Category: The Nation – Nigeria

ýVice President Kashim Shettima and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has projected Lagos as Africa’s foremost investment destination, describing the state as the continent’s gateway to global wealth, trade and economic opportunities.

ýThey spoke at the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0 held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where policymakers, investors, development finance institutions and business leaders gathered to explore investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

ýSpeaking on the theme, ‘Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa, Powering Africa’s Next Era of Trade, Talent and Global Economic Leadership,’ Shettima said Lagos was increasingly emerging as Africa’s gateway to global wealth and a strategic hub for international investors seeking access to the continent’s expanding markets.

ýAccording to him, Nigeria possesses the demographic strength, entrepreneurial talent and economic potential to rank among the world’s largest economies by 2050, provided the country continues to invest in innovation, infrastructure and effective leadership.

ýHe noted that Lagos had sustained its position as Africa’s commercial nerve centre through deliberate policies, strong institutions and a business-friendly environment that continues to attract multinational corporations and foreign investments.

ýThe Vice President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with states and the private sector to improve infrastructure, expand trade opportunities and strengthen the ease of doing business across the country.

ýIn his keynote address, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had evolved significantly since the inaugural edition of the summit in 2024 and was strategically positioned to leverage opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

ýHe noted that with a population exceeding 23 million and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimated at about $259 billion measured by purchasing power parity, Lagos remains the largest sub-national economy within the AfCFTA bloc.

ý’We are announcing to the world that if you want to reach Africa and benefit from its boundless market and economic potential, Lagos offers the most viable and appealing route,’ the governor said.

ýSanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ economic credentials, noting that the state handles about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s sea freight activities, hosts the country’s leading financial institutions and boasts one of Africa’s most vibrant startup ecosystems.

ýThe governor outlined major infrastructure projects undertaken by his administration, including the Blue and Red Rail Lines, the operationalisation of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the ongoing construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge and plans for the Lekki-Epe International Airport.

ýHe added that investments in agriculture, technology and logistics were transforming Lagos into a regional hub for food security and digital innovation.

ýSanwo-Olu pointed to the emergence of globally recognised technology firms such as Flutterwave, Moniepoint, Andela and Interswitch as evidence of Lagos’ growing influence in Africa’s digital economy.

ýHe also disclosed that the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) project was progressing steadily and would serve as a major financial gateway connecting Africa to global capital markets.

ýThe governor further revealed that Lagos had secured hosting rights for the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, describing both developments as evidence of growing international confidence in the state.

ýAccording to him, the summit’s deal rooms were deliberately designed to facilitate investment decisions and mobilise financing for critical projects.

ý’The singular goal is to spotlight and mobilise financing for the most consequential investment decisions across the public and private sectors that Nigeria has ever seen,’ he said.

ýSanwo-Olu added that the success of the summit would be measured not by attendance figures or speeches, but by investments capable of creating jobs and transforming lives.

ýMinister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said ongoing fiscal and tax reforms were improving Nigeria’s investment climate, boosting investor confidence and creating new opportunities for economic growth across states.

ýAlso speaking, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey called for stronger regional cooperation through improved power supply, efficient logistics systems and enhanced security across Africa.

ýShe urged African leaders to harness innovation and human capital as drivers of job creation and sustainable development.

ýDelivering the welcome address, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described the summit as a strong vote of confidence in Lagos and its economic potential.

ýShe said delegates, investors, business leaders and development partners from Nigeria, Africa, the Commonwealth and other parts of the world had gathered to explore opportunities in Africa’s largest commercial city.

ýAccording to her, Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities, accounting for a significant share of national GDP while attracting the highest volume of domestic and foreign investments.

ý’Lagos is open for business, open for partnerships and open for investments. The opportunities are here, the market is here, the talent is here and the leadership is here,’ she said.

ýChairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), Lord Marland, described Nigeria as a country with immense entrepreneurial potential and a critical player in Africa’s economic future.

ýHe commended ongoing economic reforms and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s investment climate, noting that Lagos was well positioned to attract greater investment flows from across the Commonwealth and beyond.

ýA major highlight of the summit was the Governors’ Investment Showcase, where governors from Lagos, Abia, Imo, Nasarawa and Plateau states presented investment opportunities in key sectors of their economies.

ýThe two-day summit was convened by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) to deepen investment partnerships and position Lagos as the preferred gateway to Africa’s next phase of economic growth.

