The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Flutterwave acquires open banking startup Mono

    Flutterwave acquires open banking startup Mono

    Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company and most valuable unicorn, has acquired Mono, a Y Combinator-backed Nigerian open banking infrastructure provider, in an all-stock transaction estimated between $25 million and $40 million.

    The acquisition integrates Mono’s API-driven platform, which enables businesses to securely access financial data, verify identities, track customer financials, and initiate account-to-account payments across multiple banks and fintechs.

    Often described as the “Plaid for Africa,” Mono has powered millions of bank account linkages and processed vast amounts of financial data, serving clients including major digital lenders and platforms like Moniepoint and PalmPay.

    Under the terms of the deal, Mono will continue to operate independently, with no changes to its leadership, team, or day-to-day operations.

    This structure allows Mono to leverage Flutterwave’s extensive reach, spanning over 30 African countries, local licenses, and payment rails, while maintaining its innovation pace and contributing its open banking technology to Flutterwave’s ecosystem.

    The move signals a shift in Africa’s fintech landscape toward bank-based, authenticated payment methods over traditional card rails, enhancing capabilities like faster onboarding, reduced fraud, and seamless direct payments.

    It also marks a rare meaningful exit in the African fintech space, providing liquidity for Mono’s investors amid a challenging funding environment.

    This acquisition kicks off 2026 with significant consolidation in African payments infrastructure, positioning Flutterwave to deepen its vertical integration and support the continent’s evolving digital economy.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, said: “This acquisition reflects how we think about the future of financial infrastructure in Africa. Payments, data, and trust cannot exist in silos.

    Read Also: Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

    Open banking provides the connective tissue, and Mono has built critical infrastructure in this space. This acquisition allows us to expand what’s possible for businesses operating across African markets, while staying grounded in security, compliance, and local relevance.”

    On his part, Abdulhamid Hassan, Founder and CEO of Mono, said: “We built Mono to unlock Africa’s Open Banking potential, and since our first partnership with Flutterwave in 2021 and working together over the years,

    “We’ve seen the power of a coordinated effort towards this goal. Mono’s capabilities across financial data access, direct bank payments, and identity verification, combined with Flutterwave’s unmatched scale and global reach, create something more defensible and comprehensive.

    “This acquisition allows us to build the infrastructure layer that powers the next generation of African fintech at the speed and scale the continent deserves.”

    At a time when Africa’s digital economy is demanding infrastructure that is
    open by design and built for trust, the investment signals a deliberate move toward systems that are interoperable, data-driven, and designed to support long-term growth across the continent.

    The transaction was advised by Nichole Yembra, Founder and Managing Partner at The Chrysalis Advisors Africa, who supported the parties through strategic positioning and execution.

  • Family raises the alarm over disappearance of Zaria Islamic scholar

    Family raises the alarm over disappearance of Zaria Islamic scholar

    The wife and children of a Zaria-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, have raised the alarm over his disappearance 25 days after he travelled to Abuja following the alleged blockage of his bank account.

    Sheikh Abdulkadir is a respected leader of Fityanul Islam, a Tijaniyya sect, with a wide following in Zaria and other parts of Kaduna State.

    Speaking in an interview with RFI International, monitored in Kaduna, the scholar’s wife, Hajiya Ramatu Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, said her husband left home early in the morning, informing her that he was travelling to Abuja to resolve issues linked to his bank account.

    She said he gave her money for household expenses and assured he would return the same day.

    “From that day till now, I have not heard his voice again. Whenever I call his line, it is switched off. Today makes it 25 days since I last heard from him,” she said.

    Read Also: Rainbow coalition ‘ll produce all elective positions in Rivers – Wike

    Hajiya Ramatu said she has been left alone with the children and under intense emotional distress, struggling to sleep as anxiety mounts over her husband’s whereabouts.

    She added that the family was later informed that the issue involved a transaction of about N2 million, which allegedly led to the blockage of the scholar’s account.

