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Shareholders demand stronger returns after insurance recapitalisation

By
Kehinde Victor
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Insurance

Key points

  • Shareholders want insurers to use their stronger capital base to expand coverage and increase insurance penetration.
  • They are demanding better dividends and stronger investor protection following the recapitalisation exercise.
  • Shareholders also want NAICOM to intensify supervision and enforce stronger corporate governance across the industry.

Main story

Shareholders have urged insurance companies to convert the gains from the sector’s recapitalisation into increased business, wider market coverage and better returns for investors.

The call followed the completion of the recapitalisation exercise, which saw 50 insurance and reinsurance companies meet the new minimum capital requirements.

The requirements are N10 billion for life insurers, N15 billion for non-life insurers, N25 billion for composite insurers and N35 billion for reinsurers.

Mr Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said the stronger capital position should enable insurers to expand their underwriting capacity and reach more Nigerians.

He said the industry’s penetration, currently estimated at one per cent, should increase substantially over the next few years as insurers use the additional capital to develop products and expand their operations.

Igbrude also said shareholders should begin to see better returns from their investments as increased business generates higher revenue and profitability.

He said insurers could no longer rely on weak returns after shareholders had provided additional capital to strengthen their businesses.

Igbrude further called for increased regulatory oversight, arguing that larger capital bases and expanded business operations required stronger supervision.

He said the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) should ensure that insurers maintain proper corporate governance and comply with industry standards.

He also urged insurance companies, employees and other stakeholders to work together to strengthen the industry and increase its contribution to the economy.

Mr Boniface Okezie, Chairman of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), similarly called for stronger protection of investors.

Okezie said the insurance industry needed to restore shareholder confidence, particularly among investors who had experienced poor dividend payments or had funds trapped in companies that ceased operations.

He said previous recapitalisation exercises had left some shareholders without meaningful returns on their investments.

According to him, the latest exercise should therefore produce more than stronger balance sheets for insurance companies.

It should also result in improved business performance, higher dividends, stronger share prices and greater confidence in insurance stocks.

The issues

The recapitalisation has strengthened the capital base of companies that met the new requirements, but shareholders are now looking for evidence that the additional capital will translate into better performance.

Insurance penetration remains a major concern. With shareholders putting the current penetration rate at about one per cent, insurers face pressure to expand beyond the existing market and develop products that attract more customers.

Investor returns are another issue. Shareholders argue that stronger capitalisation should eventually produce higher profitability and more meaningful dividends.

The exercise has also increased expectations around corporate governance and regulatory oversight. As insurers handle larger amounts of capital and potentially expand their operations, shareholders want stronger safeguards against poor management and practices that could undermine investor confidence.

What’s Being Said

“In terms of operation, let us see insurance penetration in the country increase from the current level of one per cent.” — Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria

“It should never be the same again. We need an era where shareholders receive meaningful dividends. The era of kobo-kobo dividends should go.” — Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria

“NAICOM needs to do more work. More money and more volume of business mean that there should be more supervision.” — Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria

“Corporate governance must be enhanced. We must integrate everybody and ensure that the business is run according to the ethics of the industry.” — Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria

What’s next

Insurance companies will be expected to deploy their stronger capital positions towards expanding underwriting capacity, increasing market penetration and improving profitability.

Shareholders will also be watching dividend payments, share-price performance and other indicators of improved investor returns.

NAICOM is expected to continue supervising the recapitalised industry, with shareholders calling for stronger oversight and corporate governance.

Bottom line

The insurance recapitalisation has raised the financial capacity of companies that met the new capital requirements, but shareholders now want measurable results.

For investors, the key tests will be whether stronger capital produces wider insurance coverage, higher profits and meaningful dividends, while stronger regulation and governance protect the gains of the exercise.

HBM Nigeria opens CNG station to cut transport costs

HBM Nigeria opens CNG station to cut transport costs

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • HBM Nigeria inaugurates a CNG mother station at its Mfamosing cement plant in Cross River.
  • The facility can supply between 130 and 150 trucks daily and is expected to reduce CNG costs by more than 50 per cent.
  • HBM plans to raise its Nigerian cement production capacity to about 17 million tonnes by December.

Main story

HBM Nigeria Plc, formerly Lafarge Africa Plc, has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mother station at its Mfamosing cement plant in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.

The facility, which can serve between 130 and 150 trucks daily, is expected to lower the cost and time involved in supplying CNG to transporters operating around the plant.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HBM Nigeria, Mr Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the investment as part of the company’s strategy to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and support cleaner energy use.

He said energy and logistics remained major cost drivers across the company’s value chain, making the shift towards CNG important to its long-term operations.

Alade-Akinyemi said the investment also reflected the company’s renewed growth strategy following its transition to HBM Nigeria Plc and new ownership.

He said the company was simultaneously expanding its cement production capacity across the country.

The Mfamosing plant currently produces five million metric tonnes of cement annually, with another three-million-tonne production line expected to be commissioned soon.

The company also plans to commission additional production lines at its Ashaka and Sagamu plants, which would raise its total installed production capacity in Nigeria to about 17 million metric tonnes by December.

According to Alade-Akinyemi, the expansion would create opportunities for communities hosting the company’s operations through skills acquisition, empowerment programmes and other livelihood initiatives.

He said the CNG station was part of broader investments aimed at strengthening HBM’s operations while supporting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy.

Meanwhile, Mr Emmanuel Usiakpor, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Joza Global Logistics, said the facility would significantly improve the economics of using CNG for transporters.

Usiakpor said the station could reduce transportation costs by more than 50 per cent because trucks would no longer depend on CNG transported from distant mother stations.

He explained that transporters previously sourced gas from Port Harcourt, the nearest mother station, resulting in additional costs associated with transporting gas and equipment to Cross River.

The logistics operator said the new facility would also eliminate lengthy waiting periods experienced by transporters seeking CNG supplies.

He said some transporters previously waited between 10 and 15 days for CNG, partly because of the logistics involved in moving supplies from Port Harcourt.

Usiakpor said the new station would instead receive gas directly from the pipeline, reducing the distance and logistics costs involved in supplying the fuel.

He also highlighted the impact on truck turnaround time.

According to him, trucks can now be refuelled in about 15 minutes at the new facility, compared with more than an hour at many existing daughter stations where CNG is delivered using skids mounted on tankers.

The issues

The investment addresses two major cost pressures facing HBM’s operations and its transport partners: energy and logistics.

For transporters, sourcing CNG from distant locations increases both the cost of fuel and the time required to keep trucks operating.

The new mother station provides a direct supply point at the cement plant, potentially reducing those costs and improving the efficiency of cement distribution.

For HBM, the investment also comes as the company expands its production capacity, increasing the importance of reliable and cost-effective energy and logistics infrastructure.

The issues

The cement industry faces significant energy and logistics costs, making fuel efficiency an important factor in the cost of production and distribution.

For HBM Nigeria, the new CNG station is intended to address those costs while supporting the company’s transition towards cleaner energy.

