Author: Ifetayo Adeniyi

As conversations around money become more complex in a fast-evolving digital world, the need to Building Financially Smart Future and equip young people with the right financial knowledge, has never been more urgent. From spending habits to saving culture, digital transactions, and entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy is increasingly becoming a life skill, not just a nice-to-have. It is against this backdrop that Polaris Bank is participating in this year’s Global Money Week (GMW), a global financial awareness campaign which kicked off from Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 30, 2026. Global Money Week is an annual initiative led by Child…

Manny Ita  – The third edition of the Bet9ja Foundation Fitness Festival 3.0 was successfully concluded in Warri last week, marking another milestone in the growing trend of large-scale fitness gatherings across Nigeria. The event drew a diverse crowd of fitness enthusiasts, influencers, and community members who participated in a range of high-energy workout sessions, including aerobics, dance fitness, strength training, and endurance challenges. Beyond exercise, the festival incorporated live Afrobeats performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere that merged physical wellness with entertainment. Organisers say the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Bet9ja Foundation to promote healthy lifestyles…

Manny Ita  – British financial technology firm Wise is reportedly on the verge of securing its first operational licence in Nigeria, a move expected to significantly enhance cross-border remittance services into and out of the country. According to industry sources, the company is in advanced stages of regulatory approval, positioning it to enter one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic remittance markets. Once approved, Wise will be able to offer its low-cost, transparent international money transfer services directly to Nigerian users and businesses. The anticipated entry of Wise is expected to increase competition in Nigeria’s fintech and payments space, particularly…

Manny Ita  – Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has launched a strong advocacy campaign calling for the introduction of lifetime streaming royalties for actors in Nigeria’s film industry, challenging the long-standing practice of one-time payments. Kanayo, a respected figure in Nollywood with decades of experience, criticised the current compensation structure, where actors receive a single upfront fee regardless of how successful or widely distributed a film becomes. He argued that with the rise of digital platforms and global streaming services, actors deserve to benefit continuously from the commercial success of their work. The actor emphasised that the traditional model…

Manny Ita  – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the renewal of the tenure of Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), granting him a final term in office. The decision is part of efforts by the Federal Government to ensure stability and continuity in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly at a time when reforms and infrastructure upgrades are ongoing across the electricity value chain. Engr. Abdulaziz, who has overseen the transmission arm of the power sector, is expected to consolidate on existing achievements, including grid expansion projects, improved…

Manny Ita  – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced that the 2026 edition of the Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference (NAIDEC) will be held in Canada, in a move aimed at strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and its global diaspora community. According to the commission, the conference—Nigerian Diaspora Economic Conference (NAIDEC) 2026—will focus on unlocking investment opportunities in key sectors such as financial technology and renewable energy. The event is expected to bring together Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors based abroad to explore avenues for collaboration and economic participation in Nigeria’s development. NiDCOM stated that the choice of…

Manny Ita  – Several of Nigeria’s leading financial technology firms have unveiled ambitious expansion plans in the United Kingdom, signalling growing international confidence in the country’s fintech ecosystem and its global competitiveness. Among the أبرز movers, Moniepoint and Kuda Bank have announced plans to significantly scale up their operations in London, with both companies set to double their UK-based workforce within the year. The move is expected to create new jobs across engineering, compliance, customer experience, and business development functions, reinforcing London’s role as a strategic hub for African fintechs expanding into global markets. In a parallel development, LemFi disclosed…

Manny Ita  – The Federal Government has announced the appointment of Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), marking a significant leadership change in the country’s oil and gas capacity development agency. Professor Aliyu takes over from Ahmed Galadima Aminu, whose tenure at the helm of the organisation has come to an end. The appointment, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional effectiveness and reposition key government agencies for improved performance. The PTDF plays a critical role in developing indigenous human capacity and technological…

Keyamo Says that the system would ensure proper identification of all domestic air travellers. The Federal Government has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across Nigeria’s domestic airports as part of efforts to strengthen aviation security, enhance data integrity, and improve revenue generation. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this through a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Affairs at the ministry, Chindaya Adamu on Thursday. Keyamo said the initiative was designed to address data inconsistencies and unauthorised boarding practices in the aviation sector. He said, “The…

Elegbede Abiodun The Lagos State Government, the World Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) are advancing the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) programme. This $500 million initiative is designed to strengthen the systems behind basic education and primary healthcare in Nigeria. Supported by the federal government and operating across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the programme focuses on improving resource management and outcome measurement. Funding is tied not to plans, but to verified progress. For Lagos, the shift is already taking shape. At a public presentation on the state’s progress in implementation, Governor…