Senate counters ‘Christian genocide’ claim

The Senate on Thursday dismissed allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the claims made by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and television host Bill Maher as false, divisive, and capable of undermining the country’s unity.

Lawmakers, while debating a motion titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” resolved to work closely with the Federal Government on more effective counter-terrorism strategies to address insecurity.

The motion, sponsored by Senator  Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West), and others, was aimed at countering what senators described as dangerous misinformation in the international space.

Seconding the motion, Senator Magatakarda Wamakko (Sokoto North) denounced the genocide narrative as “outright misinformation aimed to destroy our nation.”

“This misinformation cannot continue like this. We must take decisive steps to address this issue,” he said.

Senator Sumaila Kawu (Kano South) warned that such unfounded allegations could strain Nigeria’s international relations and fuel sectarian tension.

“It is very common knowledge to us that nobody is supporting any act of terrorism in Nigeria. The government is doing their best to make sure we are living in a conducive atmosphere. Some of the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria in my own state are members of the security council and traditional institutions.

“If they pass the bill in the US, it will be dangerous to us, both Christians and Muslims, in Nigeria. I am seriously worried that the US Congress or a ranking US senator will come up with a very uninformed position. As a parliament, we must join hands with our government to inform the US government and US parliament that the position they are taking is not in tandem with what is going on,” he said.

In his contribution, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) called for a deeper national rethink on terrorism and security, urging the Senate to help redefine the country’s counter-terrorism framework.

“We must come to terms to understand the strategies, tactics and practices of the terrorists. We must now engage the government on counter-terrorism measures. We must engage knowledge. We must go into executive session to define and redefine our counter-terrorism measures,” Ibrahim stated.

The controversy was triggered after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, in a podcast with television host Bill Maher, claimed that Christians were being “systematically targeted and killed” in Nigeria — a situation he described as genocide.

Maher and political commentator Van Jones echoed similar claims, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christian communities.

The Federal Government swiftly rejected the assertions, insisting that the nation’s security crisis stemmed from terrorism, banditry, and criminality, not religious persecution.

The Senate’s Thursday resolution signals a coordinated effort to engage the executive arm in designing stronger counter-terrorism strategies and diplomatic responses to correct what lawmakers described as a distorted foreign narrative about Nigeria.

FG moves to audit varsities over TETFund grants

Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa. Photo credit: FacebookThe Federal Government has directed all tertiary institutions to submit comprehensive reports on unutilised intervention funds received from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund within 30 days , saying “sanctions will be imposed on institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the directive in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions.

Alausa expressed concern over the huge sums of TETFund allocations that remain unspent across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, saying the situation has stalled infrastructural and academic development.

“Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days, which will be jointly verified. Unused funds may be redirected to priority projects, and carrying them over without strong justification will no longer be allowed,” Alausa warned.

He added that procurement plans must align with approved interventions and urged institutions to fast-track approval processes to avoid project delays.

To ensure accountability, the minister said the government would introduce quarterly compliance reviews and capacity-building programmes to strengthen project management and reporting.

He also announced plans for a public dashboard displaying disbursement and utilisation data, alongside a requirement for institutions to publish project progress reports.

“Sanctions will be imposed on institutions that fail to utilise funds effectively. TETFund must enforce compliance and ensure transparency, while institutional heads should drive urgency and accountability,” he said.

TETFund had earlier expressed concern over the rising volume of unaccessed and unutilised funds by tertiary institutions. As of July 2025, the agency threatened to delist defaulting institutions and divert their allocations to those with a record of prompt utilisation.

Under the 2025 intervention cycle, TETFund allocated N1.6tn to Nigerian tertiary institutions for projects in campus security, direct interventions, and healthcare infrastructure.

Airtel rolls out tech scholarship for 100 undergraduates

Airtel logoAirtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has launched its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship Programme to support 100 Nigerian undergraduates pursuing studies in information and communication technology-related fields.

The disclosure was made in a statement on Thursday following remarks by the Chairman of Airtel Africa, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, at a world press conference held recently in Lagos.

The initiative will cover tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a stipend from the first year to the final year of study. The programme is designed to eliminate financial barriers and enable students to focus on academic and technical achievement.

According to the Foundation, eligible courses include Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT disciplines. Beneficiaries are drawn from 100-level students enrolled in approved programmes in public universities, including the University of Lagos, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, the University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Ogunsanya said the scholarships reflect the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting young Africans.

