Unity Bank Launches GenFi For Kids, Teens

By

-

May 6, 2025

In a bold move to redefine promotion of financial literacy, Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, has unveiled GenFi, a new digital banking platform tailored to empower kids and teenagers between the ages of 8 and 18 with essential financial skills.

The launch follows a report by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which found that only 38 percent of Nigerian adults are financially literate. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for early financial education.

GenFi, therefore, aims to reverse this trend by offering young users the platform to manage money effectively, aggregate and track allowances or income, set and achieve savings goals, and develop smart spending habits with parental guidance.

Speaking at the official launch event in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (Ag) of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, said the launch of the Genfi App represents a significant milestone since Unity Bank’s foray into retail Banking started several years ago, adding that “as the Bank continues to evolve, the institution is constantly innovating with technology to enable us drive more financial inclusiveness in different segments of the market”.

Mr. Kolawole explained that Genfi was inspired by the desire to nurture a financially savvy generation, and empower them to make smarter financial choices.

He said, “GenFi is short for Generation Finance, and with this app, the Bank is pioneering solution designed to empower Children, Teenagers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with essential financial literacy skills and a Personal Finance Management Solution.

“GenFi is a market proposition that helps us address a critical knowledge gap among our kids and Teens as it also connects with the strong passion of parents desirous to empower their wards with financial literacy.”

Similarly, the Divisional Head of Retail and SME Banking at Unity Bank, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, described GenFi as a financial product that goes beyond Banking: hence a financial literacy ecosystem designed to inculcate financial literacy skills amongst Nigerian Children through an engaging and gamified platform.

“Financial literacy is not a luxury. It’s a life skill. And like most life skills, the best time to learn is from childhood. That’s why we created GenFi, not just as a banking app, but as an interactive experience that nurtures discipline, planning, and financial independence from an early age,” Abimbola explained.

The Genfi platform leverages behavioural science and gamification to make financial learning fun and practical. Parents can monitor transactions, guide financial behaviours, and initiate real-life conversations around money management, thereby promoting not just financial skills, but also stronger family bonds.

“Imagine a 12-year-old setting a goal to save for a bicycle, not only are they learning to save, but they are also learning patience, discipline, and the value of delayed gratification. That’s the GenFi advantage,” said Abimbola.

Speaking after the launch, one of the students who attended the launch event, Master Ajayi Favour of Victoria Island Junior Secondary School, described Genfi as an “innovative banking solution that will equip children and teenagers with financial intelligence, management, and independence.” He expressed confidence that the app will gain global reach and become popular among the target demographics.

Also, a guest at the launch and school proprietor, Sylvia Ezeora, described the Genfi app as “user-friendly, educational, and motivational for children”. She noted that beyond teaching financial literacy, “the app empowers parents to reinforce positive behaviour through rewards for completed tasks and promotes responsibility”.

Another guest and parent, Genevieve Adindu, commended Unity Bank for the innovative solution, tailored for children aged 8 to 18, and noted that Genfi “provides a modern, engaging approach to instilling saving habits early in life, replacing traditional methods like the kolo with a more effective digital tool, thereby becoming a powerful companion for children’s financial education”.

GenFi is positioned as a national benchmark for youth-focused digital banking, with the potential to drive economic inclusion and sustainability across generations. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders from the education and finance sectors, technology partners, media, and young students who will be among the early adopters.

Will FG Scrap NYSC?

By

James Orji

-

May 6, 2025

0

The federal government had set up a committed to advise it on the need to reform the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

Accordingly to the news agency, the Committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Reform Committee is expected to review existing policy documents and propose comprehensive reforms to ensure the scheme remains effective and responsive to current national needs, the federal government said.

Speaking, the Minister stated that the Scheme has played a vital role in promoting national unity since its inception 52 years ago.

Olawande said the NYSC now requires refocusing in line with the nation’s current needs and realities, adding that this is more so considering the challenges posed to the schemes, such as the safety of corps members, inadequate infrastructure, and financing.

The Minister said the Committee is expected to recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks to the federal government.

“Today signifies an important step forward in our collective journey to improve one of Nigeria’s most valuable national institutions dedicated to unity, empowerment, and development,” Olawande said.

