The demonstrators barricaded the expressway, causing temporary disruption to vehicular movement. Their primary grievances included the lack of transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the Federal Government Tertiary Education Trust Fund meant for student loans.
Protesters also decried the rising cost of tuition and called for improvements in learning conditions and facilities across tertiary institutions.
While speaking to the protesters, CP Ogunlowo appealed for calm, urging NANS leadership to reopen the expressway for normal traffic flow, assuring them that their concerns would be urgently communicated to relevant authorities.
Following the rapport and reassurances, the students called off the protest and moved to State Command Headquarters at Eleweran for a meeting with the Commissioner of Police on student advocacy through structured channels.
Blacktalker confirmed that no incidents of violence were reported during the protest.
The Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, (Centre right), flanked by some members of the Bank's Senior Executives, and a cross section of students at the launch of Genfi in Lagos
In a bold move to redefine the 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% 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 to 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 a solution designed to empower Children and 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 among 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 behavioral science and gamification to make financial learning fun and practical. Parents can monitor transactions, guide financial behaviors, 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.
As the chairmanship election approaches in Lagos State, stakeholders from the Lagos Island Local Government Area have renewed calls for reform, accountability and visionary leadership, seeking a departure from the status quo.
Former Lagos State Youth Ambassador, Qudus A. Shodunke in a statement challenged stakeholders to view the coming election not merely as a political ritual, but as a defining moment for one of Nigeria’s most historic and culturally significant communities.
With its legacy as a hub of commerce and tradition, Shodunke said, Lagos Island must now reinvent itself to meet 21st-century realities.
While acknowledging the contributions of past leaders, traditional institutions and elders in shaping the island’s trajectory, Shodunke emphasized that reverence must be balanced with responsibility.
“Urban decay, environmental pressures, and economic stagnation demand urgent, modern solutions,” he stated. “Progress cannot be deferred indefinitely.”
He noted that the outgoing administration made some incremental gains, but these fell short of residents’ needs, even as infrastructure decay, worsening sanitation, water scarcity and surging rent prices have displaced long-time families and discouraged the youth from investing in their future on the island.
According to Shodunke, these systemic issues are less about a lack of effort and more about a failure to adapt governance to modern complexities. He also called on political parties to transcend traditional caucus politics and focus on merit-based leadership selection.
“This is a time to prioritize demonstrable competence and innovation,” he said, urging party leaders to back candidates capable of building bridges across sectors, integrating technology, and promoting inclusivity.
“The next chairman should not only honour Lagos Island’s legacy but should also be bold enough to lead it into a sustainable future,” he stressed.
Reeling out suggestions of futuristic leadership for the next administration, Shodunke emphasized the need for tech-driven governance to improve service delivery, tourism and investment.
Others include sustainability policies to protect the coastline and revitalize urban infrastructure, support for SMEs and artisans as drivers of local economic growth and youth development programmes focused on digital literacy, skills training and civic participation.
“These are not lofty ideals,” he said. “They are actionable imperatives.”
The former youth ambassador also made a clarion call to young residents, urging them to move from passive observation to active participation.
“To the youth of Lagos Island: this election is your platform to advocate for policies that shape your future,” he said. “Register to vote, question the candidates and hold them accountable.”
He emphasized that the focus must now shift from critique to collaboration: “Lagos Island deserves leadership that is proactive, pragmatic and unwaveringly focused on the collective good,” he concluded. “The choice is yours, but the consequences are shared.”
The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, as received a donation of 100 smart bins from Lee Group of Companies Limited, at the agency’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, during a courtesy visit by the company. Both organisation have also agreed to partner to promote circular economy.
Speaking on the purpose of visit, the operations manager of the company, Abiola Akerele, noted that the company operated a recycling plant and required the agency’s support for its accreditation, adding that the company had previously purchased LAWMA’s smart bins, which it distributed to residents as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative for a cleaner Lagos city.
He further spoke of plans to procure an additional 100 smart bins, which they would like LAWMA to help distribute to schools, hospitals, and other public institutions in support of the state’s recycling effort and the broader circular economy initiative.
In his remarks, Managing Director of the company, Tunji Lawal Solarin, said the visit and donation were inspired by a recent interview granted by the LAWMA managing director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noting that: “The interview struck a chord in us and resonated with us.