“At Airtel Africa Foundation, our vision has always been to create opportunities where talent meets ambition. With this scholarship, we are investing in Nigeria’s future tech leaders, giving them the resources and confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said the initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to education as a key pillar of its social investments.

“The prioritisation of education as a pillar of our social investments becomes much stronger with these 100 new scholarships.

They build on such other initiatives as our partnership with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education Programme, our Adopt-A-School project, and our N1 billion investment in the Three Million Technical Talent effort of the Federal Government. Ultimately, for us as an organisation, the best way to equip the future is to arm it with cutting-edge education,” he said.

The undergraduate scholarship is aligned with the Foundation’s four strategic pillars of financial inclusion, education, environmental protection, and digital inclusion.

N20bn Sukuk: TAJBank records 185.5% oversubscription

TAJBank LimitedNon-interest bank, TAJBank Limited, has recorded a 185.15 per cent oversubscription in its latest N20bn Mudarabah Sukuk bond offer.

In a statement on Thursday, the bank said the figure was based on data released by investment market authorities on the bond’s performance.

The data showed that the debt instrument, with an annual profit rate of 20.5 per cent, recorded an allotment of N57.03bn, representing 185.15 per cent oversubscription, a reflection of growing investor confidence in the bank.

Commenting on the performance of the offer, TAJBank’s Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Hamid Joda, described the N20bn Mudarabah Sukuk bond, which represents the second tranche of the bank’s N100bn Sukuk programme, as impressive given prevailing micro and macroeconomic conditions affecting the real incomes of Nigerians.

“Let me say that this outstanding performance of the Sukuk bond is a clear demonstration that the bank is enjoying growing investor confidence. This can only be attributed to the quality of innovative products and services, as well as the value addition TAJBank continues to deliver in the non-interest banking subsector, especially when analysed within the context of current realities in the debt instrument market,” Joda said.

He added, “I want to thank the board, management and staff of the bank, the regulatory authorities, and the investors for their contributions to the success of the bond issuance. I also assure them that TAJBank will continue to protect their interests to ensure a win-win experience for all stakeholders as we sustain our drive to remain the leading player in the nation’s non-interest banking subsector.”

Also speaking, the bank’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mr. Sherif Idi, said, “This investment feat clearly demonstrates investors’ trust in TAJBank, and we will continue to do our best to exceed their expectations through world-class products and services. As always, our focus remains on our customers and investors.”

Analysts in the investment market believe that, following the outstanding success of TAJBank’s latest N20bn Mudarabah Sukuk bond, more investors, businesses, and customers will be encouraged to engage with the bank to explore opportunities in its innovative products and attractive returns.

Since debuting in Nigeria’s non-interest banking space about five years ago, TAJBank has gained recognition for its adherence to global best practices in Islamic finance. The bank has received several awards, including the Global Islamic Finance Award 2023 for ‘Best Sukuk Deal of the Year’. It also won BusinessDay’s ‘Islamic Bank of the Year’ award in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and earlier clinched Leadership Newspaper’s ‘Bank of the Year’ award in 2020, among other accolades.

Fidelity Bank set to disburse NCGC N5bn credit guarantee facility to boost MSME financing