Adding that, “As the nation advances, we must improve the institutions that support its development.

“While the NYSC has made remarkable progress, it also faces significant challenges, particularly concerning the safety of corps members, infrastructural deficits, and questions about the scheme’s relevance in a changing socio-economic landscape.

“The committee will also review existing policy documents, laws, and reports guiding the NYSC; engage in consultations with stakeholders nationwide; and recommend legal, policy, and institutional reforms, including improved funding and monitoring frameworks.

“A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Youth,” Olawande stated.

The Scheme was set up under the General Yakubu Gowon-led military regime in 1973, few years after the end of the Nigerian bloody Civil War, as an instrument to foster unity in the country.

Not a few Nigerians have however called for the modernisation of the NYSC to reflect the current situation in the country. Others have called on the federal government to scrap the Scheme, saying it has lost its relevance, particularly following the constant abductions of NYSC members in some part of the country.

Pregnant Woman Found Hanging On Cashew Tree, Police Investigates

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 6, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command has appealed for public cooperation in its efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the body of a pregnant woman found hanging on a cashew tree in Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of the State.

The body of the woman was discovered on Monday May 5, 2025, dangling on the tree along Uke/Ideani Road in development. A possible suicide is being suspected.

But the Police are not persuaded by the suicide theory.

The State Commissioner for Police, Ikioye Orutugo, fears that it might not be unconnected with a classical case of murder, disguised as suicide.

A statement on Tuesday May 6, 2025, by the Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, informed that a full scale investigation has been launched to ascertain exactly what happened to the woman.

Specifically, the Police urged residents of Ideani to lead in providing credible intelligence that could assist in unmasking the killers of the woman, as well as bringing them to justice.

“CP Orutugu called on stakeholders ,and community leaders of Iveani ,Idemili North to assist with information to unravel the perpetrators of the suspected murder of a pregnant lady found hanging on a cashew tree along Uke/Ideani Road.

“The CP described the incident as unfortunate and a stark example of man’s inhumanity to man and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Jigawa Commissioner Accused Of Adultery Returns N301 Million Unspent Ramadan Feeding Funds

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 6, 2025

0

Auwalu Danladi Sankara and Malam Umar Namadi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an unusual development within Nigeria’s governance space, Jigawa State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwalu Danladi Sankara, has returned the sum of over N300 million unspent Government funds to the State coffers.

The State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, announced the rare act during this week’s Executive Council meeting in Dutse the State Capital.

The returned money was part of the N4.8 billion budget by the State for the last Ramadan free feeding programme in the State.

The free feeding initiative was carried out at about 700 centres across the 27 Local Councils of Jigawa State.

“The feeding Committee supervised by Sankara as the Commissioner for Special Duties returned N301 million back to the Government after providing free meals to about 5,550 persons for the 29 days the Ramadan lasted”, the Governor reportedly said.

The Executive Council lauded the Commissioner for such an exemplary action, noting that it represents an eloquent testimony of accountability and fiscal discipline in governance.

An estimated 300 persons were reportedly served at each of the 700 feeding centres with both quality and enough breakfast meals throughout the fasting period.

The programme was specifically targeted at the poor and vulnerable people.

The Source reports that the Commissioner, in 2024, was on the spot, following his arrest by the Kano State Sharia Police, Hisbah, over alleged adulterous relationship with a married woman.

He was apprehended alongside the woman at his uncompleted property in the Nasarawa area of Kano Metropolis.

At the tick of the scandal, Sankara was suspended as a member of the State Executive Council by Governor Namadi.

However, following his discharge and acquittal by a Kano Shariah Court, he was recalled .

Tinubu Promises To Work With Govs After Meeting With Obovrewori

By

James Orji

-

May 6, 2025

0

Sheriff Oborevwori and President Baola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to collaborate with the 36 state governors with a view to bringing development to the country.

The president made the remark in Abuja on Tuesday after meeting with the recently decamped Governor Sheriff Obovrewori of Delta state.

The president shared the pictures of his meeting with Governor Obovrewori in Aso Rick, Presidential Villa, on his verified X handle.

The Delta state helmsman, the magazine recalled, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, saying his state needed to be at the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics .

