Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Lasaco Assurance Plc has compensated policyholders who suffered mishaps on their insured risks in 2024 to the tune of N13.1billion.

The claimants were paid, after they suffered disasters on their insured assets and lives respectively, in a move by the insurer to return the policyholders back to the financial positions they were prior to the mishaps.

The N13.1billion claims paid represents over 50 per cent out the N22. 82billion generated from insurance revenue in its 2024 financial year.

This payment, is however, an improvement over N6.54 billion paid in its 2023 financial year, an indication that it pays crucial attention to payment of genuine claims as and when due.

Meanwhile, the insurer has also raised additional N11.1billion in a move to meet the July 2026 recapitalisation exercise for the insurance industry.

Speaking during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, the Chairman, Mrs. Teju Phillips, disclosed to shareholders that the firm’s insurance revenue rose to N22.82billion, representing a 25 per cent increase from N18.29 billion in 2023.

She attributed this growth to market penetration and enhanced customer engagement.

She said: ‘Profit after Tax (PAT) leaped to N1. 54billion, reflecting an 18 per cent increase from N1.31billion within the period under review. This achievement underscores the company’s discipline, cost optimisation and operational efficiency’.

However, in a bid to strengthen the company, she said, Lasaco Assurance raised N11.1billion through a private placement, adding an additional 9.25 million shares to its existing shares, to enable it perform and compete better in the insurance industry.

Assuring that the underwriting firm is driving digital transformation and innovation by investing in various software and omnichannel customer engagement to enhance efficiently and accessibility, she noted that, the company remains committed to sustainability by expanding retail insurance solutions, through targeted policy offerings. Market expansion efforts focus on strengthening current market deepening and leveraging strategic partnership to deepen reach.’

To ensure long-term competitiveness, she said the company is upskilling its workforce even as risk management and governance framework are being enhanced through robust stress-testing measures to mitigate currency volatility regulatory shifts and geopolitical uncertainties.

‘Furthermore, we are actively exploring strategic alliances to co-create embedded insurance products, alligning with Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, ‘ she pointed out.

Responding to the shareholders’ questions on recapitalisation, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Razzaq Abiodun assured that the insurer is on the right track to recapitalise both its Life and Non-life businesses.

He said shareholders’ fund of the company is now in excess of N21.4billion, adding that, additional N11.1billion fresh capital raised is also a move in this direction.

‘So, we are doing everything possible to meet the deadline. The company will continue to operate with both life and non-life licenses. The recapitalisation plans submitted to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) exceeded the regulatory capital benchmark, a sign that the company is moving in the right direction.

‘The process of recapitalisation is currently ongoing and we believe we will conclude all the necessary processes and documentation before the deadline slated for next year’, he added.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed reports suggesting that it disbursed $1.259 billion to major oil sector operators for the importation of refined petroleum products and related items, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement yesterday, the CBN clarified that the figure referenced in its first quarter 2025 Sectoral Utilisation of Foreign Exchange data did not represent direct CBN disbursements.

Instead, it reflected the total foreign exchange transactions conducted by participants in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) under the willing buyer, willing seller framework.

According to the bank’s spokesperson, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, ‘Since the unification of exchange rates in 2023, the NFEM has operated as a market-driven system, where foreign exchange is sourced and supplied by market participants, not allocated by the CBN. Accordingly, the Bank has not sold foreign exchange specifically for the importation of refined petroleum nor any other products.’

She explained that the figure of $1.259 billion merely represents aggregate utilisation by authorised dealers and end-users who independently sourced foreign exchange through the market in compliance with existing regulations.

‘The data cited in the report only captures legitimate market transactions and does not reflect any form of direct CBN intervention in the oil sector,’ she stated.

Sidi Ali noted that the willing buyer, willing seller system allows for transparency and fair price discovery in the foreign exchange market, reinforcing the CBN’s commitment to maintaining a market-based framework.

She further assured the public that the Central Bank remains committed to transparency and stability in Nigeria’s financial system.