FIDELITY BANK SET TO DISBURSE NCGC N5BN CREDIT GUARANTEE FACILITY TO BOOST  MSME FINANCING
Tier one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its readiness to begin the disbursement of funds under the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) N5 billion Credit Intervention Scheme. The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as businesses owned by women and youths across Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NCGC.
According to Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, the partnership with NCGC represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth through increased access to credit. “This guarantee will enable us to further expand financing opportunities for those who need it most, while strengthening our capacity to support businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy,” she said.
The facility will cover critical sectors including food processing, secondary agriculture (such as fish and poultry processing), fashion, green energy, light manufacturing, the agricultural value chain (feed mills and equipment fabrication), export-oriented businesses, and education.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted that Fidelity Bank has consistently supported diverse sectors through targeted initiatives such as the Green Energy Financing Programme for renewable energy entrepreneurs, the Fidelity SME Hub for small businesses with a special arm – Creativerse, dedicated to the creative industry and the Fidelity Bank Education Support Scheme which provides affordable financing for educational infrastructure and technology upgrades.
“With the backing of the NCGC credit guarantee, we can now extend financing to businesses that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit systems—without compromising our risk standards or operational efficiency,” she added. “While we have supported MSMEs with short-term facilities in the past, this partnership allows us to provide long-term credit facilities that empower businesses to expand sustainably.”
Over the past five years, Fidelity Bank has disbursed over N500 billion in loans to MSMEs, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the organization was established to bridge the financing gap faced by MSMEs in Nigeria by mitigating lender risks through credit guarantees.
“Although MSMEs are key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development, many of them struggle to secure funding from financial institutions due to perceived high risks,” he said. “Through the credit guarantee scheme, NCGC shares this risk with banks, making it easier for MSMEs to access much-needed capital.”
Mr. Okhaimo added that NCGC and Fidelity Bank will also collaborate to provide financial literacy and business management training to MSME beneficiaries, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their loans and achieve sustainable growth.
The Fidelity Bank–NCGC partnership reinforces both institutions shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving inclusive economic development across Nigeria.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Union Bank strengthens Media ties at informal mixer event

Union Bank Strengthens Media Ties at Informal Mixer Event
Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with leading media professionals at The Stallion Plaza, its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
The event, held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators, was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.
Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.
In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said:
“This event is simply about people. Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.
We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”
Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added:
“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”
The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.
Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Moniepoint set to launch second edition of Nigeria’s informal economy report in Abuja  

A new study by Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, a proudly Nigerian-founded and led financial institution, has revealed that 42 per cent of Nigeria’s informal sector operators do not have enough savings to survive beyond one month without income, underscoring the fragile financial position of millions of small businesses across the country. The yet to be released report has received generous support from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN.
The findings form part of the second edition of Nigeria’s Informal Economy Report, which Moniepoint is set to officially launch on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
Nigeria’s informal economy is the backbone of the nation’s livelihood, accounting for over 80% of employment and driving the majority of economic activity. For millions of Nigerians locked out of formal employment structures, this sector is essential in serving as a bulwark against poverty.
According to Moniepoint, the Informal Economy Report is designed to provide evidence-based insights that can guide policymakers, regulators, and financial institutions in shaping interventions that strengthen and formalise informal enterprises.
“The Informal Economy Report is a robust and important study that examines the informal market more closely and curates fresh insights into its realities. We believe its key outputs will serve ecosystem players and government well in policy direction and execution,” said Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, in a statement ahead of the launch.
The event is expected to attract senior government officials, regulators, lawmakers, industry leaders, trade associations, academics, civil society, and development organisations. It will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and presentations of the study’s findings, with participants exploring strategies to create a more inclusive and sustainable economic landscape.
The Informal Economy Report 2025 follows the success of the inaugural edition, which received commendation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Corporate Affairs Commission, SMEDAN, and leading business associations for providing credible data and actionable recommendations.
SAHARA Group expands GO RECYCLE Hubs to boost environmental sustainability 

 

Picture: L-R: High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power Plc, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Kehinde Basirat, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Ijede LCDA, Folashade Adebanjo, Programs Manager, Sahara Group Foundation.

 

 

Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact vehicle of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 15th Sahara Go Recycling hub in Ijede, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, further underscoring its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment in Nigeria.

The new hub, strategically located opposite the General Hospital in Ijede, extends the Foundation’s growing recycling campaign, building on the success of 14 hubs already established across Lagos.

The Sahara Go Recycling initiative is designed to promote a circular economy by reducing waste, fostering resource recovery, and empowering local communities with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said: “The launch of the Ijede Go-Recycling Hub is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about redefining value, creating opportunities for economic empowerment, and building resilient communities that can lead the charge for sustainability.

Every plastic bottle, aluminium can, or piece of paper recycled here marks a step toward a cleaner environment, stronger livelihoods, and a future where waste is transformed into wealth”, underscoring the Foundation’s vision of inspiring a ripple effect of sustainable practices across communities.

The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, and Ikeja Electric, the Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Government Development Area, and other members of the team, officials from the Ijede General Hospital, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members.

Mokhtar Bounour, CEO of Egbin Power Plc, remarked, “At Sahara, Egbin, Ikeja Electric, and across all our businesses, we don’t just say it, we transform it in action, making a difference and doing it from our heart to ensure that communities are empowered.