The facility also tackles a specific logistical problem for transporters. Dependence on CNG supplied from distant mother stations increases both cost and waiting time.

Direct pipeline supply could therefore improve the economics of CNG-powered transportation around the Mfamosing plant.

The broader production expansion also indicates that the company is preparing to increase its presence in Nigeria’s cement market.

What’s being said

Alade-Akinyemi said the CNG investment would support HBM Nigeria’s efficiency, sustainability and growth objectives.

Usiakpor said the station could cut CNG-related transportation costs by more than 50 per cent and reduce truck refuelling time from more than an hour to about 15 minutes.

What’s next

HBM Nigeria plans to commission an additional three-million-tonne production line at Mfamosing and further production lines at its Ashaka and Sagamu plants.

The company expects those projects to raise its total installed Nigerian production capacity to about 17 million metric tonnes by December.

The CNG station will meanwhile serve transporters operating around the Mfamosing plant, with the company expecting improved access to gas and faster truck turnaround.

Bottom line

HBM Nigeria is combining energy investment with production expansion as it seeks to lower operating costs and increase its cement capacity.

The new CNG station could significantly reduce costs and delays for transporters, while the planned production lines would raise the company’s Nigerian capacity to about 17 million tonnes.

Lagos urges grassroots action to tackle maternal deaths

Edo governor’s wife launches grants to boost women’s businesses

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • More than 300 women in Edo South receive grants under an empowerment programme.
  • Okpebholo-Anani urges beneficiaries to treat the funds as seed capital and reinvest in their businesses.
  • LAPO Microfinance Bank advises beneficiaries to save and invest the grants in income-generating ventures.

Main story

The Edo Government has distributed micro-business grants to more than 300 women in the Edo South Senatorial District as part of efforts to improve household incomes and promote economic self-reliance.

The Coordinator of the Office of the Edo Governor’s Wife, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, said the intervention was aimed at helping women expand existing businesses and create greater economic opportunities for their families.

She spoke on Monday in Benin while addressing beneficiaries of the programme, themed, “Micro Business Empowerment: Empowering Women, Strengthening Families, Building a Prosperous Edo”.

Okpebholo-Anani said many women in the state were already engaged in trading, agriculture, food processing, fashion, catering, crafts and other small businesses but often lacked the modest capital required to expand.

She said the grants were intended to provide that additional support and enable beneficiaries to increase their stock, improve their services, acquire equipment or reach more customers.

According to her, the initiative reflects the administration’s focus on economic empowerment and inclusive development through direct interventions that encourage productivity and self-reliance.

She urged beneficiaries to use the funds strictly for their businesses and maintain proper financial discipline.

This, she said, included keeping business records, separating personal spending from business capital and reinvesting profits to sustain growth.

Okpebholo-Anani also advised the women to continue developing their business knowledge and to prioritise their health by getting adequate rest and undergoing regular medical checks.

She said maintaining their health was important because their families depended on them.

Mrs Vivian Amoen, Zonal Head of Business, South-South 1 Zone, LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd., also urged the beneficiaries to protect the grants from unnecessary spending.

Amoen advised them to put the money into ventures capable of generating returns rather than spending it on items that would provide only temporary satisfaction.

She also encouraged the women to develop a savings culture and set aside money towards their children’s education.

“When you invest in your children, you won’t suffer in old age,” she said.

Amoen urged the beneficiaries to regard the funds as capital that should generate further income rather than money to be consumed.

“Ensure you don’t eat up your seed; invest it in your business,” she said.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the funds would help them strengthen their businesses.

Mrs Philomena Olonton, a beneficiary from Egor Local Government Area, said the support would assist her provision business.

Mrs Tina Ehigiator of Ovia North Local Government Area said she planned to invest her grant in farming.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Gift Osaretin of Ovia South-West Local Government Area, also expressed appreciation for the intervention.

The issues

Small businesses provide an important source of income for many women, but limited access to capital can restrict their ability to increase stock, acquire equipment or expand their customer base.

The Edo intervention is therefore focused on providing relatively small amounts of capital to women who are already engaged in economic activities.

However, the impact of such grants will depend largely on how beneficiaries deploy the funds. Business record-keeping, reinvestment and savings could determine whether the intervention produces sustained income rather than short-term relief.

What’s being said

Okpebholo-Anani urged beneficiaries to see the grants as seed capital and use them to strengthen their businesses.

Amoen similarly cautioned against spending the money on non-essential items, urging the women to invest and save for longer-term benefits.

Beneficiaries said the funds would support businesses ranging from provisions to farming.

What’s next

Beneficiaries are expected to deploy the grants towards their respective businesses and use the additional capital to expand their activities.

The success of the intervention will ultimately depend on whether the support helps the beneficiaries increase their income and sustain their enterprises.

Bottom line

The Edo Government is using micro-business grants to support more than 300 women in Edo South, with the aim of strengthening household incomes and encouraging economic independence.

The immediate challenge is ensuring that the grants become productive capital rather than one-off financial assistance.

Interswitch celebrates excellence in inclusion and leadership at WIMCA awards 2026

ICPC seeks China’s support to strengthen anti-corruption efforts

By
Kehinde Victor
-
ICPC

Key points

  • ICPC calls for deeper cooperation with China on anti-corruption policies, prevention and enforcement.
  • The commission says it is interested in learning from China’s anti-corruption institutions and reforms.
  • ACAN says ICPC recovered N37.44 billion and $2.35 million through asset seizures and forfeitures in 2025.

Main story

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is seeking to deepen its engagement with China as Nigeria explores new approaches to preventing and combating corruption.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, said Nigeria was interested in studying China’s institutional and legal experience, particularly the operations of its National Supervisory Commission (NSC) and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

Aliyu spoke on Monday at the third International Diplomatic Dialogue organised by the ICPC and its Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja.

The meeting, which focused on China’s experience in anti-corruption policy, brought together officials to examine how lessons from Beijing could be adapted to Nigeria’s circumstances.

Aliyu said international cooperation and comparison of different anti-corruption systems could help Nigeria identify approaches capable of improving prevention and enforcement.

“We believe that China has made significant efforts through its anti-corruption bodies. The Commission will be glad to share from the strategies, policies and enforcement actions adopted by the Chinese Government to fight corruption,” he said.

He said the need for such cooperation was underscored by the damage corruption could cause to a country’s political, economic and developmental progress.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai, represented by the Chinese Cultural Counsellor, Mr Yang Jiangxing, said the two countries could broaden their cooperation by paying greater attention to preventing corruption rather than relying primarily on sanctions after offences had occurred.

Dunhai said the misuse of public authority was at the centre of corruption, making integrity and personal responsibility important parts of any effective anti-corruption system.

He drew on Confucian principles including benevolence, empathy, trustworthiness and self-discipline to explain China’s emphasis on ethical conduct in public service.

According to him, integrity was not merely a moral principle but also an important foundation for institutional stability and economic development.