”We are 100 percent committed to a cleaner environment to ensure that LAWMA achieves its goal of making Lagos cleaner. It is in our own interest to do that. We felt there is a need for more communication, discussion, and stakeholder engagement, not just for formality’s sake.”
He stressed the need for attitude change and genuine partnerships, adding that plans were afoot to build a circular economic infrastructure in Lagos State, achievable through partnership, pledging the company’s willingness to collaborate on LAWMA’s initiative to develop collection centres across the state.
Responding, Dr. Gbadegesin expressed heartfelt appreciation, for the donation, noting that the partnership was both timely and encouraging. “I appreciate that someone is listening, which makes this heartwarming for me. Today is a good day for me because I can see some of the seeds have borne fruit”.
“LAWMA’s vision is for every household in Lagos to have at least two bins, one for recyclables and the other for general waste. However, considering the population density, we plan to have more communal recycling bins and collection centres strategically placed, particularly around marketplaces, to collect recyclables.
This approach will help minimise the need for landfills, which pose environmental and health risks, and ultimately reduce their negative impact on our ecosystem and residents’ well-being,” he stressed.
Speaking further, he urged the company to remain committed to the circular economy initiative, while assuring them of LAWMA’s full support, noting that there was a lot of opportunities in circular economy, as it was worth two and a half billion dollars annually, to be unlocked by the private sector.
According to him, “Lagos is densely populated, and people are generating items of value across different waste characterization chains. Our own idea is to have community recycling centres where they can bring the different items and educate them, and we can now aggregate the materials and transport them to where they would be used.”
Also, in attendance at the meeting were LAWMA’s Executive Director, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi; General Manager of Lee Group, Niyi Shogbamu; Head of Circular Economy and Waste Management at Lee Group, Faluyi Ibukun and members of LAWMA’s management team.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering cultural development through strategic collaborations with both local and international stakeholders.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Co-founder and Managing Director of IGA Nigeria Limited, Mr. Gbolahan Ajala, who also serves as a Heritage Consultant to the State Government.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka, who warmly welcomed the visiting delegation, acknowledged the alignment between the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives and the vision of the visiting team.
She said, “As a government, we place a high premium on culture and heritage. Our ongoing projects, including the construction and transformation of theatres into cinemas and the establishment of youth engagement centres, reflect our strong dedication to the sector. We are open to sponsorships, endorsements, and properly documented proposals that promote cultural growth.”
The Commissioner also highlighted government-backed programmes such as talent hunts and creative capacity-building initiatives like Lagos Creative Initiatives (LACI) , all aimed at nurturing young creative talents across the State. She expressed enthusiasm about potential collaborations in areas such as museums, archives, and cultural exhibitions.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka also expressed interest in festival partnerships that could advance the development of the cultural and creative industry both locally and internationally.
The meeting, held at the Ministry;s conference room in Alausa, also had in attendance the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, who expressed strong support for the proposed partnerships.
He emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to leveraging such collaborations to further position Lagos as a premier cultural and creative hub.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Nadine Siegert, Director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria and President of the EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) Nigeria Cluster, expressed eagerness to collaborate with Lagos State.
“We are very keen on working more closely with Lagos-based artists and cultural institutions. Cultural heritage, museums, and archives are some of our key focus areas,” she noted while highlighting the importance of collaborating with both federal and state-level agencies.
Cluster Coordinator for the Africa-Europe Partnership for Culture ,Miss Toluwanimi Owolana introduced a European Union-funded project that supports festival producers across six West African countries, including Nigeria. “Lagos holds a central position in this initiative, and we look forward to collaborating with the Ministry to drive this project forward,” she said.
Also present during the courtesy visit was Project Coordinator for the Claiming the Future initiative, Miss Tolulope Ami-Williams, who spoke on an upcoming community-based mural and performance exhibition slated for six locations across Lagos, including Badagry, Makoko and Bariga.
“Our initiative works with young artists, mentors, and host institutions to creatively engage local communities. We are hopeful of receiving the Ministry’s formal backing to navigate necessary approvals and ensure the success of this project,” she stated.
….. As Chef Christian Duhalde Shares Culinary Wisdom with Kids at Pizza Master Class.
The 2025 GTCO Food and Drink Master Classes have kicked off with a focus on children as renowned chef and restaurateur Christian Duhalde captivated young minds in a special kids’ pizza masterclass, blending culinary education with cultural appreciation.