    The scholar’s son, Sunusi Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, who accompanied his father to Abuja, said they were told the account was blocked on the instruction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, officials explained that the blockage was linked to an investigation involving N2 million paid into his father’s account.

    He said his father explained that the money came from someone who requested prayers after being linked to him by another individual.

    Sunusi added that the matter was later described by officials as a “military case,” after which soldiers were reportedly invited to question his father.

    “They said my father agreed to return the money. The soldiers said they would come and question him, and since that day, we have not seen him,” he said.

    He disclosed that during the period, his father was only able to make a brief call to the family, assuring them that he was fine but without disclosing his location or the reason for his continued detention.

    Reacting to reports circulating on social media that the scholar was arrested for allegedly receiving money to pray for people plotting a coup, Sunusi said the family was unaware of such claims.

    “Nobody informed us of anything like that. The authorities have not said anything of that nature to us,” he said.

    The family appealed to the relevant authorities to either release the scholar or disclose his whereabouts and the circumstances surrounding his continued detention.

  • Rainbow coalition ‘ll produce all elective positions in Rivers – Wike

    Rainbow coalition ‘ll produce all elective positions in Rivers – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said candidates supported by his Rainbow Coalition, made up of members of different political parties in Rivers State will win all elective positions in the state come 2027.

    Wike stated this during his “thank you” visit to Asari Toru Local Government Area.

    The Rainbow Coalition is under the Renewed Hope Family, initiated by Wike to galvanise support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

    The initiative, Wike said, collapsed all political party allegiance under one roof which is the renewed hope family in Rivers State.

    The Minister reiterated that Rivers politicians have moved beyond party politics to unite for the interest of all, under the renewed hope family.

    He said: “After Tinubu, the rainbow coalition will produce every elective position in Rivers State in 2027. So, If you don’t sincerely belong to this rainbow family forget it”.

    Wike, who outlined some of the benefits the Rivers people were currently enjoying for supporting Tinubu in 2023, assured them that “this year will be better than last year”.

    Read Also: Aggrieved ex-police officers seek Tinubu’s intervention over court-order reinstatement

    He thanked the people for standing firm on their decision to support Tinubu, for the progress of the state.

    He also commended the community leaders for their support and loyalty, adding that the risk they took in 2023 was now yielding positive results.

    “Continue on this track and you will continue to reap good results. I assure you that I will stand with you at the appropriate time,” Wike said.

    Chairman of the council, Onengiyeofori George, thanked Wike for all he had done for the LGA, assuring him that the people were united under his renewed hope family.

    Chief Michael West, representing Asari Toru Constituency II in the State Assembly, commended Wike for galvanising support for Tinubu.

    Describing the Minister as a “good leader’ the lawmaker praised the minister for making an Ijaw man a governor in the state, the first since the return of democracy in the country.

    West pledged the continued support of the people, stressing they would follow him wherever he goes.

  • The NELFUND We praise, The man we forget

    The NELFUND We praise, The man we forget

    • By Ibrahim Ajala

    One initiative the incumbent All Progressives Congress-led government has taken that’s greatly popular with average Nigerians is setting up the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). 

    Despite criticism over harsh economic decisions – though I’m optimistic these policies may yield long-term benefits – NELFUND is a welcome relief for millions. Beneficiaries across Nigeria have shared heartwarming testimonies about the student loan programme. 

    Although, with living costs still high despite dropping inflation, NELFUND’s tuition support and upkeep allowance are huge reliefs for low-income students. I must give credits to the managers of the fund for running the programme transparently and in an inclusive manner, devoid of favouritism and nepotism that sometimes make government social interventions doubtful.

    However, applause surrounding NELFUND rings incomplete without giving due recognition to the Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, for his pivotal role in initiating the ‘Access to High Education Bill’ in the House of Representatives that eventually birthed the students’ loan programme. 

    NELFUND management’s omission–or refusal–to acknowledge its founding story is an inexcusable administrative faux pas. Before writing, I searched online for any mention of NELFUND origin — but found none, including its digital space.

