Author: The Nation

  • Kuda powers quick account opening for NGOs, others

    Kuda powers quick account opening for NGOs, others

    Kuda has updated its business banking services to allow NGOs and incorporated trustees to open and manage business accounts entirely online. The move means religious organisations, charities, and other registered organisations no longer have to navigate the long wait and paperwork traditionally associated with setting up a business account.

    On the Kuda Business app, organisations registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) can choose the NGO option during signup, submit their CAC documents, and provide trustee details. Once verified, accounts are activated within minutes, a significant reduction from the days or weeks it can take under traditional business banking processes.

    For many NGOs and religious institutions, handling donations, grants, and operational expenses has long been slowed by manual systems and branch-based requirements. The Kuda Business update is expected to make financial management faster and more transparent, allowing organisations to focus on their mission instead of battling administrative bottlenecks.

    Nigeria is home to thousands of registered NGOs and religious organisations, with Lagos State alone accounting for over 10,000 churches and mosques as of the last count in 2021. Across the country, incorporated trustees play a critical role in education, healthcare, humanitarian response and community development. Despite their scale and economic relevance, access to modern digital banking tools has remained limited for many of these institutions.

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    Nosa Oyegun, SVP Business Banking at Kuda, said the update is proof of Kuda’s focus on removing structural barriers that slow Nigerian organisations down. “NGOs and religious organisations are responsible for managing funds that directly impact communities, yet they are often forced to operate with outdated banking processes,” he said. “By enabling incorporated trustees to open Kuda Business accounts entirely online quickly, we’re giving these organisations access to the same modern financial tools built by Kuda that other businesses already use, so they spend less time doing admin work.”

    With Kuda Business, NGOs and religious organisations can manage incoming donations and grants, make payments, track transactions in real time, generate professional account statements for audits and reporting, and grant controlled access to trustees, treasurers and administrators, all on a single app.

    Kuda designed the account signup process to meet regulatory requirements while significantly reducing manual reviews and customer support workload. Automations shorten notoriously long business signup timelines while improving information accuracy and user experience.

    As reforms promoting cashless payments and digital financial services take hold in Nigeria, NGOs and religious organisations are under increasing pressure from donors, partners and regulators to operate with greater financial transparency and efficiency. The new Kuda Business update is therefore timely, offering a dedicated digital account specifically designed for this segment, unlike many traditional banks and fintech platforms that treat incorporated trustees as special cases requiring comparatively slower manual intervention

  • TD Africa, Enugu Tech Fest unveil Code Your Defence

    TD Africa, Enugu Tech Fest unveil Code Your Defence

    TD Africa, in collaboration with the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) and the Enugu State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, has announced the launch of a fully sponsored Cybersecurity and Data Science training initiative branded “Code Your Defence.”

    This collaboration is coming as digital transformation accelerates across Africa, the demand for skilled professionals in Cybersecurity and Data Science continues to rise, from protecting digital infrastructure to driving data-led decision-making, these fields now sit at the centre of innovation, governance, and business growth.

    The programme is designed to equip young Africans with practical, industry-relevant skills aligned with global standards. Participants will be trained through a structured curriculum that blends foundational knowledge with hands-on learning and real-world application, ensuring they are not only trained but also job ready.

    Speaking on the initiative, Head of Marketing at TD Africa, Fridel Makun, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to building digital capacity and creating real opportunities for young people.

    “At TD Africa, we believe Africa’s digital future will be shaped by people who are equipped, not just inspired. ‘Code Your Defence’ is our way of expanding access to the kind of training that builds confidence, competence, and career readiness. By investing in cybersecurity and data science, we are helping young Africans develop skills that are globally relevant and urgently needed across industries,” he said.

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    Selected participants will benefit from free professional training, an industry-standard curriculum delivered by experienced instructors, globally recognised certification, and access to pathways for job placements, internships, and career advancement.

    The programme is open to students and recent graduates, early-career professionals seeking to upskill, and individuals looking to pivot into Cybersecurity or Data Science. No advanced prior experience is required, only a strong willingness to learn.

    Training commences on January 19, 2026, and interested applicants are encouraged to register early, as slots are limited.

    This initiative reflects a shared commitment to closing Africa’s digital skills gap and building a future-ready workforce capable of securing systems, unlocking the value of data, and supporting sustainable development across the continent.

  • MoMo PSB deepens African cross-border transfers

    MoMo PSB deepens African cross-border transfers

    MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), the financial subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has expanded its cross-border transfer service, extending outbound coverage to additional African markets (including Kenya and South Sudan), while also deepening inbound remittance capabilities from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Europe.

     With the latest expansion, MoMo PSB customers in Nigeria can now send money to a wider network of African countries, including Ghana, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Togo, Cameroon, DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, The Gambia, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Malawi, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and now Kenya and South Sudan.