“Integrity creates trust. Trust creates stability and stability creates the foundation for development. So integrity is not simply a moral virtue. It is also an economic and institutional asset,” he said.

The ACAN Provost, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, said Nigeria could adapt elements of China’s experience by combining political commitment, ethical values and technology in its own anti-corruption efforts.

He also outlined recent activities of the ICPC, saying the commission recovered N37.44 billion and $2.35 million through asset seizures and forfeitures in 2025.

According to him, the commission investigated 263 cases and filed 61 cases in court during the year, recording a 55.74 per cent conviction rate.

Ibrahim said the commission had also recovered more than N5.8 billion in proceeds of crime in the first half of 2026, while additional cash and assets running into billions of naira had been restrained.

He said the ICPC was simultaneously expanding its monitoring activities, including the seventh phase of its constituency and executive projects tracking exercise.

The exercise covers 1,500 projects valued at N610 billion across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Ibrahim said China’s own transformation demonstrated the importance of sustained institutional commitment.

He recalled that China had faced widespread poverty in the 1970s, before reforms that eventually produced major changes in its economy and living standards.

He attributed the country’s transformation to political will, particularly from 2013, as well as the use of technology in strengthening anti-corruption enforcement.

The issues

The dialogue focused on how Nigeria could strengthen its anti-corruption system by combining enforcement with prevention, institutional reform and public-sector ethics.

The ICPC is particularly interested in China’s anti-corruption institutions and the policies supporting their operations.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of adapting foreign experiences to Nigeria rather than simply replicating another country’s system.

For China, the discussion presented an opportunity to emphasise an approach that combines enforcement with values education and the prevention of abuse of public authority.

What’s being said

Aliyu said Nigeria could benefit from China’s experience in anti-corruption policy and enforcement.

Dunhai argued that the fight against corruption should address the character and conduct of people entrusted with public authority, rather than focus solely on punishment.

Ibrahim said Nigeria could adapt China’s combination of political will, ethical principles and technology to strengthen its own anti-corruption efforts.

What’s next

The ICPC and ACAN are expected to continue using international diplomatic dialogues to exchange knowledge with other countries on corruption prevention and enforcement.

The commission is also expected to deepen cooperation with Chinese anti-corruption institutions and examine approaches that can be adapted to Nigeria’s institutional environment.

Bottom line

Nigeria is looking to China for lessons on strengthening its anti-corruption system, with the ICPC seeking greater cooperation on institutional reform, prevention and enforcement.

The dialogue reflects a broader shift towards international knowledge exchange, while recent ICPC recovery, investigation and prosecution figures show that the commission is also seeking to strengthen domestic enforcement.

PenCom, Lagos discuss pension increases for CPS retirees

Interswitch celebrates excellence in inclusion and leadership at WIMCA awards 2026

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusion, empowering talent and celebrating impactful leadership through its sponsorship and participation at the 2026 Women in Marketing & Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA).

Held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, the 12th edition of WIMCA brought together leading professionals, executives, brands, and organisations across the marketing, communications, and broader business ecosystems. Themed “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction,” the event featured conversations around resilience, mentorship, learning and authentic leadership, alongside an exhibition, gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Interswitch’s sponsorship of WIMCA reflects the company’s commitment to supporting platforms that create opportunities for knowledge exchange, recognise excellence and amplify the contributions of professionals shaping industries and communities through their expertise and leadership.

The company’s participation was further underscored by two significant recognitions received during the awards ceremony. Interswitch was named Most Outstanding Fintech Company in Gender Inclusion, while Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Interswitch, was recognised among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing & Communications.

This recognition reflects the company’s continued focus on creating an environment where diverse talent can thrive and where people are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s growth and impact.

Commenting on the recognition, Dr. Eromosele said the sponsorship of WIMCA reflects Interswitch’s belief in the importance of platforms that celebrate excellence, encourage learning and create visibility for the people making a difference across its industry. She said:

“These recognitions are particularly meaningful because they speak to two areas that are central to how we operate at Interswitch – people and impact. Inclusion is not simply about creating opportunities for different voices to be present; it is about creating an environment where people can contribute, grow and lead. Similarly, marketing and communications have evolved beyond telling stories about organisations to shape conversations, building trust and creating meaningful connections with the people and communities we serve.”

Adding to the experience was Verve, Interswitch’s consumer payments brand, that maintained a strong presence at the event, providing an opportunity for attendees to interact with the brand and experience its proposition in an environment designed to bring the brand closer to consumers and industry stakeholders. Verve’s participation reinforces the brand’s focus on building meaningful consumer connections while creating experiences that extend beyond its core role in enabling payments. 

Through initiatives like this, Interswitch continues to shape Africa’s future by championing initiatives that advance inclusion, nurture talent, celebrate excellence and create platforms for meaningful engagement and impact across the continent.

Africa must develop AI from local genomic data, expert says

Lagos urges grassroots action to tackle maternal deaths

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Lagos Government calls for stronger grassroots awareness, counselling and access to quality healthcare to reduce maternal deaths.
  • Officials warn that stigma, poor awareness and unsafe termination practices continue to put women and girls at risk.
  • Community and religious leaders are urged to support reproductive health awareness and early access to care.

Main story

The Lagos State Government has called for stronger grassroots awareness, counselling and access to quality healthcare to address maternal deaths, particularly those linked to unsafe termination of pregnancy.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, made the call on Monday at a memorial and advocacy meeting in Lagos organised to raise awareness about preventable maternal deaths.

Ogunlende, represented by a Lagos youth ambassador, Ms Suliat Olaniyan, said maternal mortality remained a serious concern with consequences extending beyond individual families to communities and society.

He said women and girls should have access to safe, quality and respectful healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.

“Every girl, every woman deserves access to safe, quality and respectful healthcare, especially during pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

The commissioner warned against unsafe practices, including seeking assistance from unqualified providers and using harmful substances to terminate pregnancies.

He said some young women continued to patronise unqualified providers who used dangerous substances, resulting in avoidable complications and deaths.

Ogunlende said stigma and fear also prevented some young girls from seeking help early, stressing the importance of counselling and open communication within families.

“We have counsellors, but many people do not make use of them,” he said.

He urged parents to encourage their children to discuss problems openly and to pay attention to their associations, noting that peer influence could contribute to risky decisions.

“If you notice anything unusual, talk to your child. Guidance and support can prevent many of these situations,” he said.

The commissioner also called for a reduction in religious and cultural stigma surrounding reproductive health issues, arguing that protecting lives should take priority.

“This is not about religion; it is about life. If a child makes a mistake and is alive, there is room for correction.

“But if the child dies, there is nothing to hold on to,” he said.

Ogunlende urged stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns at the community level, saying many residents still underestimated the seriousness of maternal mortality.

“Maternal death is real. We must continue to educate our communities and ensure that people seek proper medical care,” he said.