     Let me be clear: this is not a criticism of NELFUND’s activity or undue praise of Gbajabiamila. Rather, it is about correcting the belief that only the executive arm runs the government, treating others as mere appendages and obliterating the fact that, in actuality, it is a system of interdependent parts. 

    It is also about Nigeria’s failure to consistently honour citizens, whose initiatives uplift the nation. Still, it is about making such a recognition a national culture, different from mere performative occurrence. I only decided to use Gbajabiamila’s situation to pinpoint this anomaly. After all, NELFUND was not spontaneous; it did not drop from the sky. Since the Nigerian Student Loan Board (the precursor to the failed Nigerian Education Bank, Decree 50 of 1993) was liquidated, it took three decades to get NELFUND. I strongly believe that only someone with students’ interests at heart, who believes education as a key to self-reliance and national development, could have pursued the initiative. 

    Read Also: Aggrieved ex-police officers seek Tinubu’s intervention over court-order reinstatement

    This is how I view Gbajabiamila’s role in fathering NELFUND — through the Access to Higher Education Bill he introduced in 2016 and his past interventions in the dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities versus government dispute. It is instructive to note that the bill did not become a law until 2023 – after it then APC presidential campaign team used it as a key messaging tool. Any way you look at it, the NELFUND’s management ought to acknowledge the seven years of legislative toil and resilience by the sponsor of the initiative.

    Looking at it from another perspective, this deficiency in national recognition is an area where the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must do better. The NOA is, incidentally, a key institutional partner of NELFUND and frequently serves as the megaphone for its successes. Yet, while the NOA amplifies NELFUND’s gains, it suffers from the same “selective amnesia”. 

    As the agency tasked with promoting patriotism and national values, NOA has a basic duty to publicize and celebrate the labors of those who contribute to the national fabric. The agency must understand that giving recognition reinforces positive values, inspires resilience, and, perhaps most importantly, arouses a patriotic spirit in the youth who can then see that service to the fatherland attracts honor. 

    Although, some may argue that the efficiency of a public institution or cause matters more than who initiated it. Such an argument, however, is specious, parochial, and disregards the deeper psychological forces that propel human growth. Abraham Maslow, the eminent American psychologist, outlined a five-tiered Hierarchy of Needs, with “Esteem” – explained as the craving for respect, achievement, and recognition – at its core. These are not trivial desires; they are basic drivers that inspire individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. Let me illustrate it with a soccer game. The cheers from the spectators and the encouragement of a coach often fuel a footballer’s hunger for result. It is the same in education, where a student who receives praise for an outstanding performance is far more likely determined to beat own record of accomplishment. 

    Likewise, organizational studies consistently reveal that acknowledgment—whether through awards, promotions, or even simple verbal appreciation–remains one of the most powerful motivators for sustained productivity and innovation. Unless we are prepared to argue that government institutions are esoteric, robotic systems to which humanistic psychology does not apply, which they are not.

     As I earlier stated, NELFUND is doing an admirable job and changing the narrative regarding public service delivery in Nigeria. It has proven that a government agency can be responsive, technology-driven, and free from nepotism. However, for its success to be holistic, it must also address its “gratitude deficit.”  

    Therefore, as NELFUND continues to provide a lifeline to thousands of Nigerian students, it must also restitute this anomaly. Acknowledging the role of the legislature and the specific contributions of Femi Gbajabiamila would not diminish the achievements of NELFUND management. It is time for our institutions to reflect the best of our national values – not just in what they deliver, but in how they remember those who made that delivery possible. The labors of our heroes past and present must indeed never be in vain.

    Ajala, a lawyer, writes from Kwara

  • AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

    AFCON 2025: CBN handling direct payment of Super Eagles’ allowances-NFF

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun processing the payment of allowances owed to Super Eagles players and team officials participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with funds set to be paid directly into their individual bank accounts.

    Journalist Tobi Adepoju, popularly known as Oganla Media, confirmed this following reports of unrest within the squad. 

