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Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc. (Sterling Holdco), the parent company of The Alternative Bank, Sterling Bank, SterlingFI, and a number of other novel business solutions, has witnessed a very positive response to its public offer, as investors rally for a stake in the company’s future.

The public offer, launched on September 17, 2025, has quickly become one of the most talked-about opportunities in the Nigerian financial market, with analysts predicting that the offer will prove to be amongst the most lucrative in the sector’s investment landscape.

The Sterling Public Offer has sparked widespread interest, with market experts noting that the price, which is about 6 percent below its current trading price, presents an attractive entry point for both institutional and retail investors. The offer is set to close soon, but the rapid pace of interest has led many to speculate that the full subscription has already been reached or even exceeded much earlier than expected.

According to leading financial analysts, Sterling Holdco’s strategic expansion plans, solid market position, and innovative financial products have positioned it as a major contender in Nigeria’s banking sector. The public offer is widely regarded as an exciting proposition for investors looking to capitalise on a company with strong fundamentals and an ambitious growth trajectory. With a price point set at a discount to current trading prices, the offer is seen as a compelling opportunity for both long-term and short-term investors.

Sterling Holdco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. One of the most compelling indicators of the company’s underlying strength is the impressive growth of its share price. In the past year, the Holding company’s share price has grown steadily from N4.00 to nearly N8.00 per share. This increase in the company’s stock price speaks volumes about the underlying value and confidence in its business model, leadership, and growth trajectory.

Sterling Holdco, known for its strategic ownership of two banks, a wealth management company, and a number of innovative consumer businesses, is seeking to raise additional capital through the issuance of 12.58 billion ordinary shares at N7.00 per share. The proceeds from the public offer will be strategically deployed to further strengthen Holdco’s capital base and fund its growth initiatives over the next 36 months.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company PLC (Sterling HoldCo) is a leading Nigerian financial services group committed to enriching lives through innovation and impact with a diversified portfolio that includes Sterling Bank Limited, The Alternative Bank Limited, SterlingFI Wealth Management among others. As a HoldCo, Sterling provides strategic direction, governance, and resources across its subsidiaries, enabling each to focus on its core mandate while benefiting from group-wide expertise, technology, and oversight.

With a heritage of trust built over six decades, Sterling HoldCo is committed to financial innovation, advancing inclusion, and shaping sustainable growth in Nigeria’s economy. The group champions customer-focused solutions and socially responsible initiatives while creating value for shareholders, employees, and the communities it serves, and continues to pioneer offerings across its core businesses in banking, payments, and technology-driven financial services.

Apple and Google, two of the world’s biggest tech giants, have turned the spotlight on Maliyo Games, reaffirming the Lagos-based studio’s role as a global champion of African creativity through gaming.

‘This recognition from Apple, alongside our recent feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision. We are proving that African stories belong on the global stage,’ Hugo Obi, founder, Maliyo Games, said.

He said that behind every global spotlight is a growing ecosystem of African talent. According to him, GameUp Africa has become the talent pipeline powering Maliyo’s creativity since its launch in 2021. Now in its fifth year, the program has reached over 6,000 aspiring developers across 20 African countries, equipping young Africans with skills in programming, game art, and audio design.

Obi also disclosed that Apple’s Nigeria Independence Day editorial featured Maliyo’s standout titles; Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter – each blending familiar gameplay mechanics with African-inspired narratives, art, and music.

Earlier this year, Google Play selected Maliyo for its #WeArePlay campaign, a global film series celebrating diverse developers shaping the future of gaming.

The feature tells the story of Hugo Obi, Maliyo’s founder, charting the studio’s journey from Lagos to the world. It highlights not only Maliyo’s portfolio of games but also its groundbreaking talent initiative, GameUp Africa, which is building the next generation of creators on the continent.

‘From the bustling city life of Safari City to the cultural tradition in Whot King, each title embodies authentic African storytelling packaged in mobile-first gameplay. Graduates of the program have gone on to work on acclaimed projects and start their own studios – proof that Maliyo’s commitment to empowering African storytellers through gaming is paying off.’

Obi also disclosed that Maliyo will host its first-ever developer-led gaming conference ‘MaliyoCON’ by December in Lagos, as a convergence for creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore how African stories can drive the next phase of the global gaming industry.

‘By convening industry leaders, Maliyo aims to cement Africa’s role not just as a participant, but as a cultural powerhouse shaping the future of mobile entertainment,’ Obi said.

Glovo, one of the leading tech platforms operating across Europe, Africa, and Central Asia, has reiterated its dedication to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria by providing training, digital tools, and access to opportunities designed to optimise business operations, enhance brand visibility, and boost online sales through its platform.