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Mr Olalekan Dauda, also called for stronger community collaboration, improved awareness and greater access to reproductive healthcare.

Dauda identified stigma, inadequate awareness and limited knowledge of available reproductive health services as factors contributing to unwanted pregnancies and preventable maternal deaths.

He said healthcare personnel and facilities were available within the local government but that many residents were unaware of the services they could access.

“As we speak, I have six staff in Ikeja local government service, including nurses, matrons and counsellors, but people are not aware,” he said.

Dauda said government efforts needed to be complemented by stronger community engagement.

“Our best is not enough. We must continue to engage our people,” he said.

He appealed to religious leaders to participate in awareness campaigns, noting their influence among young people.

“These youths listen more to their imams and pastors. We need to build a community around this issue,” Dauda said.

The chairman also recounted a personal experience involving his daughter, saying stigma and fear surrounding pregnancy had nearly resulted in a tragedy within his family.

“I almost lost my daughter in a similar situation. She became pregnant and could not speak up due to stigma,” he said.

Dauda warned that young girls were increasingly turning to unregulated pills and concoctions, exposing themselves to potentially harmful consequences.

“A lot of these girls are taking harmful substances daily. We need urgent action to save the girl child,” he said.

The event was organised by the Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre (WARDC), in collaboration with the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter.

The meeting was convened to honour women and girls who died following preventable complications associated with unsafe termination of pregnancy.

It featured testimonies from survivors, relatives of victims and advocates working on issues affecting women, including stigma, inadequate healthcare access and gaps in support systems.

The issues

The discussions highlighted three interconnected barriers to preventing maternal deaths: inadequate awareness, stigma and unsafe healthcare practices.

Officials said some residents do not know about reproductive health services available within their communities, while fear of judgement can prevent young girls from seeking counselling or medical assistance.

The use of unqualified providers, unregulated medicines and harmful substances can further increase the risk of severe complications.

The officials therefore stressed the need to move awareness beyond formal healthcare settings and into communities, while involving parents, religious leaders and other influential stakeholders.

What’s being said

Ogunlende said access to proper healthcare and early counselling could help prevent avoidable deaths.

Dauda similarly argued that government health services would have limited impact if residents were unaware of them.

He called for religious leaders to become more involved in community awareness, saying young people often listen closely to their guidance.

What’s next

The Lagos Government and community stakeholders are expected to intensify grassroots awareness and counselling on reproductive health and the dangers associated with unsafe practices.

Greater involvement of parents, religious leaders and community organisations will also be needed to encourage young people to seek appropriate assistance early.

Bottom line

Lagos authorities say reducing maternal deaths will require more than healthcare facilities alone.

They are calling for stronger community awareness, accessible counselling, open family communication and greater efforts to reduce stigma so that women and girls can seek appropriate care before preventable complications become fatal.

PenCom, Lagos discuss pension increases for CPS retirees

Nigerian stocks gain N1.914trn as market extends bullish run

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Market capitalisation rose by N1.914 trillion to N157.739 trillion on Monday.
  • The All-Share Index gained 1.20 per cent, while 43 stocks advanced against 16 decliners.
  • Investors responded to stronger demand for blue-chip stocks and Nigeria’s upcoming return to Frontier Market status.

Main story

The Nigerian equities market extended its bullish run on Monday, with investors’ wealth increasing by N1.914 trillion as buying interest strengthened across major stocks.

Market capitalisation rose from N155.825 trillion at the previous close to N157.739 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) climbed by 2,900.92 points, or 1.20 per cent, to 244,199.39.

The latest advance lifted the market’s year-to-date return to 56.93 per cent.

The positive session came amid increased demand for blue-chip stocks and investor reaction to Nigeria’s reclassification to Frontier Market status, which is scheduled to take effect on Sept. 21.

The reclassification is expected to improve the visibility of the Nigerian market among international investors.

Market breadth was also positive, with 43 stocks recording gains compared with 16 decliners, indicating broad-based buying across the exchange.

Omatek Ventures emerged as the day’s biggest gainer, rising by 10 per cent to N1.65 per share.

Ikeja Hotel gained 9.95 per cent to close at N42.55, while Sovereign Trust Insurance rose by 9.94 per cent to N1.88.

Sunu Assurances advanced by 9.86 per cent to N3.12, while Royal Exchange gained 9.09 per cent to close at 96k per share.

On the losing side, Abbey Mortgage Bank recorded the biggest decline, shedding 9.41 per cent to close at N7.70.

AVA Capital fell by 7.69 per cent to N6, while Fortis Global Insurance declined by 6.25 per cent to N7.50.

Tantalizer lost 4.98 per cent to close at N3.82, while Consolidated Hallmark Holdings dropped by 4.60 per cent to N6.01.

Trading activity was also slightly higher during the session, with total volume rising by 0.17 per cent to 606.19 million shares.

The shares were traded in 53,471 deals valued at N38.70 billion.

Access Corporation accounted for the largest volume of transactions, with 126.54 million shares changing hands, representing 20.87 per cent of total market volume.

MTN Nigeria recorded the highest transaction value, with trades worth N5.72 billion, accounting for 14.78 per cent of the session’s total value.

The issues

The market’s latest advance reflects a combination of stronger demand for leading stocks and expectations surrounding Nigeria’s reclassification to Frontier Market status.

The reclassification is expected to increase the market’s visibility among global investors, potentially broadening international participation.

However, Monday’s performance also showed that buying interest was not limited to a small group of stocks, with significantly more gainers than decliners recorded during the session.

What’s being said

The supplied market report did not contain a direct statement from the Nigerian Exchange, investors or market analysts explaining the session’s performance.

The available information linked the positive performance to improved demand for blue-chip stocks and confirmation of Nigeria’s reclassification to Frontier Market status.

What’s next

Nigeria’s Frontier Market reclassification is scheduled to take effect on Sept. 21.

Investors will be watching whether the increased buying interest can be sustained and whether the reclassification attracts stronger participation from global investors.

Bottom line

The Nigerian equities market continued its strong run on Monday, adding N1.914 trillion to market capitalisation and pushing the year-to-date return to 56.93 per cent.

The broad-based gains and stronger demand for major stocks point to sustained investor confidence, while the upcoming Frontier Market reclassification could provide an additional boost to the market’s international visibility.

Breaking News: Lionel Messi retires from argentina national team

PenCom, Lagos discuss pension increases for CPS retirees

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • PenCom says discussions are ongoing with Lagos State over pension adjustments for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
  • The commission acknowledged concerns over delays in implementing approved pension adjustments and wage awards.
  • Eligibility, funding, actuarial liabilities and beneficiary data must be addressed before approved increases can be implemented.

Main story

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it is working with the Lagos State Government and relevant pension authorities to resolve concerns over pension increases for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, acknowledging concerns raised by Lagos State pensioners over delays in implementing approved pension adjustments and wage awards.

PenCom said it had engaged the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) on the administration of pensions under the CPS, including the extension of appropriate adjustments to eligible retirees.