According to Tinubu his administration is committed to supporting sub-nationals in the country to foster long term growth and development in Nigeria, calling on the state governments to work with him for building a better future for Nigerians.

Tinubu: “Today, I met with the governors of Delta State and Ekiti State at the State House. We engaged in meaningful discussions about the opportunities for sustainable growth in their states and discussed the critical challenges they face.

“Our administration remains committed to supporting and collaborating with state governments and sub-nationals to foster long-term development and growth throughout Nigeria. I have long decided to take a bet on our dear country, Nigeria, and together, we must work tirelessly towards building a brighter future for all Nigerians. That is my Renewed Hope promise.”

The magazine reported that the governor, his Deputy and key PDP leaders in the state had left the party, in what has been described to be unprecedented since the return to democratic governance in 1999, as the PDP had been in control of the oil rich state for more than 25 years.

Edo: Assembly Speaker, LGA Chairmen, Defect To APC

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 6, 2025

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, completed his long expected defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

He was originally elected on the platform of the now troubled Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A few weeks back, some of his former PDP Lawmakers left the party to join forces with the APC.

Their defection, as it were, catapulted the APC from its hitherto minority status to the dominant party in the State Legislative body.

The change in the status of the parties also brought about

the reshuffling of the principal officers positions in the House with the APC taking over those meant for the majority party.

However, Speaker Agbebaku was spared pending when he will complete his own defection process.

Speaking on Tuesday Agbebaku informed that his decision to abandon his former party PDP was to align himself with Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track the developmental processes of Edo State.

The Speaker who defected alongside 17 of the 18 Local Council Chairmen, emphasized the need for a synergy and understanding between the Executive and Legislative arms of Government in the efforts to move Edo State forward.

Similarly, about six other Lawmakers and PDP officials, including Gabriel Oloruntoba, the Publicity Secretary, also defected with the Speaker.

While receiving the defectors, the APC National Chairman,

Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, assured them of equal opportunities and treatment as the old members

The National Chairman, who was represented by the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashir, expressed the optimism that their coming on board will significantly impact on the party’s bid to consolidate its position in Edo state.

On his part, Governor Okpebholo, lauded the decision of the defectors as being in the best interest of the State and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Source reports that with the defection of the Speaker, along with the 17 out of the State’s 18 Local Council Chairmen, the APC have completed the capture of Edo State from its main rival, the PDP.

Senate Leader, Bamidele Leads Committee On Rivers Emergency Rule

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

As part of oversight functions on the emergency rule in Rivers State, the Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made this known on Tuesday, during the resumption of plenary.

According to Akpabio, the Committee was created in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Akpabio named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele as chairman of the committee

He also highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role is critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment and reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.

Members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe (Labour Party), Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed (APC, Jigawa), alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The committee is a follow up to the earlier one constituted by the House of Representatives, which has met with the sole administrator after requesting for postponement twice.

Kano Police Command Arrests 20-year Old Ring Leader Of Robbery Operation

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

A 20-year old suspect, who led a robbery operation in Kano state has been arrested by the state police command.

The Command stated that the 20 years old suspect, Aliyu Umar, during the operation, stabbed to death a 30-year-old man, Shehu Muhammad.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, May 5, 2025, following an attack by suspected armed robbers at the victim’s residence in Danbare Quarters, Kano State.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the attackers stormed the victim’s home at around 6:40 a.m. and assaulted him with a long, sharp cutlass, inflicting multiple injuries.

“Upon receiving the report, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, immediately dispatched operational teams with detectives to the scene.”

Shehu Muhammad was taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

The police recovered the weapon used in the attack from the arrested suspect, who is currently under investigation.

“The Command commends community members for promptly reporting the incident, assisting in the arrest of the suspect, and supporting the police in its efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.

“The Kano State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

Protesting Farmers Are Illegal Occupants Of Forest Reserves – Ondo Govt

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 6, 2025

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has clarified that protesting farmers claiming occupation of their plantations are illegal Occupants of government forests reserves.

The state government also accused the protesting farmers of not abiding by agreement reached with them on the forest reserves.

Government, in a statement on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan exonerated the governor’s aide and other top bank officials of any wrong doing in handling the farmers issues.