The company’s commitment was underscored at the latest edition of Glovo Academy in Abuja, an in-person learning and development initiative aimed at equipping local businesses with skills and tools to expand their operations and scale sustainably.

Reni Onafeko, Head of Growth at Glovo Nigeria, emphasised the company’s ongoing support for SMEs by offering advisory services and financial access. She revealed that since Glovo launched in Abuja in 2022, the platform has delivered over one million orders, creating more than N11 billion in value for its partners.

Onafeko further noted a 30% year-on-year increase in orders within Abuja and said Glovo now partners with over 1,000 local restaurants.

She stressed the importance of digital literacy, saying SMEs must embrace it ‘to enable their businesses to expand, formalise and scale sustainably.’

Speaking at a panel discussion, Ifeoma Williams, Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Industry, described MSMEs as the ‘backbone of any economy,’ pointing out that ‘current data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that 40% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product is derived from these small businesses.’

While acknowledging the challenges SMEs face in accessing government loans, she attributed this to a ‘lack of proper structure and the right business plan.’ Williams assured that the federal government is actively working to develop policies that will foster a more supportive business environment.

Tijani Mustapha, founder of Ahmad’s Sharwarma, spoke on operational challenges confronting SMEs, stressing that business owners need resilience to navigate issues with human resources and quality control.

He stressed the importance of technology, stating, ‘Any business we do today must embrace technology. Through technology, we can gather customer feedback, keep the business in check, and improve.’

Kayode Meyanbe, Head of ICT at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs.

He revealed that SMEDAN, in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission, is offering free registration to 250,000 businesses and urged SMEs to seize this chance to formalise their operations. Meyanbe added, ‘As an agency, we have partnered with banks to provide loans at an interest rate below 10% to support their businesses. Not only that, state governments have also been helping us with funds for these SMEs to access our loan facilities.’

He also mentioned that capacity-building training is being provided through Kaduna Business School and Lagos Business School to equip SMEs with essential skills.

Kolawole Adeniyi, head of commercial at Glovo Nigeria, revealed that since the company entered Africa in 2021, it has invested 206 million euros across the continent. He noted that 90% of Glovo’s business partners are SMEs and that the platform has generated N55 billion in direct economic value for these partners.

The event included presentations and training focused on operational excellence, marketing, customer complaint handling, and business and financial literacy, facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan Atlantic University.

These efforts highlight Glovo’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable growth for SMEs within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Ground Handling Companies or Agents (GHAs) are said to be overwhelmed with needless high staff numbers who are just managing inefficiencies across Nigerian Airports.

Concerns have been raised on the need to engage permanent staff to handle each airline’s own system because the tech solutions are either inappropriate, not properly framed and many have now resulted to only perfecting Flight Manifest Message and jettisoning the other needed information such as Notification for Delivery, Received from Flight, Document Identifier without working hard to get these needed information services to the airlines.

Also, old technologies have not been harnessed as at present, although there are attempts to upgrade, upscale, and new technologies with improved solutions (such as user friendliness and more control).

These concerns were raised by Seyi Adewale, chief executive officer, Mainstream Cargo Limited, at the 5th CHINET Aviacargo Conference at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos.

During his presentation, he disclosed that different airlines have different tech solutions used by GHAs that negatively impact on costs, manpower utilisation, and overall efficiency in the air-cargo process.

According to Adewale, there is inadequate tech communication between primary segments in the air-cargo business (airline to customs, GHA to airlines, GHA to consignee) and resultant higher charges to consignee (demurrage, pass on running costs, etc).

He further noted that there are higher running costs on airlines that need to have a retinue of ground staff to operate and manage some aspects of the ground handling process, or the inefficiencies.

‘GHAs need to employ a higher number of staff to manage different processes evoked by the airlines because of technological lapses or inadequate or improper communication.

‘Customs’ slower process of clearing or managing their tech platforms (what is the effective resumption time of a Customs officer in the CPC Unit). I dare say from 10 a.m.!’ he said.

He mentioned that there are downtimes due to poor tech infrastructure support (electricity, backups, etc) and last-mile user frustration.

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has relieved commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments.

Fubara announced the decision in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during a valedictory session with his cabinet, held as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

The governor said independence remains a milestone in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

‘Furthermore, the governor has relieved all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect,’ Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara’s spokesperson, said in a statement.

Fubara then thanked members of his cabinet for their services and pledged to continue leading the state ‘with renewed vigour.’

In February, the Supreme Court recognised the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly as the authentic legislature. The rival Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction – loyal to Fubara – was not recognised, nullifying its approvals of commissioner nominees and other appointments.