‘The CBN continues to promote a transparent, market-based foreign exchange regime that supports efficient price discovery, economic stability, and confidence in the Nigerian financial system,’ she said.

The Bank therefore urged the media and the public to verify information before publication, especially when it concerns sensitive economic data, to avoid creating false impressions about government policies or the management of the nation’s foreign exchange market.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, adjourned a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and others over oil import licence dispute until Nov. 5 for hearing.

The matter, which was earlier fixed for today for hearing, could not proceed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar in court.

Justice Umar, the presiding judge, was said to be sitting at Enugu division of the court.

The court subsequently fixed Nov. 5 for the hearing of the suit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judge had, on July 10, ordered parties in the case to regularise their processes ahead of the hearing of the suit.

Justice Umar also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants that were not in court.

The suit, which was formerly before Justice Inyang Ekwo, began denovo (afresh) following its reassignment to Justice Umar.

Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 3rd to 7th defendants respectively.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

NAN reports that Dangote Refinery (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

The NNPCL argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

‘This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,’ the NNPCL said.

In the affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a clerk in the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co, counsel to the NNPCL, he said one of their lawyers, Esther Longe who perused Dangote’s originating summons, affidavit and written address told him that an examination of the processes showed that NNPC as sued by the refinery was non-existent entity.

Popoola averred that the court lacked jurisdiction over the 2nd defendant sued as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

‘A simple search on the CAC website shows that there is no entity called ‘Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).’

According to Popoola, the 2nd defendant/objector is not one and the same with the 2nd defendant sued by the plaintiff.

He urged the court to strike out the suit.

Also, the NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

The official, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

He said based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported ‘grand conspiracy and concerted efforts’ against the refinery, describing it as ‘an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.’

The oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

According to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary

NAN reports that Justice Ekwo had, on March 18, dismissed the NNPCL’s objection against Dangote’s suit

The judge, in the ruling, dismissed the objection on the grounds that the application was incompetent.

Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL ought to have filed a defence in the form of a counter affidavit to the Dangote Refinery’s originating process before raising an objection.

The judge, who also dismissed the NNPCL preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court, granted Dangote’s motion to amend its originating motion by correcting the name of the NNPCL.

Besides, Justice Ekwo equally dismissed the motion for joinder filed by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for being an unnecessary party and as a ‘meddlesome interloper.'(NAN)

Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has expressed gratitude t fans and supporters for overwhelming love and enthusiasm for her film, ‘Love in Every Word: The Wedding’.

In a post on Instagram, she thanked them for celebrating her work and making her feel seen and appreciated.

The actress acknowledged the impact of their support on her career, stating that it reminded her why she tells stories to touch hearts, make people laugh, and glorify God through love.

Oboli wrote: ‘My dearest besties, I honestly don’t even know where to start. Every view, every comment, every post, every share. you’ve poured so much love into LOVE IN EVERY WORD: THE WEDDING, and my heart is so full. You stayed up late, you celebrated like it was your own win, and you made and are still making history with me.

‘There were moments I cried reading your comments because I could feel your love through the screen. You made all the hard work worth it. You reminded me why I tell stories, to touch hearts, to make people laugh, and to glorify God through love.

‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are the reason this dream keeps growing, and I’ll never take you for granted’.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Public Enlightenment, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his visionary leadership and commitment to positioning the state as a trailblazer in technological innovation through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Lawson in a statement following the recent Ondo State Artificial Intelligence Adoption Summit, described the Governor’s foresight in embracing AI as ‘a defining moment in the state’s march toward a smarter, more inclusive, and digitally driven governance model.’

The two-day summit, organized by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), is being hosted under the theme of responsible and inclusive AI adoption, with participants drawn from government institutions, academia, private sector innovators, and youth-led tech initiatives.

Lawson particularly commended the Executive Chairman of SITA, Hon. Tomide Akinribido, for his ‘exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision,’ noting that his stewardship is turning SITA into a hub of innovation and a key driver of Ondo State’s digital transformation agenda.