     On the inbound corridor, customers can conveniently receive international transfers directly into their MoMo wallets from senders across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe. This development reinforces MoMo PSB’s growing role in enabling fast, secure, and inclusive cross-border payments for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

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    The enhanced service offering reflects MoMo PSB’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion by simplifying the process of moving money across borders. Customers benefit from swift transaction processing, competitive exchange rates, secure transfers, and the ease of receiving funds directly into their MoMo wallets, removing many of the delays and frictions traditionally associated with cross-border remittances.

    The expansion is driven by strategic partnerships with Brij, Lightway Finance, and Thunes, leveraging their global payments infrastructure to deliver reliable, efficient, and compliant cross-border transfer experiences.

    Speaking on the development, Usoro Usoro, Executive Director, Strategy and Stakeholder Management, MoMo PSB, said: “Through our partnerships with Lightway Finance and Thunes, we have strengthened our international payments infrastructure to support both outbound and inbound remittances across key corridors. This expansion reflects our commitment to building secure, scalable, and inclusive financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

    By widening both its sending and receiving corridors, MoMo PSB continues to deepen access to financial services and strengthen Nigeria’s connection to the global economy—making international payments more accessible, affordable, and seamless for individuals and businesses alike. For more information, visit www.momo.ng/internationaltransfers.

  • Three Super Eagles soar  into AFCON Best X1 

    Three Super Eagles soar  into AFCON Best X1 

    • Lookman, Osimhen, Bassey listed
    • By Olamilekan Israel.

    Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey have been included in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best XI of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

    The selection was announced by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG) after the tournament ended on Sunday. The trio played key roles in Nigeria’s campaign, which saw the Super Eagles finish third overall.

    Tournament winners Senegal and finalists Morocco dominated the Best XI, with four players each making the final list.

    According to CAF, the Team of the Tournament was selected through a comprehensive technical evaluation process. This involved both remote and on-site assessments, supported by live data platforms, multi-angle video footage and analysis by technical experts.

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    Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, led his country’s representation after conceding only two goals in seven matches. He was joined by teammates Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Díaz, who emerged as the tournament’s highest goal scorer.

    Senegal’s representatives include defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfielders Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, as well as forward Sadio Mané. Mané was also named Player of the Tournament following his decisive contributions to Senegal’s title-winning campaign.

    Nigeria’s inclusion in the Best XI through Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen reflects the Super Eagles’ strong solidarity and competitive performance at the continental tournament.

    Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, was Nigeria’s top scorer  at the  tournament  with an impressive  four goals  in six matches  while  Lookman grabbed four goals  with an impressive four assists  in six matches.

     Fulham defender, Bassey, stood like a rock of Gibraltar  in the heart of the Super Eagles’ defence  and was even rewarded with the man of the Match Award  in the il-fated match  against hosts, Morocco in the semi-finals.  

    AFCON 2025 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

    Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

    Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco);Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal);Calvin Bassey (Nigeria);Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

    Midfielders: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria); Pape Gueye (Senegal);Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

    Forwards: Brahim Díaz (Morocco);Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); Sadio Mané (Senegal)

  • Osimhen-Lookman row  cost Nigeria AFCON title, says Oliseh

    Osimhen-Lookman row  cost Nigeria AFCON title, says Oliseh

    Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has stirred more controversy by suggesting that the spat involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman broke team chemistry, which in the end cost Nigeria the 2025 AFCON.

     “Let’s look at the toxicity that might have caused us (Nigeria) the AFCON title,” Oliseh said on his YouTube channel. “We are confusing talent with license. Victor Osimhen is world-class but talent is not license to destroy team chemistry.

     “Look at the evidence. Since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest lights, Lookman became a shadow of himself and we lost the bite.

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     “When you publicly diminish your teammates, you break their spirit. You destroy the very confidence a team needs to survive a semifinal. Against a team as tactically sharp as Morocco, we needed our best players at a hundred percent.

     “Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament, until that public verbal abuse broke his focus. You can’t expect a playmaker to perform a miracle on the pitch when he has been demoralised by his own teammate.

     “The conflict did its damage. We didn’t just lose a game, we lost the psychological edge needed to win.”

    He continued: “What is worse, and frankly, what is most dangerous for our football is the fan culture that now tolerates this.

    “Scoring goals for Nigeria doesn’t give you a license to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba,

    “It doesn’t give you the right to disrespect your coaches or teammates.

     “If we don’t fix the discipline and the administration, there won’t be a Super Eagles left to support.”