    The situation escalated after the Super Eagles reportedly threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal encounter against Algeria over delays in the payment of their entitlements.

    “UPDATE FROM MOROCCO: I just spoke with a top NFF official about the potential players’ and officials’ strike,” Adepoju said in a post on his official X account.

    He added NFF official said: “The monies have been processed from CBN to individual banks. The players and officials will receive all their bonuses when the process is completed.”

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 most valuable footballers in the world

    BBC journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, reported the Super Eagles had threatened to boycott their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal match against Algeria over unpaid allowances.

    “Players and coaching staff of Nigeria are waiting on AFCON 2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique – have yet to be received,” Okeleji wrote.

    “The squad remains focused but the players will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved.

    “Three-time #AFCON champions Nigeria have a strange ability to self-sabotage.

    Officials made a promise to the players and coaching staff ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

    “After going unbeaten to reach the quarterfinal against Algeria, the squad will NOT train or travel on Thursday.”

    The Super Eagles enjoyed a perfect run in the group stage, recording victories of 2–1 against Tanzania, 3–2 over Tunisia, and 3–1 against Uganda, before delivering an emphatic 4–0 win against Mozambique in Monday’s round-of-16 clash.

    Eric Chelle’s side will now face Algeria in the quarter-final showdown, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakech, with a coveted semi-final berth at stake.

  • Oppositions against Tinubu getting more confused, 2027 victory certain—Fadahunsi

    Oppositions against Tinubu getting more confused, 2027 victory certain—Fadahunsi

    Senator Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) on Wednesday said opposition parties and coalitions against President Bola Tinubu are increasingly divided and disoriented ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a decisive victory because of the reforms and prioritising the welfare of the citizens. 

    Fadahunsi spoke while distributing 20,000 bags of rice and money to the vulnerable in his district. 

    According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated capacity and delivered good governance for the people. The reforms he introduced are banishing hardship and creating hope which he christened his campaign in 2023, Renewed Hope.

    “He is so deliberate about the infrastructure drive which the people of my district will start enjoying part of it with the ongoing construction of Ibadan/Ife/Ibadan expressway.”

    Read Also: Aggrieved ex-police officers seek Tinubu’s intervention over court-order reinstatement

    “State and local governments are collecting increased allocations every month. I am sure that when the autonomy is fully implemented, Nigerians will be greatly relieved. These and more are the reasons why opposition parties and coalitions against President Tinubu are getting more confused, divided and disoriented.”

    Speaking about the food distribution, he said: “As one of the crusaders of Renewed Hope Agenda, I am resolute to tackle hunger in my district, which is why I am distributing 20,000 bags of rice and money running into millions for vulnerable citizens.

    Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal lauded Fadahunsi for replicating the agenda of Tinubu in the state. 

  • Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

    Court okays interim forfeiture of N213.2b 57 assets by Malami, sons

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered interim forfeiture of 57 assets by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two sons. 

    The sons are Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru—Rahman Malami, 

    The assets are valued  at N213,234,120,000. 

    It has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired. 

    Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government. 

    The Court’s order was based on the invocation of Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture 

     Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act. 

    The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Birnin-Kebbi in Kebbi State.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC,Mr. Dele Oyewale said the properties were linked to Malami and two others.

    The statement reads: “A Federal High Court  sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation  and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and two of his sons,  Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru—Rahman Malami, to the Federal Government.

    “Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho (SAN).

    “The multi-billion naira landed properties , valued at N213,234,120,000 are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna States.

    “In granting the order, Justice Nwite ruled that,  “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”

    “The judge also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily “inviting any person(s) or body (ies) who may have interest in the properties listed in the schedule to show cause, within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria of the said assets and properties, should not be made.”

    He, therefore, adjourned the matter until January 27, 2026, for a report of compliance.

    Read Also: Aggrieved ex-police officers seek Tinubu’s intervention over court-order reinstatement

    Malami, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, are currently facing an alleged N8.7 billion money laundering charge before Justice Nwite.