Quoting from Akinribido’s welcome address at the event, the SSA said: ‘This summit is more than an event; it is a movement, a call to action for governments, industries, academia, and citizens to embrace artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as an enabler of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth.’

Lawson praised the emphasis on ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI deployment, stressing that the summit underscores the Governor’s broader commitment to using technology to enhance public service delivery, drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life of citizens.

He further noted that under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, Ondo State has made remarkable strides in digital governance, automation of public services, and capacity building among civil servants and youths, which have collectively laid the groundwork for this new AI initiative.

‘Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to champion AI adoption demonstrates courage and clarity of purpose. It reflects a leadership that is not afraid of the future but is determined to shape it responsibly,’ Lawson said.

He added that the government’s partnership with innovators and technology stakeholders through SITA represents a sustainable model of public-private collaboration in advancing the state’s digital ecosystem.

As deliberations continue at the summit, the SSA expressed optimism that the outcome would define Ondo State’s strategic roadmap for AI integration in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and governance, making the Sunshine State a reference point in Nigeria and beyond.

‘The Aiyedatiwa administration is not just building infrastructure; it is building intelligence, transforming governance through knowledge, data, and innovation,’ Lawson said.

TikToker Perry Blink has opened up on struggles with mental health, revealing the harsh realities of the content creation industry.

Perry Blink, who was once a booming content creator on TikTok, expressed feelings of isolation, depression, and suicidal thoughts, citing the pressures of maintaining collaborations and dealing with online backlash.

According to Perry Blink, the loss of friendships and collaborations has significantly impacted his mental health.

The father of one, claimed that many creators he had supported and collaborated with in the past have distanced themselves, leaving him feeling abandoned and unappreciated.

He emphasised the need for genuine connections and support within the industry, rather than transactional relationships.

He wrote: ‘FIRST STEP OF STARTING OVER IS TO FIRSTLY ADMIT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU WAS ALL YOUR FAULT. and this post is not about feeling entitled or not trying to pick up or trying to complain !! No I am not blaming anyone, everyone got up for them self and be who they are today! Which I am happy for but the case is while you all were growing I

made sure I played a very vital and good role in your lives, is it about collaborations ??

‘I could make dozens of videos with creators without taking a penny even artist I am not just talking about promotions but also introducing everyone to a bigger creator and brands ! . but now how many of them do you see with me ?? Not like I dont text or comment or call them but I automatically became a fan !!

‘I mean imagine texting someone for months just go give you a collaboration and commenting on their post and you guys have been friends before oooo! And there yall start bashing me like I was the first creator to get married, yeah I had a child and I just wanna be responsible and keep up to that life but yall bashed the innocent girl and saying she ruined my life when in reality she just did what every other girls would do.

‘From getting robbed to house getting burnt, loosing my equipment, no where I didnt seek for help and while all this was happening I had a supportive wife pushing then no one saw that side just so quick to judge, my relationship was ruined I was depressed, isolated, scared cause even the fans on here was heavily bashing me while I was just trying to balance things for myself . I had tried to hurt myself several but still find myself here ..

‘If you are aspiring creator like me I would advise you to stay connected with your craft first before collaborating cause the moment you think you are making friends while you are collaborating they are just seeing it as an opportunity to use you yet you think you have a relationship with them in your mind until you actually need them and everywhere becomes silent and dark!!..

‘I reached out even if its to work under some cause I was having both financial and mental health issues at that time but no one replied the ones that did turn down my collaborations and then my reality kicked, I am young and just living for the first time all I need is yall support and encouragement.as I believe I can do this again and be unstoppable this time I would put a second post up and see how I had gone texting creators and no one wanna work with me and the ones that did are just the people I didn’t even had relationship with I just know we are co creators and I am very happy so I would use every resource I have now if I am not meeting to your expectations you can help me I would gladly take them instead of asking me to meet yall in 2025.