  • AFCON 2025: CAF sanctions Algeria after incidents against Nigeria

    AFCON 2025: CAF sanctions Algeria after incidents against Nigeria

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee have imposed severe sanctions on Algeria following the chaotic scenes that unfolded after their quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),  according to  the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

    The sanctions affect players, the federation, and supporters involved in the incidents at the end of the match, which saw Nigeria defeat Algeria 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals.

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    Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of France football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been handed a two-match suspension.

    Defender Rafik Belghali has received a four-match ban, two of which are suspended. All suspensions will be served during the CAN 2027 qualifiers, meaning the players will still be eligible to play in this summer’s World Cup.

    The (FAF) were also fined a total of $100,000 for the misconduct of the national team, as well as the inappropriate behaviour of certain players, officials, and fans following the final whistle.

    In response, the FAF have confirmed it will appeal the sanctions, emphasizing their commitment to defending the interests of Algerian football through institutional channels.

  • HAFCON: Nigeria target second win  against Zambia  after edging Algeria

    HAFCON: Nigeria target second win  against Zambia  after edging Algeria

    Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, would be targeting their second  win in as many matches  when they take on  Zambia  at the on-going  27th Men’s Handball Africa Nations Cup(HAFCON)  in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The Nigerian hopefuls began their campaign at the continental tournament on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their opening Group A match on Tuesday. The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack.

    Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time.

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    Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank. In goal, Okwor Obinna produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead.

    The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia.

    The Golden Arrows will return to action today , when they face Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00pm as they continue their quest for a podium finish in the continental championship which serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

  • Lagos International Polo Tournament begins January  27

    Lagos International Polo Tournament begins January  27

    The management of Lagos Polo Club has announced the 2026  NPA/ GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament is set to gallop off January 27th  with over 25 teams jostling for top honours.

    President Lagos Polo Club Adeyemo Alakija who disclosed this at a media briefing, said the international tournament would span three weeks of high-octane polo games and climax with fanfare on February 15 at the foremost Ribadu Polo Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos

    He commended the main sponsor GTCO, other sponsors and partners for their supports to the prestigious event that dates back since 1904, ensuring it gained reputation as one of the biggest polo tournaments in Africa, the Lagos Polo Club look forward to delivering great values for the sponsors and participants during the epoch fiesta.

    Alakija said that the club is rejuvenated with continuous infrastructural upgrade, stressing that the entire club has been primed for safety of players and horses based on international standards.

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     “The ambitious teams fully armed with foreign professionals and fortified with thoroughbred Argentine horses would be competing for four major prizes and a handful of subsidiary laurels,” he said.

    Lagos Polo Tournament Manager, Usman Dantata (Jnr), gave a breakdown of the teams vying for top honours, disclosing  that professional players from Argentina, United Kingdom and South Africa will grace the event even as he  listed The Majekodunmi Cup as the biggest prize  for the tournament.

    Other major cups are the Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup, the Lagos Low Cup as well as the crowded Lagos Silver Cup that would draw the curtain on the glamorous festival.

    The subsidiary prizes are, the Oba of Lagos, Governor’s Cup, Adedapo Ojora Memorial Cup, Sani Dangote Cup, the Argentine Ambassador’s Cup, the Independence Cup, Lagos Heritage Cup, and the Cancer Awareness Bowl, among others.

    The Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup will be the prize to win at the opening week of the event while the Majekodunmi Cup will take the centre stage in the second week.

    The Low Cup and the Silver Cup that attracted the highest number of teams, are set to draw the curtain on the international fiesta in the third and final week.

     “Let me assure everyone that with the intensification of teams’ parathions and calibre of players confirmed to showcase their talents as well as the expected high standard of games, 2026 Lagos International Polo Tournament is set to set a new standard in excitement and prestige,” Dantata added.

    Representative of the Mani Sponsor, GTCO, said the sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, over the years has ensured that the international fiesta has grown in team commitment, Nigerian and foreign players participation to become one of the most anticipated social and sporting events globally.

    According to the Tournament Committee, a grand package of entertainment featuring the best hands in the industry, has been put in place for teeming polo buffs, players and invited guests during the festival, while a long list of high-profile personalities are expected to witness the grandiose polo extravaganza.

  • Niger Delta Games: Ondo coaches challenged to pick  best athletes

    Niger Delta Games: Ondo coaches challenged to pick  best athletes

    Seeking to improve on their performance at the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG),  the Ondo State Liaison Committee has challenged coaches of the 17 sports to ensure that only the very best athletes are presented to represent the state.

    The 2nd  Niger Delta Games will be held in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27. Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited.

    Secretary of the Committee, Henry Babatunde, issued the charge during an interface with the coaches at Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

    Babatunde urged the coaches to intensify their trainings ahead of the trials to improve the competitive strength of the athletes when they represent the State.

    The secretary also commended the coaches for registering their athletes in good numbers.