Sahara Group Foundation has commissioned a new Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Masaka, Nasarawa State, extending structured recycling access to communities in Northern Nigeria. The project was delivered in partnership with the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), marking a significant step in scaling practical, community-driven sustainability solutions across the country.

The Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said the launch underscores the Foundation’s focus on scalable solutions that combine environmental stewardship with community empowerment.

According to her, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative converts waste management into opportunity, helping divert recyclables from landfills, improve environmental awareness, and create income pathways for households.

The Masaka hub deepens that impact while reflecting the Sahara Beyond XXX vision of building sustainable ecosystems that deliver long-term value for people, communities, and the planet.

‘Masaka represents an important next step in expanding access to sustainable waste management across Nigeria. Through the Sahara Go Recycling, we are showing how collaboration can unlock cleaner communities, stronger livelihoods, and shared prosperity. This is the kind of practical, inclusive impact that Sahara Beyond XXX stands for, creating sustainable value at scale through EXTRApreneurship,’ she said.

Menakaya added that Sahara Go Recycling continues to demonstrate how collective action can build cleaner, more resilient communities through innovation, collaboration, and local participation.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Waste Management, NASWAMSA, Ishaku Ibrahim, described the initiative as a timely partnership that strengthens responsible waste management while opening socio-economic opportunities for residents.

‘This hub brings a practical solution to waste challenges in Masaka and surrounding communities. Beyond improving environmental outcomes, it creates a pathway for residents to participate in a cleaner future while deriving economic value from recyclable materials. We are proud to partner Sahara Group Foundation on this important step for Nasarawa State,’ he said.

Since launch, Sahara Go Recycling has delivered measurable social, economic, and environmental impact. The initiative has supported the recycling of more than 1,000 tonnes of materials and directly and indirectly impacted over 2,000 livelihoods across collection, sorting, logistics, and community enterprise value chains. By turning waste into opportunity, the programme is helping reshape attitudes to recycling while advancing more sustainable lifestyles in underserved communities.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, leadership from the Nasarawa State Waste Management Authority (NASWAMSA), local council representatives, community leaders, partners, volunteers, and residents.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed reports that its leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the replacement of candidates.

Speaking to The Nation on Monday, the Movement’s spokesman, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the reports as ‘mere rumours.’

Some media reports had claimed that Kwankwasiyya would exit the party if loyalists earlier nominated by the bloc were replaced.

The claims followed the substitution of several candidates submitted by the group, with allegations that the move breached an earlier power-sharing arrangement.

Mohammed said the claims were baseless.

‘The Kwankwasiyya Movement, and neither its leader, is complaining,’ he stated.

He explained that the party primaries were conducted on May 29 in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, and that the winners were affirmed the same day.

According to him, NDC stakeholders and members had earlier agreed on a consensus model where necessary, adopted candidates accordingly, and submitted the list without internal squabbles.

Mohammed added that Kwankwaso had not communicated any grievance with the party to the Movement, and said the NDC was in the best position to respond to the reports.

Kenyan nationals are fighting a defining battle for their dignity, sovereignty and public health concern. They’re up in arms against a decision by President William Ruto to host a quarantine bay in the East African country where the United States could send Americans exposed to Ebola virus for isolation, rather than admit them on American home soil. U.S. President Donald Trump struck a deal with Kenya’s Ruto to open the facility at Laikipia Air Base, a few miles outside Nanyuki in central Kenya and some 150 miles north of the capital city of Nairobi.

The Kenyan citizens’ struggle is instructive because it highlights the question as to what African countries should be willing to give in payback for conditional benefits from Washington. Besides, there is the question of national honour: whether another sovereign country should accept being a dump site for Washington’s rejects. Kenyan President Ruto signed off on such deal, but the citizens are saying no.

Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets in the town of Nanyuki last Monday, and marched to the military base where Ruto’s administration gave the nod for American medical personnel to quarantine, and potentially treat U.S. citizens who may be exposed to Ebola. The protesters massed outside the air base, calling on their government to refuse Washington’s request to use the facility. Many said they feared the deal would bring Ebola to the town and Kenya at large.

The protest took a deadly turn after the police opened fire on the crowd and killed two men, according to protest organisers. Reports cited local health officials confirming that two bodies were brought in at the township hospital, with three other people injured in the incident.