A cleaner Ijede means a healthier Ikorodu and ultimately a stronger Nigeria. This initiative has the power to enhance public health while stimulating economic empowerment for our people.”

Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede Local Government, representing the Executive Chairman, emphasised the hub’s importance to Ijede residents, especially given its strategic location.

“The essence of this project is environmental sustainability and value creation. When we transform our waste into resources, it is a symbiosis, improving our environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and global warming. Ultimately, we are creating job opportunities and saving energy.” He implored all Ijede residents to key into the project and minimise improper waste disposal.

High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter, describing the hub as a vital contribution to the well-being and livelihoods of Ijede residents, especially because of the economic value it provides.

Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 500 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦50 million to beneficiaries. The program has positively impacted more than 1000 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

The new hub in Ijede was implemented in partnership with Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter. It provides a convenient drop-off point for recyclable materials, including plastics, cartons, paper, and aluminium cans.

Residents are encouraged to exchange waste for incentives at the hub – joining a growing network of locations across Lagos, such as Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Ikotun, Apapa, Igbogbo Baiyeku, Kosofe, Ifako-Ijaye, and Navy Town.

Mrs Ayodele Michael Oluwakemi, Council Manager, Ijede Local Government, called on residents to embrace the initiative, sort their waste, and turn in the recyclables to the hub in exchange for value, noting that this will contribute to a cleaner, greener Ijede.

Roseline Idehai, representing Eco Barter, added: “At Eco Barter, we believe waste is not a problem, but an opportunity. Our partnership with Sahara Group Foundation ensures this opportunity becomes a sustainable reality, empowering individuals and inspiring collective action toward a cleaner Lagos. We allow people to use their waste as currency and get value for every waste recycled”.

Mr Disu Shoyiga, Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Government, noted the health benefits of the initiative, stating: “A cleaner environment translates directly into healthier lives. And the add-on of this project is the economic value it brings to the people. We are grateful to the Sahara Group Foundation and will ensure that the hub remains viable”.

Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Chidilim Menakaya added, “The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

“At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”

For more information on the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative and other Sahara Group Foundation programs, please visit: www.saharagroupfoundation.org

 

Nigeria was number one economy in Africa when we left power – PDP mocks APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that Nigeria was Africa’s top economy and the leading destination for foreign investment when it left power in 2015, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of rolling back the gains achieved.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, revealed this while speaking with journalists during an interactive session with journalists on Wednesday.

According to him, the economic and social progress recorded under the PDP has been reversed over the past ten years.

“We had an economy that was number one in Africa, and by the time the PDP left government in 2015, our economy was worth over $600 billion,” Ologunagba said.

“Nigeria was the number one destination for foreign capital investment, and all of that has been rolled back in the last 10 years.”

He added that Nigerians are looking back at the PDP’s record with nostalgia, recalling an era of democratic governance and economic development.

Debo Ologunagba said that due to the APC’s poor performance in government, many Nigerians are looking back fondly on the PDP’s tenure.

He described the party as one that follows rules, respects democratic principles, and encourages open dialogue and discussion.

The PDP spokesman noted that the party’s national convention is essential for maintaining democracy in Nigeria, adding that citizens are closely watching the party’s activities to ensure it is well-organized.

He also emphasized that Nigerians, having experienced governance under both the PDP and APC, are now in a position to assess which party has delivered better for the country.

Akpabio, Moro at loggerhead over senators’ defections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), on Wednesday exchanged words over the continuous defection of lawmakers from opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The argument followed the defection of Senator Kelvin Chukwu (Enugu East) from the Labour Party, LP, to the APC.

Chukwu had said that his decision was due to the collapse of internal democracy and lack of cohesion within his former party.

DAILY POST reports that after reading Senator Chukwu’s letter, Akpabio taunted the opposition, saying he was no longer worried about their dwindling numbers.

“If they like, let them all move here. Your decision to leave a tattered house is accepted,” Akpabio said, urging opposition parties to organize themselves and noted that all the political parties are in tatters.

Responding, Senator Abba Moro said, “Mr. President, with due respect, you are the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No matter the number that are here, we are capable of holding our own.”

The Benue Senator also expressed concern about the rising number of defections, saying the Senate was becoming too full, and wished Senator Chukwu well in his new party.

“He came here on the Obedient movement, on a sympathy vote, but that’s a story for another day,” he said.