The Amaewhule faction is allied with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Fubara’s estranged political benefactor.

The tussle between both camps had triggered a six-month state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in March. The measure was lifted on September 17, with Tinubu directing Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the assembly to resume duties.

After his return, Fubara said he had reconciled with Wike and called on Rivers residents to embrace peace, stressing that ‘the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.’

Commercial banks’ deposits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), climbed to a record N5.5 trillion on Tuesday, following the repayment of Open Market Operation (OMO) bills

OMO refers to the buying and selling of government securities in the open market as a tool used to regulate liquidity, control inflation, stabilise interest rates, and maintain overall monetary stability. It is operated by the CBN.

The CBN repaid N731.13 billion to investors on Tuesday, pushing banks’ deposits with their regulator to an all-time high of N5.5 trillion, according to data. The surge followed an earlier increase on Monday, when the SDF reached N5.38 trillion, boosted by excess liquidity from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements and OMO repayments.

In September 2025 alone, the CBN conducted OMO repayments worth N1.2 trillion. These included N731.13 billion on September 30, N254.9 billion on September 23, and N204.9 billion on September 16.

In the OMO bills secondary market on Tuesday, the overall average yield across the curve fell by 44 basis points to 21.00 percent, down from 21.44 percent the previous day, according to FSDH Research. Average yields across short-term, medium-term, and long-term maturities declined by six basis points, 80 basis points, and 48 basis points, respectively. The January 6, 2026 OMO bill saw strong investor demand, with yields dropping by 180 basis points.

Despite the rise in deposits, banks’ opening balance dropped to N2.297.63 trillion on Tuesday, representing a 12.19 percent decline compared to N2.338.97 trillion recorded on Monday.

Nigeria’s broad money supply (M3) surged to an all-time high of N199.5 trillion in August 2025, reflecting the CBN’s tight monetary policy stance aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy.

CBN data further show that money supply increased by 11.5 percent year-on-year, reaching N119.52 trillion in August 2025, compared to N107.19 trillion in August 2024. On a monthly basis, it grew by 1.7 percent from N117.49 trillion in June 2025, though the data for July 2025 was not provided.

Currency in circulation recorded a significant decline of 18.84 percent, falling to N4.92 trillion in August 2025 from N4.14 trillion in August 2024. On a month-on-month basis, it declined marginally by 1.6 percent from N5.00 trillion in June 2025, according to the latest CBN data.

Credit to the private sector also contracted, dropping to N73.83 trillion in August 2025, a decline of 1.2 percent compared to N74.73 trillion in August 2024. On a monthly basis, private sector credit fell by three percent from N76.14 trillion in June 2025.

Similarly, credit to the government by banks fell sharply, plummeting by 25.75 percent year-on-year to N23.13 trillion in August 2025 from N31.15 trillion in the same period of 2024. On a month-to-month basis, lenders’ credit to the government declined by 2.48 percent from N23.72 trillion recorded in June 2025.

Commenting on these developments, Aloysius Uche Ordu, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), noted in his personal statement of July 2025 that the monetary base continued to reflect the CBN’s tightening stance, with a moderation in currency in circulation. He added that capital market activities suggested improved transmission of monetary policy, while investor appetite for Nigerian treasury bills remained firm.

Also in her statement at the July 2025 MPC meeting, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, another committee member, observed that monetary aggregates rose, with Broad Money (M3) increasing by 43.65 percent year-to-date in June 2025, largely due to the growth in Net Foreign Assets (NFA). She explained, however, that this factor had minimal impact on inflationary pressures when compared with growth in Net Domestic Assets (NDA), which plays a more direct role in driving inflation.

Samuel Oluwole, the chairman of Precision Aviation Handling Company Limited (PAHCOL), has been conferred with a Doctor of Transport and Logistics Management (honoris causa) by Pebble Hills University, Delaware, in the United States of America (USA).

Oluwole was honoured for his significant contributions to society, especially the nation’s aviation industry, where he had served for over four decades.

He was presented with the honour on Saturday, September 27, 202,5 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, during the fourth Strategic Summit on Good Governance with the theme: ‘The Africa We Deserve: Leadership, Governance, and Collective Progress – The Case of Nigeria,’ held by Pebble Hills University.

Presenting him with the honour, on behalf of the Board of Pebble Hills University, Ezekiel Isidahomen said Oluwole and three others were recognised with the doctorate degrees in various fields following their great achievements and considering their wonderful performance as international business practitioners, motivators and human resource experts.

Isidahomen congratulated the honorees and challenged them to continue to keep the flag flying in their different endeavours.