The commission said the process required several issues to be resolved before adjustments could be implemented.

These include determining which retirees qualify, establishing the applicable adjustment, calculating the resulting actuarial liabilities, securing the necessary funding and validating relevant beneficiary data.

PenCom said appropriate instructions would also have to be issued to Pension Fund Operators (PFOs) to enable them to implement any approved adjustments effectively.

It said it was engaging the relevant stakeholders to ensure the required processes were completed properly.

The commission said the engagement would involve the Lagos State Government, LASPEC, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and representatives of pensioners.

PenCom assured retirees that it was working to ensure eligible beneficiaries received all benefits legitimately due to them.

It also reaffirmed its regulatory and supervisory responsibility over the CPS, saying it would continue to ensure compliance with applicable pension laws and regulations.

The issues

The immediate concern for Lagos pensioners is the delay in implementing approved pension adjustments and wage awards under the CPS.

However, PenCom’s statement indicates that implementing an increase involves more than announcing a new pension amount.

Authorities must first establish which retirees are eligible, determine the applicable adjustment, assess the financial liability involved, provide funding and ensure that beneficiary records are accurate.

Pension Fund Operators must then receive the necessary instructions to implement the adjustment.

This means the ongoing engagement between PenCom, Lagos State and other stakeholders is intended to resolve both the financial and administrative requirements surrounding the proposed enhancements.

What’s being said

PenCom acknowledged the concerns of Lagos State pensioners and assured eligible retirees that it was working to ensure they received benefits legitimately due to them.

The commission said the objective of its engagement with the state government, LASPEC, PFAs and pensioners’ representatives was to achieve a “transparent, orderly and sustainable resolution” of the issues.

What’s next

PenCom and the Lagos State Government are expected to continue discussions on the proposed pension adjustments.

The relevant authorities will need to establish eligibility, determine applicable adjustments, address actuarial liabilities and funding, validate beneficiary data and provide implementation instructions to Pension Fund Operators.

Bottom line

PenCom says the process of addressing pension increases for eligible Lagos CPS retirees is still ongoing.

While the commission has acknowledged pensioners’ concerns over delays, implementation will depend on resolving the eligibility, funding, actuarial and administrative requirements needed to give effect to the approved adjustments.

Otti urges Labour Party unity in Nsulu ahead of 2027

Africa must develop AI from local genomic data, expert says

By
Kehinde Victor
-
Nigeria Missing Among Top Countries Using AI Technology

Key points

  • Africa needs to own and develop AI tools trained on genomic data generated from its populations, an infectious disease expert says.
  • Models trained mainly on data from outside the continent may perform poorly when applied to African populations and pathogens.
  • Experts also called for better genomic metadata and more sustainable public health financing.

Main story

Africa needs to strengthen its capacity to analyse genomic data and develop artificial intelligence tools locally if it is to improve disease surveillance and public health outcomes, an infectious disease expert, Dr Oladipo Kolawole, has said.

Kolawole, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Founder of Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, made the call on Monday at the fourth Annual Scientific Symposium organised by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in Abuja.

The symposium, themed “Shaping the Future of Public Health Landscape through Sustainable Funding, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Innovation,” examined the role of emerging technologies in strengthening public health systems.

Kolawole said Africa would struggle to develop effective genomic intelligence if artificial intelligence models continued to depend largely on datasets generated from populations outside the continent.

He said combining Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) with machine learning could help African countries anticipate disease trends and antimicrobial resistance, but the accuracy of such systems would depend heavily on the data used to train them.

According to him, differences in genetic and pathogen profiles mean that AI models developed using data from other populations may not perform equally well when applied to African settings.

He cited antimicrobial resistance prediction as an example, saying a global AI model that predicted ciprofloxacin resistance with about 75 per cent accuracy in England achieved only about 50 per cent accuracy when applied to African data.

Kolawole said the gap demonstrated the need for researchers on the continent to develop models using locally generated genomic information.

“Models trained elsewhere do not automatically generalise to African populations due to distinct lineages and underrepresentation of our pathogen diversity.

“One size does not fit all; we must own our data and our AI tools,” he said.

The expert, however, said African researchers should not wait until comprehensive genomic datasets were available before developing local AI capacity.

He advised researchers to begin with available high-quality data and use it to establish foundational models that could be strengthened as additional genomic information and metadata became available.

Kolawole also addressed concerns about the potential misuse of advanced biotechnology and AI, saying biosecurity safeguards were increasingly being incorporated into research environments.

He said researchers and students at his institute were required to sign biosecurity agreements before beginning their engagements, stressing that those developing and using such technologies must remain legally and ethically accountable.

The session chairperson, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, reinforced the importance of the quality of data used in genomic research.

Abimiku recalled challenges during COVID-19 research, when missing metadata made it difficult to connect genomic information with patients’ clinical profiles.

She urged researchers to make comprehensive metadata collection and quality control an integral part of genomic data gathering from the beginning.

Representatives of eHealth Africa, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation and APIN Public Health Initiatives commended IHVN for sustaining the scientific symposium.

They also called for a shift away from temporary, emergency-driven approaches to public health financing towards sustainable institutional infrastructure that could allow health systems to respond more quickly to future crises.

The issues

The central issue is not simply whether Africa can use AI in public health, but whether it can control the data and models on which those AI systems depend.

The accuracy gap cited by Kolawole shows the potential consequence of relying on models trained predominantly with data from other populations. If African genetic and pathogen diversity is poorly represented, tools developed elsewhere may not perform reliably when applied to African health challenges.

The quality of the underlying data is another challenge. Abimiku’s experience during COVID-19 highlights how missing metadata can limit the ability of researchers to connect genomic findings with clinical information.

This makes local data generation, accurate metadata collection and research capacity important components of Africa’s ability to build useful genomic intelligence.

What’s being said

Kolawole said:

“One size does not fit all; we must own our data and our AI tools.”

He also said models trained outside Africa did not automatically generalise to African populations because of differences in pathogen lineages and the underrepresentation of the continent’s pathogen diversity.

Abimiku stressed the need for researchers to incorporate comprehensive metadata documentation and quality control into genomic data collection from the outset.

What’s next

African researchers are expected to continue developing genomic datasets and foundational AI models using available high-quality local data, while improving those systems as more genomic information and metadata become available.

Research institutions will also need stronger data-quality and biosecurity practices, while public health stakeholders are calling for more sustainable financing and institutional infrastructure.

Bottom line

Africa’s ability to use AI effectively in disease surveillance will depend partly on whether it can generate and control the data used to train its models.

For Kolawole, the path to more reliable genomic intelligence is clear: African researchers need to build from African data rather than assume that models developed elsewhere will adequately capture the continent’s biological diversity.