Plans for the controversial facility were announced the previous week after the Trump administration refused to allow U.S. citizens exposed to Ebola virus to return home. ‘We cannot and will not allow any cases of Ebola to enter the United States,’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio was cited saying after a cabinet meeting.

The proposed facility is, however, facing strong opposition in Kenya. ‘If you want to help Americans affected by Ebola, fly them to America or Germany and leave Kenya out of this Ebola quagmire,’ one of the protest organisers told a news outlet, saying Kenyans would rise up in nationwide demonstration should the Ruto government go ahead with allowing the facility to open. ‘Kenya is a sovereign country. You cannot take money at the expense of the health of Kenyans,’ he further said, arguing that Kenya lacks the medical infrastructure and specialist capacity to handle Ebola cases should the deal with the U.S. result in an outbreak in the country.

In the previous week, a Kenyan court temporarily halted the plan to build the 50-bed quarantine bay. The judge ordered the government to suspend all preparations towards operationalising the facility until a case that has been filed against it is heard. A Kenyan civil society group had filed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the proposed quarantine bay, and proceedings would not commence in the suit until 23rd June when a date for full hearing would be set. The court, penultimate Monday, also ordered the Ruto administration to provide within seven days full details of the agreement it struck with the U.S. to set up the facility, including any financial transaction and measures that will be in place to protect the Kenyan population.

In its response to Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Trump administration announced recently that it would prevent any American citizen exposed to the virus from returning to the U.S. for observation and treatment. That decision marked a departure from U.S. policy during previous Ebola outbreaks when American medical personnel who contracted the lethal haemorrhagic disease in the course of attending to patients in frontline zones were taken back home for care. U.S. officials said the quarantine facility being set up in Kenya would be dedicated to Americans exposed to current outbreak.

Washington tried to justify its present policy by saying it is aimed at expediting care for infected Americans since Kenya is closer to the epicenter, rather than putting them on a long haul flight back home. Records of history prove otherwise though, because of all Americans who contracted Ebola in the 2014 outbreak, none had their condition worsened by transportation back to the U.S. where they received expert care. An American doctor who cared for Ebola patients in Guinea during the last epidemic and was treated in New York after developing symptoms and returning home, Craig Spencer, said the decision to send U.S. citizens to Kenya amounted to abandoning ‘our responsibility for our own.’ Other healthcare stakeholders pushed back against the policy, warning it could discourage American medics from deploying to regions affected by outbreaks and thus undermine global response efforts. According to them, the U.S. has the best facilities in the world to care for Ebola patients and should not deny its citizens the lifesaving treatment.

The deal with Trump has become a political headache for Kenya’s Ruto, who is accused of bowing to Washington’s pressure and risking importing Ebola into Kenya that has never recorded a case of the virus. Critics were particularly incensed because U.S. officials said the facility would only treat Americans. Kenyan officials tried to soften the deal by saying the facility would also be open to Kenyans, but Washington did not confirm such possibility.

Ruto defended his decision to agree to the facility, arguing that Kenya is well prepared should it have to deal with potential Ebola outbreak, and that Kenya’s health care system has long benefited from U.S. support. ‘I gave the OK because it was an agreement and a partnership with friends who have walked with Kenya for 30 to 40 years,’ he told journalists last week. ‘The American government has supported us. They have deployed huge resources in Kenya to work with us on HIV and AIDS, and on other diseases,’ he added. The proposed facility, according to him, is part of a wider plan to prepare Kenya for Ebola cases and is in line with a long-running health partnership with Washington. The U.S. had said it would provide $13.5million for Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts. ‘We are a responsible government. We know what we are doing,’ Ruto said to reporters without commenting on the court order.

As at last week, there were indications the court order was being spurned. Reports said American medical equipment and specialist staff were on site at Laikipia Air Base and the facility was set, short of patients. But diplomatic correspondence indicated Ruto was underestimating domestic opposition to the plan, which triggered criticism that the U.S. is offloading the risk of caring for its own patients.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed 330 cases and 49 deaths from current Ebola outbreak as at the end of May, with many more cases suspected. Nearly all the cases and deaths were in Congo, and a handful in Uganda. The global body declared the viral epidemic a public health emergency of international concern.

Nigeria hasn’t recorded any case in this outbreak, but the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warned that the country risks importing the virus through regional transmission. In a recent statement, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris said the agency’s risk assessment classified the threat level as high owing to ‘international travel and population movement, uncertainty regarding the full magnitude of the outbreak, and the potential for delayed recognition because symptoms may overlap with endemic diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever.’