    The interim  forfeited properties include: Rayhaan University Buildings,  Agro allied factory buildings, machines, hotels, pharmacy, supermarket,  primary and secondary schools,  oil and gas filling stations, shops and other buildings. 

     Some of them are:

    ●Luxury Duplex at Amazon Street, Plot No. 3011 Within Cadastral Zone, A06 Maitama; File No: AN enhancement 11352, which was purchased in December 2022 at N500, 000, 000.00 (value after enhancement at N5,950,000,000).

    ●Two Winged Large Storey Building Situate at No. 3, Onitsha Crescent, Area 11,Garki, Cadastral Zone, A03, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels Limited), FCT, which was purchased Dec. 2018 at N7,000,000,000.

    ●Plot 683, Jabi District, Cadastral Zone B04, Comprising of a five storey Building (Now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Jabi with 53 rooms/suites), which was purchased in Sept. 2020 at carcass level at N850,000,000 with additional N300,000,000 to take possession (value after completion N8,400,000,000).

    ●Property No. 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja, Comprising Terraces, purchased in January 2021 at N360,000,000.

    ●Property No. 3 Rhine Street, Maitama, Abuja (Meethaq Hotels Limited, Maitama With 15 ROOMS), which was purchased in February 2018 at N430,000,000 (current value after rehabilitation is N12,950,000,000).

    ●Plot No. 1241B, Asokoro District Zone (No. 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent) Asokoro District, which was purchased in July 2021 at N325,000,000.

    ●Shop No. C82 Citiscape — Shariff Plaza, Plot 739 Cadastral Zone A07, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse Il, FCT, Abuja, which was purchased in March 2024 at N120,000,000.

    ●No. 4 Ahmadu Bello Way, Nasarawa GRA, Kano, which was purchased in December 2022 at N300,000,000.

    ●Plot 157, Lamido Crescent, Nasarawa, GRA, Kano, purchased in July 2019 with no specific amount stated.

    ●A Plaza, Commercial Toilets, Laundering, Warehouse Tanks Adjacent           

    ●100 Hectares Of Land Along Birnin Kebbi, Jega Road, which was purchased in 2020 at N100,000,000.

    ●Four Bedroom Bungalow Gesse Phase, Birnin Kebbi, which was purchased in 2023 at N101,000, 000.

    ●Shops Nos. A36, B3 Vegas Mall, Wuse 2, Abuja, which was purchased in July 2023 at N158,000,000.

    ●No. 26, Babbi Drive, Bua Estate, Abuja, purchased in 2022 at N136,000,000.

    ●No. 27, Efab Estates Avenue, 59™ Crescent, Gwarimpa, Abuja, purchased in January 2016 at N120,000,000.

     ●Four Bedroom/ 2 Rooms Boys Quarters At No. 10B, Doka Crescent Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, purchased in Jan. 2018 at N40, 000, 000.00.

    Plot No. 13, Ipent 7 Estate, Karsana District, Abuja, purchased in June 2018 at N85,000,000.

    ●A Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters At No. 12 Yalinga Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse Il, Abuja, purchased in Oct. 2018 at N150,000,000.

    ●Two Warehouse Shops B40 And B46, Wuse Market, Abuja, purchased in July 2020 at N50,000,000.

    ●Twin Houses At Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Cadastral Zone B01, Plot 14014, Gudu District, Abuja, was purchased between February and May 2017 at N250,000,000.

    ●Properties acquired by Khadimiyya for Justice & Development Initiative at the Academic Garden City, Birnin Kebbi, sold by the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage namely.

    ●Others are nine units of three bedroom, bungalow, three units of two bedroom, bungalow, and 5.4 hectares of land, which were purchased between February 2023 and September 2023 at N187,000,000, among other assets listed in the schedule.