Israel, Greece sign €3bn deal for multi-layered air defence system

Otti urges Labour Party unity in Nsulu ahead of 2027

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Gov. Alex Otti has urged Labour Party stakeholders in Nsulu to unite behind his administration and prepare for the 2027 elections.
  • Party leaders said a stronger grassroots structure and cooperation among political blocs would be critical to the party’s electoral prospects.
  • The Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders Forum was inaugurated to coordinate mobilisation and support for Labour Party candidates.

Main story

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has urged Labour Party stakeholders in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, to resolve their differences and work together to sustain his administration’s development agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

Otti made the call on Monday at the Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders’ Summit at Umuomainta Women Hall, held under the theme, “Sustaining the Transformation: A United Labour Party in Nsulu for 2027 and Beyond.”

Represented by the party’s National Vice Chairman, South-East, Mr Ishmeal Onuoha, the governor said unity, peaceful collaboration and inclusive leadership were necessary to sustain development in the area.

He urged stakeholders to take an active role in party affairs rather than remain on the sidelines, while calling for respect for party leaders and collective action among members.

Otti also urged the stakeholders to maintain the spirit of unity beyond the summit and work towards securing victory for the Labour Party in 2027.

He assured participants that issues raised during the meeting would be considered and addressed, describing the summit as “the beginning of success.”

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen the Labour Party’s structure in Nsulu ahead of the elections.

Ajagba said the immediate task was to establish an organised political structure capable of mobilising support for Otti’s second-term bid and other Labour Party candidates.

He said every stakeholder had a role to play in the effort and announced the inauguration of the Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders’ Forum to coordinate support for the governor and other candidates.

The Labour Party state Chairman, Mr Peter Azubuike, urged Nsulu leaders to work with stakeholders across the different political blocs in Isiala Ngwa North to improve the party’s chances at the polls.

Azubuike said Otti’s re-election should be treated as a collective responsibility and argued that the governor’s achievements should motivate members to support his second-term bid.

Mr Nkem Okoro, state Chairman of Abia Arise, Otti’s political structure, also called for greater cooperation among the three political blocs in Isiala Ngwa North: Nsulu, Ngwaukwu and Ntigha.

He said a common political objective would strengthen the party’s position ahead of the elections.

Dr Chris Ugwumadu, who presented a paper titled “Labour Party Nsulu: The Challenges and Way Forward”, said the party needed to resolve internal differences and strengthen its grassroots organisation.

Ugwumadu acknowledged the party’s growth but said stakeholders needed to work together around a common objective.

“We are all committed to delivering the governor and Labour Party candidates in our various wards in Nsulu,” he said.

Other stakeholders, including Chief Godwin Nnaji and Dr John Enyioko, called for sustained unity among community and party leaders and urged Nsulu to contribute substantially to the party’s electoral performance.

They also cited the Umuomaiukwu Smart School and Abia International Airport Project as major investments with potential benefits for the community and the state.

The Women Leader of Umuomainta Community, Mrs Esther Mbuko, urged party members to begin grassroots mobilisation through door-to-door and person-to-person campaigns.

Mbuko said the policies and programmes of the Otti administration had benefited residents and called for collective efforts to sustain the development recorded in the state.

The councillor representing Isiala Nsulu Ward 3, Mrs Chinyere Obadiah, similarly urged residents to participate actively in the 2027 elections, saying the administration’s infrastructure projects reflected Otti’s development agenda.

The summit ended with the inauguration of the Executive Council Members of the Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders Forum.

The issues

The immediate issue is whether Labour Party stakeholders in Nsulu can maintain enough unity to build an effective grassroots political structure ahead of 2027.

Several speakers identified differences among party members and political blocs as an issue that needs to be addressed, while the proposed stakeholder forum is intended to provide a structure for coordinating members and mobilisation efforts.

The political mobilisation is also closely tied to Otti’s bid for a second term, with party leaders presenting his administration’s development projects as part of the case for his re-election.

What’s being said

Otti urged stakeholders to “sustain the spirit of unity beyond the summit” and work towards victory for the Labour Party in 2027.

Ugwumadu said, “We are all committed to delivering the governor and Labour Party candidates in our various wards in Nsulu.”

What’s next

The newly inaugurated Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders Forum is expected to provide a platform for coordinating party activities and mobilisation in the area ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party members are also expected to strengthen grassroots engagement and work across the political blocs in Isiala Ngwa North.

Bottom line

Otti is seeking to turn calls for unity among Labour Party stakeholders in Nsulu into a stronger grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

The immediate test will be whether the newly inaugurated stakeholder forum can translate the summit’s emphasis on unity into coordinated political mobilisation across the area.

Nigeria’s economy grows 4.43% in Q2 2026

Tinubu says 4.43% GDP growth shows reforms are paying off

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Nigeria’s economy expanded by 4.43 per cent in Q2 2026, up from 4.23 per cent a year earlier.
  • President Bola Tinubu says the growth reflects the impact of economic reforms and improving investor confidence.
  • The President says government will focus on converting stronger economic performance into improved living conditions.

Main story

President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s 4.43 per cent economic growth in the second quarter of 2026 as evidence that his administration’s reforms are beginning to deliver results.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported on Monday that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.43 per cent in Q2 2026, compared with 4.23 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

The expansion was recorded across agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, and services, with the services sector remaining the largest contributor to overall economic activity.

Nigeria’s aggregate GDP also increased in nominal terms to N119.27 trillion during the quarter, representing an 18.43 per cent rise from N100.7 trillion recorded in Q2 2025.

Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja, said the figures showed that the difficult reforms implemented by his administration were creating the foundation for sustained economic growth.

He said the reforms had been introduced to stabilise the economy and establish conditions for long-term prosperity, rather than to deliberately impose hardship on Nigerians.

The President pointed to stronger foreign reserves, trade surpluses, improved credit ratings, infrastructure development and rising oil and gas production as further indications of an improving economic outlook.

He also said investors who had previously left Nigeria were returning, suggesting that confidence in the economy was recovering.

Beyond the headline economic figures, Tinubu cited developments in education and access to credit as areas where he said the reforms were expanding opportunities.

He noted that university students were benefiting from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, while civil servants had access to affordable credit through the Credit Corporation.

The President nevertheless acknowledged that vulnerable Nigerians continued to face economic difficulties.

He said the government would therefore increase measures aimed at reducing the pressure on households, including cheaper transportation, higher food production and additional relief programmes.

Tinubu said the central challenge for the administration was now to ensure that improvements in macroeconomic indicators translated into better conditions for ordinary Nigerians.

He assured citizens that the government would continue with its reform programme while working to ensure that economic growth produced wider benefits.

The issues

The latest GDP figures provide the government with evidence of continued economic expansion at a time when its reform programme has faced criticism over its impact on citizens.

Tinubu is presenting the growth, alongside stronger reserves, improved credit ratings and increased investment activity, as evidence that the reforms are stabilising the economy.

The remaining challenge, however, is translating macroeconomic gains into improvements that households can directly experience through better purchasing power, access to opportunities and improved living standards.