‘Also I have to stay alive for myself son and for the same of that yall should leave DARASMILE ALONE!! My relationship was not the first to fall apart and I am not also the first person to fall off at the peak of their career #suicideethoughts #depressed’.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned the faculty of social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The agency said it spent a N717,374,213.75 on both projects.

The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the projects at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.

The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

Speaking during the commissioning, Masari said the projects were executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The former governor of Katsina praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university to commission projects within two to three years.

He said: ‘It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.

‘The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

Masari said TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.

The new facility, he added, is expected to ‘aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’

While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.

‘We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,’ he said.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the project symbolised the agency’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Echono, who was represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at TETFund, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said: ‘This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.’

He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.

The executive secretary urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

Echono added: ‘As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.’

Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.

She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.

The vice – chancellor said: ‘These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.

‘This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.’

She revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for ‘being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.’

Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.

‘We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.

He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.

Lifecard Group, the parent company of Lagos-based real estate development firm, Lifecard International Limited, has reaffirmed its commitment to making homeownership a reality for aspiring buyers.

In a statement signed by the company’s media consultant, Dr. Princes Oghene, on Wednesday, the firm announced that it would officially hand over keys to a new set of homeowners at its Prime Stay Apartments on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to the statement, the highly anticipated Allocation and Key Handover Ceremony will take place at Prime Estate, Sangotedo, Ajah, Lagos.

The event, it noted, will mark another major milestone in Lifecard Group’s mission to empower individuals and families to own quality homes that blend comfort, class, and convenience.

Mrs. Grace Ibhakhomu, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lifecard Group, expressed excitement over the achievement, describing the Prime Stay Apartments as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in real estate development.

‘At Lifecard, we are passionate about transforming dreams into addresses. The Prime Stay Apartments are more than just homes; they symbolise trust, innovation, and our promise to deliver value to our clients,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu added that the ceremony will feature the official handover of property documents and keys to new homeowners, guided tours of the estate, and networking sessions with real estate professionals, investors, and stakeholders.

She emphasised that the event represents not only a corporate achievement but also the beginning of new chapters for many families realizing their dream of homeownership.

‘To our new homeowners, your dream has become an address. To our investors, your commitment has transformed into tangible value and generational impact,’ she said.

Ibhakhomu also noted that the Prime Stay Project began as a vision to create purpose-built homes and accessible investment opportunities that offer real, lasting value.

The chairman said that despite challenges during the development phase, Adebola credited clients’ trust and patience for making the project a success.

she emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency, excellence, and the goal of making world-class real estate attainable for everyday people.

‘We remain dedicated to building purpose and prosperity for families and communities across Africa,’ she added.

‘With the successful delivery of Prime Stay Apartments, Lifecard Group continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable real estate brands; providing modern, secure, and affordable housing solutions for a broad range of clients.

The development underscores the company’s vision to create sustainable communities and bridge Nigeria’s housing gap.

‘So, this property, they bought it off-plan and you know what happened to Dollar and Naira.

‘With all the challenges, I didn’t respond, now that the house is ready, I want to respond. If not, I won’t even call media, I won’t do anything, I’ll just give people their keys and go.

‘I want to respond to her, you know. No developer will go through this challenge I went through that they will even have a house. No developer in Lagos will go through this challenge and they will be able to produce the house.

‘One, challenges of repurchase of this land, two, challenge of the access road, government was doing road and for more than one year, we are not allowed to enter this site.

‘Three, they bought these houses for over N20million when cement was N2,000. Today, cement is now sold at N10,000.

‘Then number four, we are no longer offering off-plan in Nigeria again because we don’t want our name to be tainted.

‘So, we have decided to finish and give it to people at a premium. So, what we are using this one to do was to give people affordability.

‘We don’t want to do affordability again. So, we are publicly announcing that anything off-plan in Nigeria from Lifecard, beware, we don’t offer it again. So, we will need to use this publicity to the Lifecard’s favour.’