According to him, the recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees had proven to the university that they were prominent leaders in their various fields and persons of integrity who had demonstrated superior expertise and commitment.

He said: ‘The awardees were selected by the university. The university conducted serious screening and background checks before coming up with only four individuals who deserve their doctorate degree.

In his remark, Oluwole expressed delight with the University for the Recognition of his contributions to the aviation industry and leadership in Nigeria.

He described the recognition as a great and monumental moment, stressing that the recognition would inspire him to do more for society, especially the aviation industry where he belongs.

He assured the university and the players in Nigeria’s aviation industry of consistency in always ensuring the continued growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He added: ‘I thank God that one is able to achieve this and thankful to my family. One has been able to attain a lot of things through the support of my family.’

Talking about the Nigerian aviation industry 65 years after independence, Oluwole said that the sector had come, yet with more to do especially in the area of domestic airline operators.

He emphasised that 40 years after the regularisation of the sector, flight delays and cancellations were still on the high side even after the liquidation of the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways.

Christian Zionism distorts scripture to justify Israel’s occupation of Palestine, betraying Jesus’ teachings of universal love and justice, writes Reverend Frank Chikane.

In June, the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) met in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Central Committee (CC) speaks on behalf of 352 member churches, representing more than half a billion Christians around the world. It comprises 158 members, the WCC regional presidents, and 100 advisors from the wider ecumenical movement. Its purpose is to make policy decisions and address issues affecting the life and witness of the churches. After deep lamentation and outrage as the crisis in Palestine and Israel escalates to unprecedented levels of starvation and collective punishment of the entire population of Gaza, the CC’s plenary session sounded four powerful, urgent, and long overdue calls to action.

Firstly, it called for the naming of the reality of the system of apartheid imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people. Churches, states and international institutions were urged to take a moral stand and immediately impose sanctions, divestment and arms embargoes to hold Israel accountable for its actions. Moral condemnation, after all, must have material consequences. The CC also demanded the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the lifting of its unlawful blockade on Gaza. The CC also called for support for the resilience and witness of Palestinian Christian churches and communities to remain on their land and to freely practise their faith – a fundamental right that the Israeli government denies them.

Sadly, it has taken far too long for the WCC to issue a clear, truthful recognition of the roots and realities of Palestinians’ suffering and a call to the global fellowship of churches to speak with clarity, urgency, and commitment. However, these resolutions signal a bold break from past WCC positions on Israel’s eight-decade-long occupation of Palestine. Many churches and ecumenical organisations have prioritised unity, rather than justice, when it comes to the unbearable suffering inflicted by Israel on Palestinians. Some of us have skirted around this issue to keep the ‘peace’ in our congregations and to avoid offending our Jewish colleagues and risk being accused of antisemitism. This is unnecessary. As Christians, we make a clear distinction between the Jewish people, our siblings in faith, and the acts of the Israeli government that acts in the name of Zionism. As African Christians who have witnessed and experienced injustices and colonialism, standing on the side of justice should be natural to us. Our own scars of colonialism make it impossible to ignore the same pattern of land grabs, military occupation, and erasure playing out in Palestine.

God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:3, wherein He promises that ‘those who bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed’, is often wrested from its context and misquoted by the Israeli government and its Christian Zionist supporters in Africa. They want believers to accept that any critique of the state of Israel for its assault on international law and basic human rights and decency is to curse Israel and incur God’s wrath. Christian Zionism is, in fact, an annulment of everything that the just Christian gospel stands for.

It is in defence of the Christian gospel that we, as African Christians, must renounce, in the strongest terms possible, any attempts to defend the Israeli occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people using the Bible. The Christianity that Christian Zionists ask us to practise makes our faith a servant of oppression, similar to how the Bible was used to justify colonialism throughout Africa and apartheid in South Africa.

Jesus Christ Himself is Christian Zionism’s greatest adversary. Its teachings fly in the face of the central tenets of the covenant that Jesus introduced to the world. Neither Jesus nor His early apostles preached Christian Zionism. Christian Zionism distorts scripture to justify Israel’s occupation of Palestine, betraying Jesus’ teachings of universal love and justice.

Yet, some African Christian leaders and their congregations continue to misguidedly support Israel, even hosting Israeli ambassadors and government officials at their church services and praying for the Israeli military and government that is currently perpetrating a genocide in Gaza! This goes against the very essence of Amos 5:24 (NRSV), which implores us to ‘let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.’

One of the central messages of the gospel is that those liberated by God cannot be made slaves by anyone. But this is exactly what is happening today in occupied Palestine. Freedom for one group cannot come through the oppression of another. Israeli security and peace cannot be built at the expense of Palestinian life, security, dignity and peace. It is time for Africa’s churches and ministries to support the WCC’s calls for justice and speak with one voice in opposing Israeli occupation, apartheid, and genocide. Africa’s silence would be a betrayal of both our faith and our history.

