a biased legal framework, and weakened institutions.’

The author also voices deep concern over what he described as an international conspiracy against Nigeria, singling out certain foreign entities and media organisations. He accuses them of not only supplying logistical support to terrorist groups but also of deliberately spreading false narratives aimed at discrediting the Nigerian military and destabilising national security.

In his closing reflections, the General offers a pragmatic pathway forward: diplomatic negotiation, socioeconomic and political realignment, and governance reforms that reward merit and restore trust. ‘The time for change is now,’ he writes, ‘and it must begin with truth, inclusion, and a commitment to genuine progress.’

SCARS is not just a memoir; it is a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s wounds – the scars of war, hypocrisy, and wasted potential. Irabor’s writing is measured but fearless, scholarly yet deeply human. His critique of the North is not an attack but a plea for introspection; his assessment of Nigeria’s leadership failures is not cynical but reformist.

This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand Nigeria’s enduring crises – from insurgency and leadership to the complex interplay between faith, politics, and national identity. It leaves readers not with despair, but with hope – the hope that confronting our scars honestly is the first step toward national healing.