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    “We should intensify training, even though trials have not commenced. The athletes that will attend the trials must be prepared for the task ahead, “he said.

    He urged the coaches to ensure that they do a thorough job and eschew favouritism in the selection process.

    A member of the Committee, Akintunde Akinsemola tasked the coaches to take advantage of the availability of medical team to ascertain the state of health of the athletes.

    “Get the medical team to do a simple health check of your athletes from the day they enter camp till they depart for Benin. Be vigilant and revert to our doctors if you detect any anomaly”.

    He equally urged the coaches to ensure that their athletes are handy with their NIN and other relevant documents for the screening coming up before the competition.

    The new General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council Mrs Evelyn Lebi, who is also a member of the committee, promised that all the points raised would be strictly monitored for a remarkable showing at the Games.

    She thanked the handlers for ensuring that the responses within the registration time frame were satisfactory.

  • Organizers seal partnership with Barcelona for Prosperity Cup  

    Organizers seal partnership with Barcelona for Prosperity Cup  

    • Celebrate Bayelsa at 30

    Ahead of the 2026 edition of o the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, Organisers have signed a huge partnership deal with Spanish giants, Barcelona.

    Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Ono Akpe , disclosed this while briefing journalists at a pre-event Press Conference held at the Golden Tulip Resort in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State’s  capital.   

    Akpe noted that officials of FC Barcelona will arrive Yenagoa on Monday, February 23 through Wednesday, 25, for an international coaching clinic to be organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association (BFA).

    ‎The DG hinted that the UEFA-certified capacity building training, which would comprise theoretical as well as practical sessions, is intended for 50 coaches, out of which 40 would be Bayelsa-based grassroots football coaches while 10 slots would be left open for coaches from outside the state.

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    The coaching clinic, according to the DG, would focus on the coaching methodology and philosophy of Barcelona FC, adding it will be coordinated by Bernard Villa Boas, the Technical Director for Africa Project.

    Akpe  equally  said the programme will dovetail into another coaching programme to be organized in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the Federation’s Technical Director, Austine Eguavoen, as the focal person.

    ‎The DG also hinted that the Prosperity Cup-Barcelona FC partnership, which was facilitated by Whiz-kid Ventures of the Netherlands, will culminate into the establishment of a world-class football academy in Yenagoa, where products of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, unarguably the biggest grassroots football spectacle in Nigeria, would be nurtured and mentored.

    He  said plans are being intensified for a hitch-free tournament, saying  that the signing of the partnership agreement with Barcelona FC was coming at a time that Bayelsa State was celebrating its  30 years of its creation, pointing out that the 2026 edition of the tournament would be de dedicated  to the state’s 30th  anniversary.

    Other capacity development initiatives packaged along with the tournament include a referees ‘ refresher programme, a 3-day intensive training programme for medical personnel as well as a one-day intensive training for Media personnel and coordinators of the various match centres.

    The essence of the capacity building programmes for the various cadres of officials of the competition was acquaint them with modern trends, explaining that over the years, the training programmes have impacted positively on the career of football referees and grassroots football coaches in the state.

    Akpe further explained that in commemoration of the state’s 30th  anniversary celebration, the prize money for the male category of the competition has been increased to N30 million while the female category was jack up to N10 million, pointing out that after this year’s special edition, the prize money would revert to its old amount of N10 million and five million Naira for the male and female categories respectively.

    ‎While appreciating the Bayelsa State Government, grassroots football coaches in the state, the Bayelsa State Football Association, sponsors Premium Trust Bank, the DG called on multi-national oil companies operating in the state, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission align with the vision of the state governor, Senator Douye Diri by co-sponsoring the competition.

    ‎Also speaking, the Tournament Director, Ebi Avi, said 30 centres across the State have been approved for the preliminary rounds, pointing out that the competition will kick-off at the Brass centre on March 1, 2026.

    Avi, who gave a rundown of the various kick-off dates of the various local government areas, informed the gathering that the local government area finals will run from 8th through 20th  of April, Round of 32 will be from 22nd  to 24th , Round of 16 will be on 25th  and 26th , quarter-finals will start on the 28th  of April, semi-finals 30th, while the third place match and grand finale will come up on the 1st  and 2nd  of May.

    ‎The organisers used the opportunity to announce the winners of the individual awards in the last edition. In the male category, Elton Mina of Movers FC, Otuasega won the golden boot with seven goals, Precious Abidde and Prince Jacob both of Advanced Dreams FA went home with the golden glove and Most Valuable Player awards of the tournament.

    ‎In the female category, Marian Edward and Korlu Godgift both from Afini Ladies FC won the best goalkeeper and tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Mary Ayeloh of Crystal Stars FA won the golden boot with each individual awards winner smiling to the bank with the sum of N50,000 each.