United States embassies and consulates worldwide say they will reduce public communications while Washington remains in shutdown.

In notices posted on official accounts, the missions said routine updates would be suspended ‘until full operations resume’, with exceptions only for urgent safety and security information.

However, the embassies noted that scheduled passport and visa services would continue ‘as the situation permits.’

Some of the embassies that issued the notice include those in Nigeria, Ghana, London, and Bangladesh.

The announcement comes as much of the US federal government halts operations following a funding impasse between President Donald Trump’s Republican Party and opposition Democrats.

The shutdown took effect at midnight after lawmakers failed to reach a deal. Trump has spent the past nine months cutting the size of the federal workforce, fuelling tensions over the current standoff.

Trump previously oversaw the longest shutdown in US history – a 38-day standoff from December 2018 to January 2019, which ended only after air traffic controllers walked off the job, forcing a temporary closure of LaGuardia Airport in New York.

This time, the president has threatened mass layoffs of federal workers, a move that could deepen the crisis if carried out.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced new opportunities in school feeding, healthcare, and foreign investments for the state following Kano’s participation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) High-Level Week in New York.

The governor, who was represented at the event by the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifah Muhammad Sanusi II, and the Director-General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (Kan-Invest), Muhammad Naziru Halliru, said the engagements created fresh avenues that will boost human development and economic growth across Kano.

One of the major outcomes was the discussion on school feeding programmes. Emir Sanusi met with Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Food4Education, Wawira Njiru, to explore collaboration aimed at expanding school feeding in Kano. The talks also involved the possibility of accessing African Development Bank funds already earmarked for African school feeding initiatives. Governor Yusuf explained that such a move was vital in tackling malnutrition among pupils, keeping children in school, and raising academic performance. He stressed that investing in children’s nutrition was an investment in Kano’s future, since well-fed children are more likely to stay focused in class and become productive citizens.

The delegation also highlighted Kano’s healthcare needs and reforms during engagements with global stakeholders. At the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Goalkeepers Event, the team presented Kano’s challenges in maternal health, immunisation, and access to primary healthcare. Governor Yusuf emphasised that forging global partnerships in the health sector was crucial to addressing service delivery gaps, especially in rural communities. He explained that the administration was already working to expand health facilities, ensure steady drug supply, and recruit more healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of the people.

On the economic front, Kano showcased its vast investment opportunities at the Global Compact: Unstoppable Africa and the Cavista Holdings/Corporate Council on Africa Summit. The state presented itself as a potential hub for global investors by stressing its market size, agricultural resources, and skilled workforce. Yusuf revealed that the state government would soon unveil a five-year multi-sectoral investment strategic plan that would serve as a roadmap for attracting foreign direct investment, expanding job opportunities, and increasing internally generated revenue. He declared that Kano, being Nigeria’s most populous state, was positioning itself as the leading investment hub not just in Northern Nigeria but in the entire country.

The governor commended Emir Sanusi for representing Kano with distinction at UNGA80. He said the emir’s international recognition, experience in economic matters, and global contacts gave the state an advantage during its engagements. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a respected voice on financial inclusion, was well received at the various side events, where he reinforced Kano’s commitment to reforms and global cooperation. Yusuf described the emir as a strong ambassador for the state whose presence elevated the quality of the conversations held with international partners.

According to the governor, Kano’s participation in UNGA80 is in line with his administration’s broader vision of linking the state to global networks of development, investment, and innovation. He maintained that Kano could not rely solely on internal resources to meet its pressing challenges in education, healthcare, and the economy. Instead, it must embrace global partnerships that can provide funding, technical expertise, and new ideas. He noted that the results of these efforts were already showing in the interest expressed by international partners and organisations that engaged with the Kano delegation.

Observers believe Kano’s involvement at UNGA80 could prove to be a turning point if the discussions lead to concrete outcomes. The possible partnership with Food4Education, for example, could have a major impact on thousands of children in public schools by improving access to meals and encouraging attendance. Similarly, the state’s pitch at international investment summits may attract new industries that would create jobs, stimulate commerce, and reduce poverty.

Yusuf assured the people of Kano that his administration would not allow the outcomes of UNGA80 to end as mere conference appearances. He pledged that all commitments made in New York would be followed up and converted into tangible results for the benefit of the state. He added that his government was not interested in attending global meetings for photo opportunities but was determined to bring back solutions, partnerships, and investments that would directly improve lives.