Medical experts say Ebola is a rare but deadly disease. Ebola viruses normally infect animals, typically fruit bats; outbreaks among humans result when people eat or handle infected animals. It takes two to 21 days for symptoms to show: they come on suddenly like the flu, with fever, headache and tiredness trailing. As infection progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and can lead to organ failure. Some, but not all, patients develop internal and external bleeding. The virus spreads from person to person by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva or vomit. The latest outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain. The 2014 outbreak was caused by the Zaire strain for which vaccine has been developed. Bundibugyo has only caused two previous outbreaks when it killed about a third of those infected, and there’s no vaccine for the strain.

The best therapy in the circumstance is avoidance. Avoid needless contact with other persons’ body fluids, hence indiscriminate handshaking and hugging is not encouraged. Wash your hands frequently under running water to deal with inadvertent contact. Avoid bush meat for now. Importantly, symptoms associated with Ebola infection should not be lightly countenanced and must be promptly reported to public health authorities for early diagnosis and possible treatment if occasion warrants. Eternal vigilance, as they say, is the price of liberty.

The Federal Ministry of Finance says it has approved the payment of more than 1,240 contractors across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) following a verification and reconciliation exercise on outstanding obligations.

In a statement on Monday, Mary-Ann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communication and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance, said the exercise was carried out to confirm valid claims and streamline payments.

According to her, contractors with verified claims of N100 million and below were given priority in the latest disbursement.

‘The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 contractors, providing immediate liquidity support to businesses across the country and reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations,’ the statement reads.

The ministry said the payments are aimed at easing financial pressure on indigenous firms, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to return to project sites, settle workers’ wages, and pay suppliers.

‘Contractors prioritised for payment in the most recent batch are those with verified claims in the region of N100 million or less,’ Duke said.

It added that more than N700 billion in verified obligations owed to local contractors has been processed in recent months.

The statement noted that about N436.6 billion was processed in May alone, describing it as a sharp increase in payment activity designed to improve liquidity and support economic recovery.

The ministry said prioritising smaller contractors was intended to widen the reach of payments across sectors and regions while sustaining jobs and ensuring the completion of ongoing projects.

It also said the latest disbursement would strengthen confidence among contractors, suppliers, and service providers working with the government.

In January, aggrieved contractors blocked access to the Ministry of Finance, preventing former Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, from entering the premises.

Six months later, the Senate set up a committee to engage the ministry over outstanding contractor debts.

Greenwich Holdings Limited plans to undertake new capital raising to strengthen its capital market subsidiaries and ensure they meet the new capital requirements for their operations.

The new capital raising comes on the heel of the successful recapitalisation of the group’s banking subsidiary.

With the success of its recapitalisation, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had granted Greenwich Merchant Bank initial approval to transit into a regional commercial bank, with the final license being expected from the apex bank.

Group Managing Director, Greenwich Holdings, Mr Samson Ariyibi, said the strategic priorities of the group in the next two years included additional capital raising to recapitalise its capital market subsidiaries ahead of the 2027 deadline.

Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had recently increased the minimum capital requirements for capital market operators.

Ariyibi said the increase minimum capital requirements for operators has made it necessary for the group to raise new equity funds.

He noted that the group had undertaken a restructuring that led to the formal establishment of the holding company with four subsidiaries, including Greenwich Merchant Bank Limited, Greenwich Asset Management Limited, Greenwich Securities Limited and Greenwich Capital Markets Limited.

‘The group remains focused on strengthening its capital base, expanding its footprint in financial services, and advancing its digital transformation agenda, while positioning for sustained growth across its core business lines,’ Ariyibi said.

Addressing shareholders at maiden annual general meeting of the holding company, Chairman, Greenwich Holdings Limited, Mr. Kayode Falowo, said the group has received Approval-In-Principle for the conversion of Greenwich Merchant Bank to a commercial bank with regional authorisation while awaiting the final license.

He said the company has maintained strong cost discipline despite inflationary pressures and continued investments in technology and branch expansion.

He noted that the bank recorded zero non-performing loans in 2025 as key performance indicators rose significantly.

He pointed out that the holding company structure was a strategic decision aimed at strengthening governance, improving capital deployment, and enhancing long-term shareholder value.

Shareholders commended the board and management for its strong financial performance in 2025 and successful transition into a financial holding company.