What’s being said

“In the past three years, we tried to do the hard part by implementing the necessary reforms to stabilise the economy. Now the economy is stabilised, and we have laid the foundation for a prosperous nation.” — President Bola Tinubu

“We didn’t do the reforms to create challenges, but to ensure prosperity reaches all our people.” — President Bola Tinubu

“The results of the efforts are becoming very clear to all: The Renewed Hope Agenda is working.” — President Bola Tinubu

What’s next

The Federal Government says it will sustain its economic reforms while expanding measures intended to cushion vulnerable Nigerians.

The administration also plans to increase food production and implement additional relief programmes as it seeks to translate economic growth into improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

Bottom line

Nigeria’s economy grew faster in Q2 2026 than it did a year earlier, giving the Tinubu administration fresh evidence to support its claim that its economic reforms are working.

The bigger test for the government, however, will be whether the continued expansion translates into tangible improvements in household welfare and living standards.

Breaking News: Lionel Messi retires from argentina national team

Breaking News: Lionel Messi retires from argentina national team

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi to Focus on Winning World Cup with Argentina

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | August 31, 2026, 5:12 PM

Key Points

  • Lionel Messi ends his 21-year international career with Argentina after 207 appearances and 125 goals
  • The 39-year-old leaves after winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles
  • Messi says his decision was made after the 2026 World Cup final and reinforced by his father’s death

Main Story

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, ending his 21-year career with Argentina after the team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The 39-year-old confirmed the decision on Monday through a statement published on Instagram, saying he had reflected extensively on his future with the national team. Messi said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to step away.

“It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all,” Messi said in his statement.

According to Reuters, Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record appearance holder with 207 caps and record goalscorer with 125 goals. He made his senior debut in 2005 and represented Argentina at six World Cups.

His international career reached its peak with Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, followed by the 2024 Copa América title. He also won the 2021 Copa América, ending years of disappointment after Argentina had lost several major finals during his early international career.

Messi’s final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1–0 to Spain after extra time. The defeat left Argentina as runners-up, four years after Messi had captained the team to World Cup glory.

Messi said he had actually written his retirement statement on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. He added that the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August strengthened his resolve to leave international football.

The announcement ends one of the most decorated international careers in football history and closes Messi’s chapter with the Argentina shirt.

What’s Being Said

“I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.” — Lionel Messi, Argentina captain.

Before Messi’s announcement, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had said Messi had earned the right to determine when he would end his international career, while praising his contribution to the national team. After the World Cup final, Scaloni described Messi’s career as extraordinary and urged Argentines to be proud of what the captain had achieved.

What’s Next

Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract, while his retirement leaves Argentina facing the task of transitioning its attack and leadership to a younger generation.

Argentina will also enter its next competitive cycle without the player who has been central to its most successful period in recent years.

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Messi’s retirement closes the international chapter of one of Argentina’s most successful football careers. His departure also marks the beginning of a generational transition for a team that has relied heavily on his goals, creativity and leadership for more than two decades.

CBN tightens money market liquidity through OMO, T-bill sales

Nigeria’s economy grows 4.43% in Q2 2026

By
Boluwatife Oshadiya
-
"FG Is Committed To Improving The Economy" - National Planning Minister

By Boluwatife Oshadiya | August 31, 2026

Key Points

  • Nigeria’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.43% year-on-year in Q2 2026, up from 3.89% in Q1
  • Agriculture and services expanded while industrial growth slowed to 3.96% from 7.46% a year earlier
  • Oil-sector growth accelerated to 7.31%, while the non-oil sector expanded by 4.31% during the quarter

Main Story

Nigeria’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.43% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, up from 3.89% in Q1 and 4.23% in Q2 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The latest figure represents a 0.20 percentage-point increase from the corresponding quarter of 2025 and marks a stronger pace of expansion during the April–June period.

The NBS said agriculture grew by 4.39% in Q2 2026, compared with 2.82% in the same quarter of 2025. The services sector also strengthened, expanding by 4.60% from 3.94% a year earlier.

“Agriculture grew by 4.39%, an improvement from the 2.82% recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025,” the National Bureau of Statistics said.

However, industrial growth weakened significantly during the quarter. The sector expanded by 3.96%, compared with 7.46% in Q2 2025.

The services sector remained the largest contributor to real economic output, accounting for 56.62% of GDP, compared with 56.53% in Q2 2025.

The NBS data also showed stronger performances in both the oil and non-oil segments. Oil-sector growth rose to 7.31%, while the non-oil sector expanded by 4.31% year-on-year. Average daily oil production increased to 1.72 million barrels per day from 1.55 million barrels per day in Q1 2026.

What’s Being Said

“The services sector recorded a growth of 4.60% from 3.94% in the same quarter of 2025,” the National Bureau of Statistics said.

Reuters reported that the latest expansion reflected improved performance in both the oil and non-oil sectors, although the overall growth rate remains below the Federal Government’s longer-term 7% target.

What’s Next

  • Economic policymakers will be watching whether the stronger Q2 performance can be sustained through the second half of 2026
  • Continued recovery in crude production and expansion in non-oil activities will remain important to the pace and composition of growth
  • The performance of industry will require close attention after its growth rate fell sharply from 7.46% in Q2 2025 to 3.96% in Q2 2026

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line: Nigeria’s Q2 growth shows that economic expansion accelerated from the first quarter, supported by stronger services, agriculture and oil output. However, the sharp slowdown in industrial growth means the headline improvement is not yet broad-based across the productive economy.

Investors trim Nigerian bonds as yields rise amid weak demand

Israel, Greece sign €3bn deal for multi-layered air defence system

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Israel and Greece have signed a €3 billion agreement to develop a multi-layered air defence system for Greece.
  • The package includes David’s Sling, SPYDER and BARAK MX systems, as well as multi-mission radars.
  • Athens plans to invest about €28 billion in the wider Achilles Shield programme through 2036.

Main story

Israel and Greece have signed a €3 billion defence agreement under which Israel will help Greece develop a multi-layered system designed to protect the country against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones.

The deal, known as the “Achilles Shield”, forms part of Greece’s broader military modernisation programme and was described by Israel’s Defence Ministry as its largest defence export agreement with Greece.

Under the agreement, Greece will acquire several Israeli air defence systems, including David’s Sling and SPYDER from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and BARAK MX from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The package will also feature MMR multi-mission radars produced by IAI’s ELTA Systems for air surveillance, while a national command-and-control system developed by Rafael will connect the different components of Greece’s air defence network.

Israel’s Defence Ministry Director-General, Amir Baram, said the agreement demonstrated the country’s defence technology and the performance of its systems.

The deal will make Greece the second country to acquire the David’s Sling system after Finland. The system was used by Israel to intercept Iranian missiles during its conflict with Iran earlier this year.

The agreement comes as Greece continues to increase defence spending, partly because of its longstanding dispute with neighbouring Turkey. The country currently allocates nearly 3.5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product to defence.

As part of the wider modernisation programme, Athens plans to invest about €28 billion in the Achilles Shield programme by 2036.