  • Okoya unveils free medical outreach on 86th birthday

    Okoya unveils free medical outreach on 86th birthday

    Industrialist  and philanthropist, Chief Rasaq Okoya, yesterday kicked off a free medical outreach for residents of Ajah in Lagos to mark his 86th birthday.

    The outreach, from January 5 to 12 at his  Oluwanisola home, was a way of prostate screening, mammograms, HIV tests, eye exams, diabetes screening, breast and cervical cancer screening, dental checks, tuberculosis tests, malaria tests, hepatitis B screening, urinalysis, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar checks, family planning education, reading-glasses, medications and general consultations.

    Residents diagnosed with serious health conditions will be referred and treated at partnering hospitals at no cost. Participants will get a N10,000 stipend to ease their movement.

    One hundred and twenty residents will benefit from the outreach, with organisers saying the number may be increased depending on turnout.

    Okoya, who chairs Eleganza Group of Companies, said the outreach was his way of giving back to the community and promoting early detection and preventive healthcare.

    “I am grateful to God for my life. Six years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Because it was detected early, I was treated successfully and today I am healthy,” he said.

    He stressed that many live with health conditions without knowing, warning that late detection often makes treatment difficult and expensive.

    “Many do not know where their health problems lie. When you know your status early and take care of yourself, you can live to 80, 100 or more,” Okoya said.

    Read Also: 2026 budget planned to solidify Tinibu’s achievements – Information Minister

    He said doctors, pharmacists and others had been assembled, with Lagos State support.

    “Anyone needing admission will get care. By the grace of God, we will be responsible. Long life comes with taking care of yourself. Just as a car needs regular servicing, your body also needs regular checks,” he said.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, who represented the state, lauded Okoya ‘‘the rare and impactful gesture’’.

    “This is a fine initiative by  Okoya to mark his 86th birthday. Instead of a party, he is giving back to his community through health,” she said.

    Ogunyemi noted that the outreach aligns with the state’s emphasis on preventive healthcare and early diagnosis.

    “Early detection saves lives and it is cheaper. This is a private initiative, funded by Okoya. As a government, we support it and have deployed our doctors and nurses to assist,” Ogunyemi said.

    She urged residents to embrace health insurance, highlighting Lagos State schemes such as Ilera Eko and Eko Social Health Alliance (EKOSHA) for vulnerable residents.

    “Health insurance is very important. It prevents situations where people are denied care because they cannot pay. Health is wealth. If you are not healthy, you cannot enjoy your wealth,” she added, while wishing Okoya many more years in good health.

    Wife of the celebrant, Mrs Shade Okoya, said the outreach was part of the family’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility, noting that this year’s programme places special emphasi.s on public awareness about personal health status.

    “This is not something we are doing for the first time. We have always been involved in social responsibility, but now we are making it more public and focusing on health awareness,” she said.

    She explained that the programme aims to help people understand their physical and mental health conditions and make informed lifestyle choices.

    “We are running this from January 5 to January 12. We plan to see about 150 people daily, but from the turnout today, we may increase the number. Anyone with serious health issues will be referred to our partner hospitals, and the foundation will take care of their treatment,” she added.

    Mrs Okoya expressed satisfaction with the turnout on the first day, describing it as impressive, and assured residents that the outreach would become an annual programme every January.

    Beyond healthcare, the Eleganza Group of Companies remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers of labour, providing thousands of jobs across its manufacturing and commercial operations.

    Through the Okoya Foundation, the businessman has also made significant contributions to education, including the Alhaji Akanni Okoya Scholarship Awards for undergraduates, and has consistently donated life-saving equipment to hospitals nationwide.

    Okoya, who believes that service to humanity is a divine responsibility, said the outreach reflects his conviction that good health is the foundation for a long and meaningful life.

  • Ex-firm chief refutes dismissal claims, others

    Ex-firm chief refutes dismissal claims, others

    Former senior executive of CIG Motors, Jubril Arogundade, has refuted claims that he was dismissed.

    In a statement yesterday, Arogundade  clarified the circumstances surrounding his departure from CIG, following statements that inaccurately said his exit was a termination.