Speaking during the event, Chef Duhalde emphasized the shared culinary heritage between West Africa and parts of Latin America, highlighting staple ingredients like plantain and cassava. “We may not share the same recipes, but we certainly share a lot of the same ingredients,” he said, drawing connections between Nigerian and South American cuisines.
Duhalde, who boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the culinary world, described his love for working with children as a way to invest in the future. “Kids are like sponges. They absorb so much. Even if they don’t become chefs, learning about food is essential,” he explained.
With a career spanning continents, including time in Easter Island also known as Rapa Nui, Duhalde brings a global perspective to his food.
For aspiring chefs, especially the children who attended his class, Duhalde offered heartfelt advice: “Whatever you do, do it with love. Becoming a chef is a commitment, like becoming a priest. It’s not easy at the beginning, but if you truly love it, it becomes fulfilling.”
He also encouraged young culinary hopefuls to gain real-world experience before diving into formal training. “Try working in a restaurant first. Even just a few weeks will show you what it means to be a chef.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Julius Agbaje, emphasized the powerful role food plays in uniting people, preserving culture, and fostering enterprise.
Agbaje described food as more than nourishment calling it “a tradition that binds us in shared moments of joy and connection.” He reflected on how, across Africa and beyond, meals serve as storytellers, conveying heritage, family warmth and glimpses of the future.
“Through food, we welcome others into our world, sharing not just a meal, but a piece of ourselves,” he said.
Highlighting GTCO’s dedication to enterprise development, he noted that the festival “celebrates not only food but the people who make it and the cultures it represents.”
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders and supporters who have contributed to the festival’s growth and invited all guests; customers, exhibitors and food lovers to enjoy a weekend of celebration, cuisine and cultural exchange.
“We warmly invite everyone to come along with their friends and family for a fun-filled weekend of food, drink and togetherness,” he said.
Blacktalker who was on ground to witness the events, reports that the festival, eighth in its series has become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated culinary gatherings, serves as a vibrant and free platform for small food businesses to showcase their offerings, scale their brands and connect with a diverse audience.
The GTCO Food and Drink Festival continues through the weekend in Lagos, with dozens of vendors, cooking masterclasses, tasting sessions and live entertainment scheduled.
The Government of Anambra State has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will be visiting the State on Thursday, May 8th, 2025.
In a statement by the State commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the President shall, during the historic visit, commission some projects of the Soludo administration, showcasing the state’s progress and development under the excellent leadership of Solution Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR.
Mefor added, “In preparation for this high-powered visit, the government anticipates slight adjustments to traffic flow and commuter schedules”. He, therefore, urges Ndi Anambra to cooperate with security agencies and other relevant authorities in the build-up to this visit.
He further stated that the state is excited to welcome the president and assured him of a warm and hospitable reception.
Mefor expresses the state’s appreciation for the People’s understanding, cooperation, and support in ensuring a hitch-free and memorable visit by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the people of Anambra State eagerly awaits Nigeria’s number one citizen.
Together, we shall give Mr President and his delegation a resounding welcome, the statement concluded.
Leading commercial bank and Africa’s most agile company, Sterling Bank has announced the introduction of Always On by Sterling, a bold new feature on its OneBank platform that will give eligible customers up to ₦1 million extra every month -even when their account balances are running low.
Launched on Workers’ Day 2025, the initiative is part of an ongoing movement to remove structural barriers to financial freedom and empower everyday Nigerians to move boldly, even in uncertain times.
AlwaysOn is a specialised, invitation-only feature for customers who maintain an active OneBank account for a while. It provides an advance to settle bills or make payments without delays, or any of the friction associated with traditional credit systems.
“This is not just about funds,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank. “It’s about freedom and dignity. It’s about backing our customers with the trust and tools to act boldly when life demands it.”
Suleiman emphasised that the new feature is not a product, it’s a logical shift in how the bank supports its customers.
“We’re building a financial ecosystem designed for momentum -for people with grit, urgency, and dreams too big to wait. If you’ve banked with us, you’ve earned our confidence. Now you’ll have our backing to match,” added Suleiman.
The introduction of AlwaysOn marks the next chapter in Sterling’s growing movement to create a fairer and more responsive financial system. It follows the Zero Transfer Fees initiative in April, which returned an estimated ₦13 billion to Nigerians by eliminating transfer charges across the OneBank platform. Y
It also builds on Sterling’s Free Bus Ride initiative, which helped commuters get home from work for free during a time of intense economic pressure.