Shareholders also approved all resolutions presented, including the resolution authorising the company to increase its share capital, subject to regulatory approval, as well as the re-election of all directors.

Shareholders’ leaders- Dr. Umar Faruk and Sir Sunny Nwosu, who spoke on behalf of the shareholders, lauded the board and management for sustaining growth and dividend payment.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the 2025 business year showed that Greenwich Holdings recorded a 131.9 per cent increase in gross earnings to N64.23 billion. Profit before tax rose by 71 per cent to N19.29 billion. Profit after tax grew by 71.3 per cent from N8.11 billion in 2024 to N13.89 billion in 2025.

The group’s balance sheet also improved with total assets rising by 69 per cent to N309.12 billion. Shareholders’ funds rose by 67 per cent to N76.71 billion. Customer deposits jumped by 80.5 per cent to N173.84 billion.

All Talentz Limited, a U.S.-based remote staffing and outsourcing company, has marked its 4th anniversary with two meaningful community initiatives in Yaba, Lagos.

Under the banner of Lighting Lives, the company provided free dental checks, eye tests, and blood pressure screenings to about 500 underserved residents – and concluded the day with a visit to a local older people’s home, where the team donated food items and home care essentials and spent quality time with the residents.

In a statement, it said: ‘The dual initiative reflects what All Talentz describes as a core belief: that a company’s responsibility to excellence does not end at its business results. It extends into the communities in which it operates.

‘Four years ago, we set out to build something that would restore excellence globally – in businesses, in operations, and in the people we work with,’ said Sadiq Isu, MBA, CEO and Founder of All Talentz.

‘Lighting Lives reminded us that restoration has to begin in the community. Serving about 500people with free health checks and sitting with the elders who have lived and contributed before us-that is what four years of building something meaningful actually looks like.’

‘At the medical station in Yaba, licensed medical professionals volunteered their time to conduct dental examinations, ophthalmology checks, and cardiovascular screenings.

‘For many of the residents who attended, it was their first structured health check in years. The initiative drew a broad cross-section of the community – men, women, and elderly residents – each receiving care that is often out of reach due to cost or access.

‘After the medical station concluded, the All Talentz team made their way to a local older people’s home. The visit was intentional and personal – the team arrived with food items and home care essentials, sat with the residents, shared conversations, and honoured the people who, as the company puts it, ‘lived and gave before us.’ In a world where the elderly are too often an afterthought in corporate giving, All Talentz chose to make them a centrepiece of their anniversary.

‘There is something profound about choosing to spend your anniversary with people at both ends of the community – those who are just beginning to access care, and those who have spent a lifetime giving to the world around them,’ said Dr. Abdul Isu, Chairman and Co-Founder of All Talentz.’Lighting Lives is our commitment – not just as a company, but as people – that we will not grow without giving back. This will not be the last time we do this.’

‘As June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month globally, All Talentz also draws attention to the broader conversation around preventive health – particularly for men in underserved communities who often delay or forgo basic screening. The company’s medical team noted that several conditions were flagged during the screenings that would benefit from follow-up care – a reminder that access to basic health checks is not a luxury, but a necessity.

‘All Talentz has confirmed that Lighting Lives will become an annual initiative as part of the company’s growing CSR commitment.

‘All Talentz, which is ISO 27001 certified, SOC-2 Type 2 certified, and a Great Place to Work certified organisation, connects U.S. businesses with pre-vetted remote professionals across six verticals: Healthcare, Technology, Finance, Construction, Legal, and Pest Control. The company has grown significantly since its founding in 2022 and currently serves clients across North America.’

Youth groups from the Ilorin Emirate have declared support for the emergence of Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The endorsement took place at a joint press conference organised by the Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youth Initiative and the Ilorin Emirate Youth Progressive for Communities on Monday in Ilorin.

Addressing journalists, the spokesman for the groups, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan said it was time for Kwara North Senatorial District to produce the Governor in the interest of equity, fairness and inclusive governance.

According to them, their position was informed by the longstanding values of justice and balanced representation associated with the Ilorin Emirate.

‘We believe that supporting the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon. Salihu Yakubu Danladi is not only a political decision but a moral obligation rooted in fairness, justice and equity,’ the groups said.

They noted that while Kwara Central and Kwara South had produced Governors since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Kwara North had yet to occupy the office.

‘Since 1999, Kwara North has not had the opportunity to produce a governor. It is therefore only fair and just that the district be supported to occupy the office in 2027,’ they stated.