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a new phone but couldn’t pay the full price upfront, here’s some good news. You can now walk into a store, pick up the new VIVO Y21d smartphone, and take it home after paying only 20% of the price through a new partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct Checkout.

The offer is the first of its kind from Credit Direct, giving more Nigerians the chance to upgrade their devices without financial strain.

Meet the New VIVO Y21d

The VIVO Y21d is one of the most impressive new phones in Nigeria’s mid-range category. It combines style, power, and affordability.

Key features include:

A 6.68-inch 120Hz display with dual stereo speakers for smooth visuals and clear sound

A 50MP Ultra HD AI camera for detailed and vibrant photos

A 6500mAh battery with 44W FlashCharge, offering fast charging and long battery life

Two colors, Coral Red and Jade Green, both sleek and eye-catching

The phone is available in three variants to fit different budgets:

4GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?199,800

6GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?219,800

6GB RAM + 256GB storage – ?239,800

With these options, you can find the perfect balance between performance and price.

How to Get Your VIVO Y21d with Just 20% Downpayment

Credit Direct Checkout has made the process straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to get started:

Check Your Credit Limit: Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to see how much financing you qualify for.

Shop Your Way: You can either

Visit an authorized store such as SLOT, POINTEK, FINET, or 3C HUB, or

Go directly to a partner vendor’s website and select Credit Direct Checkout as your payment option at checkout.

Choose Your Device: Pick your preferred VIVO Y21d model and color.

Complete Your Payment:

In stores or via social media pages, you’ll receive a secure payment link to pay your 20 percent downpayment and select your repayment plan.

On partner websites, you simply choose Credit Direct at checkout and pay directly – no link required.

Get Your Phone: Take home your brand-new device or have it delivered and pay the balance in convenient monthly installments.

For example, the VIVO Y21d (4GB RAM + 128GB) priced at ?199,800 can be yours with just ?39,960 upfront. The remaining ?159,840 is spread across flexible repayment options.

Why Nigerians Are Excited About This Offer

The biggest advantage of this offer is flexibility. Instead of saving for months or borrowing at high interest rates, you can now buy your phone immediately and pay gradually.

There is no collateral, no hidden fees, and no complicated paperwork. Everything happens digitally, right at the point of purchase.

For many working Nigerians who manage tight monthly budgets, this offer makes owning a modern smartphone easier and more realistic.

A Smarter Way to Buy Tech

Beyond affordability, the partnership between VIVO and Credit Direct shows how technology and finance can work together to improve lives. By lowering the downpayment requirement to 20%, Credit Direct is helping people access the latest devices while encouraging disciplined, structured payment habits.

This approach, often called Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), is becoming more common in Nigeria. It is especially useful for young professionals and entrepreneurs who rely on smartphones for work, education, and communication.

Final Word

The VIVO × Credit Direct Checkout offer is not just about buying a phone. It’s about giving people the freedom to own the technology they need without financial stress.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your device, this is a great opportunity. Visit the Credit Direct Checkout website to check your eligibility and locate a participating store.

With only 20% downpayment, you can walk away with a new, powerful VIVO Y21d and pay the rest over time – simply and affordably.

The Chairman National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra has ended his five-year tenure.

He handed over leadership of the NPC to the Federal Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo, who represents Niger State.

Dattijo will serve as acting Chairman until Aminu Yusuf is sworn in as Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

The brief handover ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and Commission staff.

In a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, Kwarra thanked his colleagues and subordinates for their cooperation during his tenure.

The statement reads: ‘Hon. Kwarra expressed appreciation to the Federal Commissioners, Management and Staff of the NPC for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his five-year tenure, highlighting the commission’s strides in strengthening data collection systems, digitizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census’.

He added the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through collective commitment and professionalism, the statement noted.

The occasion was marked by emotional farewells and tributes, including the signing of the official handover notes, the presentation of a gift to Kwarra, and a group photograph to commemorate the day.

Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, led the commission during one of its most critical periods, the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.

The last national census was conducted in 2006, making the forthcoming exercise a key national priority.