Some farmers had early in the week took to the ever busy Benin – Ore road protesting alleged forceful take over of their plantations by private individuals under the guise of using them for farming.

The statement maintained that various efforts of government on the forests reserves were aimed at reforming and sanitising land use practices within government reserve areas across the state.

“The Ondo State Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the welfare of genuine farmers and the responsible, equitable, and legal use of only declassified degraded forest reserves for agricultural purposes. It is, however, necessary to clarify and correct the public narrative currently being circulated:

“Many of the aggrieved farmers currently occupying parts of the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A) have breached existing agreements and exceeded designated land allocation parameters.

“Some have encroached into restricted forest zones without authorisation, while others have failed to comply with the agreed land use terms, posing serious environmental and security concerns.

“Contrary to the claims of contempt for court injunctions, the Ondo State Government and all related agencies; public and private, have acted strictly within the framework of the law.

“Where litigations are ongoing, every step taken has been guided by legal counsel, verified surveys, and documented notifications. No action has been taken arbitrarily.

“Hon. Akinsola, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, is a government appointee overseeing agribusiness in the state.

“His role involves the strategic management of large-scale commercial agriculture investors granted concessions to develop extensive hectares of land, an effort that is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the state’s revenue.

“Claims suggesting that he is involved in land grabbing are not only false but politically driven and completely at variance with the facts.

“It is equally important to clarify that Mr. Ayo Sotinrin is the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, a federal government institution. Allegations implying that he is using a private firm to seize farmlands are malicious, unfounded, and a clear attempt at character assassination.

“SAO Agro-Allied Services, on its part, has been operating under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement approved by the state since 2021.

“The firm’s acquisition and development of agro-industrial zones have followed due process and are under full government oversight. None of its activities involves the unlawful takeover of legally secured farms.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa wishes to state emphatically that at no time, whether during electioneering or otherwise, did he make any promise to support illegal occupants of government land or forest reserves.

“His administration remains committed to legal, inclusive, and forward-looking agricultural development. An investigation is ongoing to identify genuine farmers with verifiable claims, separate from speculators and unlawful occupants.

“The Governor remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders and is determined to protect livelihoods without compromising the rule of law.”

Edo: Security Agents Probe Killing Of UBTH Medical Doctor

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 6, 2025

0

University of Benin Teaching Hospital - UBTH

By Ayodele Oni

In line with the directive given by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Security Agencies in Edo state have commenced probe into the shooting of a medical doctor at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

This followed a petition by the UBTH Management to the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Security Service, (DSS) over the recent brutal attack on the institution by gunmen, resulting in the death of a Medical Doctor, Dr Alex Oguniyi and the injuring of two other health workers.

Chief Medical Director, UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki who disclosed this in an interview on a private Radio station, in Benin, noted that the Department of State Security Service was also petitioned, which prompted the security agencies to begin probe.

The petition by the Association of Residents Doctors, (ARD), UBTH Chapter, was in response to a peaceful protest at the hospital premises over the attack by gunmen suspected to be cultists last week in Benin.

Obaseki who expressed regret over the incident, said, “We have gone to report the case to the Commissioner of police and Department of State Security Service, DSS. And on last week, Wednesday, they came to UBTH.

“We are not taking the matter lightly. Our philosophy is that people who work in hospital should be safe while saving lives. Hospital in any part of the world is a sacred ground.

“That is the premise of the letter we wrote to police and DSS regarding the incident. This attack is a sacrilege.

“What happened on the road that connect UBTH back gate and UNIBEN via Osasogie area, according to two of our doctors. One of the doctors was in his car, while another car overtook and block another car in front.

“Suddenly, somebody brought out a pump action gun and began to shoot the car. While the shooting was ongoing, the bullet hit his car, which managed to move forward a bit. But the bullet hit Physiotherapist who went to eat during break period, was hit by a stray bullet.”

The renewed cult war reportedly began two weeks ago, with the killing of the physiotherapist named Alex and another person near the back gate of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Ugbowo, Benin.

Report revealed that two rival cult groups, Aye and Maphite Confraternities, reignited their battle for dominance, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people in Benin.

This resurgence of violence occurs just three months after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, which imposes a 21-year prison sentence on cult members and their sponsors.