The youth groups described Danladi’s aspiration as a legitimate quest for inclusion and political balance, stressing that supporting a candidate from Kwara North would strengthen unity and foster a greater sense of belonging among the state’s diverse communities.

They also said the endorsement was a demonstration of appreciation for the district’s consistent political support for Kwara Central over the years.

‘Kwara North has consistently supported candidates from other districts. Supporting the district’s aspiration in 2027 is a gesture of reciprocity that will further strengthen the bond of unity across the state,’ they added.

The groups highlighted Salihu’s credentials as an engineer, former lecturer and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, saying his experience and youthful leadership position him to advance youth empowerment and development.

‘Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu possesses the competence, experience and youthful energy required to deepen youth participation, empowerment and sustainable development across Kwara State,’ they said.

They urged APC leaders, stakeholders and residents to support Danladi’s governorship aspiration and ensure that Kwara North produces the next governor in 2027.

The groups maintained that giving all sections of the state a sense of belonging would promote social cohesion, peace and sustainable development.

The Adamawa Business Women Support Group for President Bola Tinubu’s Re-election has appealed to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to address what they term injustice in the picking of the Adamawa Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC).

Articulating their view at a news conference in Yola, the leader of the group, Hajiya Blikisu Song, said there is an obvious crisis over the Adamawa Central Senatorial ticket, which, if left unresolved, could affect the fortunes of the APC in the zone.

‘Ribadu, we are begging you as your mothers, because we don’t want Mr President to lose one vote in the Adamawa Central Senatorial Zone. If you fail to address the injustice, we will blame you,’ the group said.

It questioned the sudden emergence of former APC National Vice Chairman for the Northeast, Mustapha Suleiman, against a long -term and leading aspirant for the senatorial ticket, Alhaji Aliyu Abdul- hameed, saying the apparent injustice could do the party much harm.

‘We are mothers to Mustapha Salihu and all other contestants, but we should defend justice for development and peace, as women, we suffer most when there is both political and physical crises in the country or worldwide’, the women’s group said.

It added that the ‘adoption of Mustapha Salihu’ raised questions on the fairness and transparency in the Adamawa State APC.

The group added: ‘We followed Mustapha Salihu throughout the 21 local government areas for the campaign for governor, but embarrassingly, we were told that Mustapha Salihu is the senatorial candidate for the central zone; this is a mockery of democracy and our party and the president’s zero tolerance for injustice.’

It called on the NSA whom the group regards as the ‘main leader’ of APC in Adamawa State to address the situation and let the ticket go to Abbati, more so as Adamawa Central people, according g to her, agreed in principle towards the primary that Yola North Local Government Area, where Abbati hails from, should produce the candidate as the LGA has never had a senator.

Across continents, technology entrepreneurs are redefining how individuals and businesses send, receive, and manage money in an increasingly connected digital economy. In recent years, Nigeria has earned global recognition as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs. From financial technology and e-commerce to artificial intelligence and software development, Nigerian innovators have consistently demonstrated an ability to solve complex problems through creative and scalable solutions.

Among the rising innovators helping to shape this new era is Oluwasemilore Emmanuel Aina, a young Nigerian founder whose work with Paylinc is attracting attention within international fintech circles. Through a combination of technological innovation, strategic thinking, and an ambitious vision for digital financial inclusion, Oluwasemilore is building a platform that seeks to bridge gaps in modern payment systems while creating new opportunities for users across multiple markets.

His journey reflects a broader story that is increasingly becoming familiar across the global technology landscape: the rise of Nigerian entrepreneurs whose innovations are competing on the world stage and demonstrating that Africa is not merely consuming technology but actively creating it.

Often described by industry observers as a Paylinc expert, this young entrepreneur has distinguished himself through his deep understanding of payment infrastructure and digital transaction systems. His expertise extends beyond simply developing software. It involves understanding the complex intersection of technology, user behaviour, compliance requirements, security protocols, and financial regulations that shape the modern fintech ecosystem.

The financial technology sector is one of the most competitive industries in the world today. New start-ups emerge regularly, while established financial institutions continue investing heavily in digital transformation initiatives. In such an environment, standing out requires more than technical competence; it demands innovation, adaptability, and a clear understanding of emerging market needs.

This is where Paylinc seeks to carve out its niche. At its core, Paylinc represents an attempt to simplify and enhance financial interactions in a world where cross-border transactions remain challenging for many users.