    He said he voluntarily resigned on December 2  in accordance with his contractual obligations and internal company processes.

    The former executive noted that his resignation was communicated in writing, acknowledged by management, and accompanied by a clear notice period and exit timeline.

    He said contrary to reports in the media, his appointment was not terminated, nor was his employment ended under disciplinary circumstances.

    Arogundade said suggestion to the contrary is incorrect and does not reflect the truth.

    Read Also: 2026 budget planned to solidify Tinibu’s achievements – Information Minister

    “I resigned from CIG Motors after careful consideration and in line with due process.

    ‘‘Attempt to portray my exit as a termination is misleading and unfortunate. I am committed to transparency, and protection of my personal and professional integrity.”

    He denied allegations of wrongdoing, saying he welcomes legal review of his tenure and conduct.

    “At CIG, Arogundade advanced the firm’s local operations and supported talent development. His decision to leave the firm was informed by internal considerations and a desire to uphold professional and governance standards,’’ the statement said.

    He said he has taken legal and professional measures to protect his reputation. He urged the media to be balanced, fair and factual in such matters.

    “Reputations take years to build and moments to distort,” he added. “I trust that the truth will remain the foundation upon which this matter is ultimately understood.”

    “Some of his achievements are: Most Innovative Automotive Brand of the Year (Brandcom 2024); Most Innovative Automobile Company in Consumer Engagement; 2023 Auto Company of the Year (Champions Award 2024); Outstanding Distributor (GAC China 2023); Most Innovative Automobile Brand of the year (Brandcom 2023); Most Outstanding Automobile Company in Consumer; Best in Business (National Daily Awards); Automobile Manufacture of the Year (Peace Legend Awards 2022); and Fastest Growing Automobile Company of the Year (Brandcom 2022),” the statement noted.

  • Newspaper lists firm as fastest growing SMEs

    Newspaper lists firm as fastest growing SMEs

    Yonsus Global Ventures, a Nigerian indigenous construction and building services company, has been named on the 2025 BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. The listing recognises firms demonstrating performance, scalability and market relevance.

    Yonsus Global is a privately owned limited liability company that operates in all construction-related activities.

    Its operations cover civil engineering, project management and monitoring, building material procurement and maintenance services. Yonsus Global also undertakes general contracting, trading, marketing and procurement of goods and services, with activities in sewage and drainage systems, earthworks, haulage, warehousing, metal fabrication and furniture.

    Read Also: 2026 budget planned to solidify Tinibu’s achievements – Information Minister

    The company noted that its operations are technology-enabled and customer-oriented, with the objective of delivering reliable construction solutions while maintaining quality standards on projects. Yonsus Global operates under the principles of Total Quality Management and Just-in-Time systems designed to ensure efficiency, accuracy and consistency in project execution.

    Yonsus Global is headquartered at Abuja with offices at Edo and Lagos.

    The company’s mission centres on providing a broad and integrated range of construction materials, logistics and support services to the construction industry and the oil and gas sector. It emphasises compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations, alongside quality-driven service delivery through Total Quality Services.

    Strategically, Yonsus Global Ventures focuses on structured goal-setting across business units, maintaining accurate client databases, real-time customer engagement and strict adherence to specification-driven quality standards. The company states that these principles guide its operational planning and long-term growth strategy.

    Yonsus Global Ventures is led by Andrewyoung Ehidiamhen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who oversees the company’s strategic direction and operations. Under his leadership, the company has prioritised integrity, excellence, safety and sustainability as core operational values.

    The BusinessDay Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is determined using criteria such as revenue growth, scalability, innovation, market expansion and business sustainability. Yonsus Global Ventures’ inclusion reflects its recorded performance and continued participation within Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure services ecosystem.

    Yonsus Global Ventures stated that it will continue to strengthen its service offerings, deepen client partnerships and maintain its focus on quality, safety and environmental responsibility as it expands its operations.