Together, these efforts reflect the bank’s bold, people-first approach to customer impact, now made possible by its adoption of SeaBaas, Nigeria’s first indigenous core banking platform.
“We’re not the kind of bank that stands on the sidelines while Nigerians hustle,” said Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Retail and Consumer Banking. “We removed the fees that slowed them down. Now we’re giving Nigerians the financial freedom to seize opportunity when it shows up. We’re on the pitch with them.”
Sterling’s actions have sparked widespread public support and national recognition as they have continued to push the boundaries of what corporate citizenship can mean to everyday Nigerians.
Notable icons from various fields have canvassed their support and praised the bank’s stance in redefining financial services, inspiring other institutions to follow suit. Nigerians are encouraged to apply to join the waitlist for the scheme when it goes live in later this month and ultimately, eligibility for up to N1M extra in relief advances.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a leading Nigerian commercial bank and one of Africa’s most progressive financial institutions, widely recognized for its bold approach to customer advocacy and commitment to transforming lives through innovative solutions.. From eliminating local transfer fees through its OneBank platform to championing inclusive access to capital, the bank has consistently led with impact.
Renowned for its HEART of Sterling strategy, which focuses major investments into the Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation sectors of the Nigerian economy, Sterling continues to build financial solutions that go beyond banking to enable dignity, mobility, and opportunity for millions of Nigerians. Explore Sterling Bank offerings at sterling.ng.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially marked the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary on Friday, May 2nd.
Celebrated as Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank was founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited; an institution that has now evolved from a single-branch operation aimed at empowering indigenous Nigerians into a formidable force that continues to blaze the trail in Nigeria’s banking and financial industry.
From bridging gaps in access to finance for underserved Nigerians to empowering businesses with insightful financial solutions and support, providing a platform for other industries to thrive and proactively delivering financial solutions tailored to the needs of every Nigerian, Wema Bank has built a legacy of impact for 8 decades.
With millions of customers and global presence via 150+ branches and the ALAT App, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in customer-centric innovation and impactful banking.
Extending heartfelt gratitude to the Bank’s stakeholders, Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank reiterated the Bank’s commitment to continue going above and beyond in service of its customers in the decades to come.
According to him, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone”.
“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present, and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank.
We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you. It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary has taken the world by storm, with a major highlight being the Wema at 80 Gala Night scheduled to hold in Lagos at 6 p.m. on Friday May 2nd, 2025. Headlined by Afrobeats stars Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal sensation Yinka Davies, 9ice and a star-studded lineup of celebrities, dignitaries and stakeholders; the night promises to be one for the books, convening 8 decades of generations in a glamorous ceremony themed ‘Timeless Elegance’.
Anyone can be a part of the Wema at 80 Gala Night by tuning in live at 7 p.m. to the Bank’s YouTube Channel as well as select national TV stations.
Jamara Home, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing retail and e-commerce brands for electronics and home appliances, joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Workers’ Day 2025.
As a proud subsidiary of JMG Limited, Jamara Home is taking the moment to recognise not just the incredible contributions of Nigerian workers to national growth, but also the dedicated team behind the scenes at Jamara who work daily to deliver quality and value to customers across the country.
This year’s Workers’ Day theme, “Social Justice and Decent Work,” resonates strongly with the company’s mission to create an inclusive, fair, and empowering workplace. According to Rabi Jammal, Managing Director at Jamara, “Our people are the heart of our success. We’re committed to building a work environment that supports well-being, values inclusivity, and drives excellence.”
Jammal also acknowledged the role of Jamara’s workforce in helping the company grow into a trusted name. “Whether online or in our retail showrooms, our team works hard to make sure every customer gets great value, authenticity, and a shopping experience they can trust. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and we’re just getting started.”
Renowned for delivering top-quality electronics and home appliances through a seamless online and in-store experience, Jamara Home is set to roll out its next big sales promotion from May 26 to June 16 in celebration of Eid al-Adha offering customers unbeatable deals they won’t want to miss.
From dynamic showrooms to a user-friendly, online platform and a series of physical retail shops Jamara Home remains committed to helping Nigerians shop smarter, save more, and enjoy genuine products backed by reliable service.
Jamara Home has risen to be known as one of the fastest-growing consumer goods brands with shopping opportunities online and in-store, promising quality, authenticity, and unparalleled service. To explore extensive range of exceptional products, visit the online store or locate Jamara Home showrooms.