Despite tremendous advances in digital banking and payment technology, millions of people and businesses still encounter obstacles when moving money internationally. These challenges often include high transaction fees, lengthy processing times, limited accessibility, and regulatory complexities. By focusing on digital efficiency and user-centred experiences, Paylinc aims to address some of these longstanding challenges while creating an ecosystem that encourages participation and engagement.

What makes the platform particularly interesting to industry watchers is its operational structure. Unlike many traditional payment platforms that focus exclusively on transaction processing, Paylinc integrates payment functionality with a broader referral-based ecosystem designed to stimulate organic growth and user participation. This approach has generated considerable interest within fintech communities because it combines elements of payment technology, digital networking, and community engagement into a single framework.

Industry analysts often describe the model as innovative yet inherently complex. The reason lies in the reality that modern fintech platforms operate within a highly regulated environment where compliance, security, transparency, and operational integrity are essential.

Building any financial platform requires careful navigation of evolving regulations, cybersecurity risks, consumer protection requirements, anti-money laundering obligations, and data privacy standards. These considerations become even more important when a platform seeks to operate across different jurisdictions and international markets.

The platform’s evolution has also drawn comparisons with some of the early pioneers of modern fintech. During the formative years of financial technology, companies such as Plaid helped transform the industry by creating infrastructure that connected financial institutions with emerging digital applications.

Those early innovators operated during a period when digital banking integrations were still developing and financial APIs had not yet become mainstream.

Today’s fintech environment is significantly different. The sector now faces stricter regulatory oversight, more sophisticated cybersecurity threats, increased competition, and higher customer expectations. Users demand seamless experiences, instant transactions, and strong protection of their personal information. As a result, modern fintech founders must navigate a far more complex environment than many of their predecessors.

Yet it is precisely within these challenges that opportunities emerge. For Paylinc, one of the most significant drivers of growth has been its referral programme. While referral systems are not new to the technology industry, Paylinc’s approach has become a defining feature of its expansion strategy. Rather than functioning solely as a traditional incentive mechanism, the programme has evolved into a broader engagement ecosystem that encourages users to become active participants in the platform’s growth.

The concept is built around a simple principle: people are more likely to trust recommendations that come from individuals they know. By leveraging community relationships and user advocacy, the platform has been able to increase awareness while creating a sense of shared participation among its growing user base.

This community-oriented strategy aligns with broader trends across the technology sector. In an era where customer acquisition costs continue to rise, many successful companies are investing heavily in trust-based growth models that emphasize authentic engagement and long-term user relationships.

For fintech companies in particular, trust remains one of the most valuable assets. Unlike many digital products, where users face minimal risk, financial platforms are responsible for handling sensitive information and facilitating monetary transactions. Consequently, users are often more cautious when adopting new financial technologies.

Industry experts suggest that platforms capable of combining technological reliability with strong community trust may enjoy a significant competitive advantage in the years ahead.

The founder’s journey also highlights the growing influence of Nigerian technology professionals on the global stage. Over the last decade, Nigerian founders, developers, engineers, and product designers have contributed to some of the world’s most innovative start-ups and technology companies. International investors increasingly view Nigeria as a source of high-quality entrepreneurial talent capable of building globally relevant solutions. This shift in perception has helped create new opportunities for Nigerian innovators seeking to scale their ventures beyond domestic markets.

The success stories emerging from Nigeria’s technology ecosystem continue to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in entrepreneurship, software development, product innovation, and digital business.

For many aspiring founders, the rise of platforms like Paylinc demonstrates that geographic boundaries are becoming less significant in determining entrepreneurial success. With access to technology, talent, and global markets, innovators can now build products that compete internationally regardless of where they begin.

As digital finance continues evolving, the future will likely belong to platforms capable of adapting quickly to changing user needs, regulatory developments, and technological advancements.

Artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, embedded finance, open banking, and decentralized financial systems are expected to reshape the industry further over the coming years. Founders who successfully navigate these shifts while maintaining strong user trust will be best positioned to thrive in the next phase of fintech innovation.

For this young Nigerian entrepreneur behind Paylinc, the mission appears to extend beyond building another payment platform. It is about creating a system that connects people, expands opportunities, encourages participation, and reimagines how digital financial communities can grow in an interconnected world.

In a rapidly changing digital economy, that ambition may prove to be one of the most valuable currencies of all.