The country is also expected to acquire as many as 40 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, while expanding its naval capabilities with frigates from France and Italy.

The cooperation between Israel and Greece will extend beyond the purchase of defence systems. The two countries are also expected to deepen defence-industrial collaboration through technology and expertise transfers to Greek industries.

In a separate €26 million agreement, Greece will acquire Rafael’s Drone Dome systems for the protection of strategic sites against drone threats and to strengthen its existing defences.

The issues

The agreement represents a major expansion of Greece’s air defence capabilities as Athens pursues a long-term military modernisation programme.

The Achilles Shield is intended to bring different defence systems together into a single network capable of responding to multiple types of threats, including missiles, aircraft and drones.

The deal also deepens defence-industrial ties between Israel and Greece, with technology transfer and cooperation with Greek industries forming part of the broader arrangement.

What’s being said

“The Achilles Shield deal demonstrates Israel’s technological capabilities and the performance of its defence systems.” — Amir Baram, Director-General, Israeli Defence Ministry

What’s next

Greece will proceed with the acquisition and integration of the Israeli air defence systems under the Achilles Shield programme.

Israel and Greece will also expand defence-industrial cooperation, including technology and expertise transfers to Greek industries.

Bottom line

The €3 billion agreement gives Greece access to a range of Israeli air defence technologies while advancing its long-term plan to build a multi-layered system against missiles, aircraft and drones.

For Israel, the deal marks its largest defence export agreement with Greece and further expands defence cooperation between the two countries.

Akwa Ibom Police demand advance notice for political gatherings

Akwa Ibom Police demand advance notice for political gatherings

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Political parties and support groups in Akwa Ibom must notify the police before holding rallies, processions and other public events.
  • The command says advance coordination will help prevent clashes, manage traffic and protect participants.
  • Police commanders have been directed to strengthen intelligence gathering around political activities.

Main story

Political parties and support groups planning rallies and other public gatherings in Akwa Ibom will now be required to give the police advance notice, as the command moves to prevent clashes and maintain public order during political activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Baba Azare, announced the requirement in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo.

Organisers are expected to submit details of their proposed activities, including the venue, date, time, expected attendance and routes for processions. The information will enable the command to coordinate security and traffic arrangements before the events take place.

According to Azare, the measure is particularly intended to prevent situations in which different political groups unknowingly schedule activities at the same venue, along the same route or at overlapping times.

The commissioner said the requirement should not be interpreted as an attempt to restrict lawful political activity, but as a security measure to ensure that one group’s activities do not endanger or interfere with another.

The command said it would maintain political neutrality and provide security for parties and groups regardless of their political affiliation.

Azare, however, drew a clear line between lawful political activity and conduct capable of disrupting public order.

He warned political thugs and other troublemakers against using rallies as opportunities for violence, intimidation or destruction, saying the police would respond to offences including possession of offensive weapons, unlawful obstruction of roads, attacks on opponents and destruction of property.

Security commanders across the state have consequently been ordered to increase intelligence gathering and maintain adequate security around political events and other public gatherings.

Azare also placed responsibility on political leaders to control their supporters and ensure that political activities were conducted peacefully.

The issues

The police directive is centred on coordination rather than a restriction of political gatherings. By requiring organisers to provide information ahead of events, the command intends to identify potential conflicts over venues, routes and timing before they develop into security problems.

The warning against violence also places responsibility on political parties and their leaders to ensure that supporters do not turn lawful gatherings into confrontations.

What’s being said

“Political differences must never be allowed to threaten the peace and security of the State.” — Mr Baba Azare, Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom

“Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us.” — Mr Baba Azare

What’s next

Political parties, support groups and associations intending to organise rallies, processions or similar events are expected to engage the police ahead of the activities.

Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders will also strengthen intelligence gathering and security around political gatherings.

Bottom line

Akwa Ibom Police are tightening coordination around political gatherings as the state seeks to prevent clashes and disorder. The command says political activity remains permitted, but organisers and supporters will be expected to comply with security requirements and keep their events peaceful.

FSB chair warns AI cyber risk is most immediate concern for global financial stability

PAAU expels six students over examination misconduct, withdraws nine

By
Kehinde Victor
-

Key points

  • Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has expelled six students over examination misconduct.
  • Nine other students were withdrawn for failing to meet registration and academic performance requirements.
  • The university has also referred a lecturer and another student for further disciplinary proceedings.

Main story

The Senate of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi, has expelled six students and withdrawn nine others following disciplinary proceedings over examination misconduct and poor academic performance.

The decisions were reached at the university’s 167th Regular Senate Meeting held on Monday at the institution’s auditorium, according to the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale.

Omale said the six expelled students were all 100-Level students of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology who were involved in an unauthorised attempt to rewrite an Introduction to Plant Science examination at the private residence of their lecturer, Dr Maji Okpanachi.

The incident came to the attention of the university after management received information that the examination was being conducted at the lecturer’s residence.

University security operatives subsequently arrested the lecturer and some of the students on July 1, after which an investigation was launched.

According to Omale, the investigation established that the affected students had paid N10,000 each to rewrite the examination several days after the original examination had been conducted.

The Senate consequently approved their expulsion and referred Okpanachi’s case to the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for further action.

In a separate decision, the Senate approved the withdrawal of nine students over academic and registration-related issues.

Six of the students had failed to register for courses for two consecutive semesters, while the remaining three were withdrawn because of poor academic performance.

The Senate also returned the case of Jude Itodo, another 100-Level student in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, to the Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.

The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Salisu Usman, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, discipline, integrity and quality assurance.

Usman warned that the institution would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining the credibility of its examinations and other academic processes.

He urged students to concentrate on their studies, maintain good conduct and observe the university’s academic and examination regulations.

The affected students were also directed to surrender university property in their possession, including identity cards and other official items, to the appropriate authorities before leaving the institution.

The decisions followed the Senate’s consideration of reports submitted by the relevant committees and other university authorities.

The issues

The disciplinary actions underline the university’s position that examination integrity and academic standards are not negotiable.

The case also highlights the consequences attached to both examination misconduct and failure to meet the institution’s academic and registration requirements.

What’s being said

“The university would not tolerate acts capable of compromising the credibility of its academic and examination processes.” — Prof. Salisu Usman, Vice-Chancellor, PAAU

Usman also urged students to remain focused on their studies, maintain good character and comply with the university’s academic and examination regulations.

What’s next

The lecturer involved in the examination misconduct case will face the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for appropriate disciplinary action.

The case of Jude Itodo will also return to the Examination Misconduct Committee for further investigation.

The expelled and withdrawn students are required to surrender university property in their possession before leaving the institution.

Bottom line

PAAU has taken disciplinary action against students involved in examination misconduct and those who failed to meet its academic and registration requirements, reinforcing its stated commitment to protecting the integrity of its academic processes.

‘I want to see my Jesus some day’: Nicki Minaj speaks on faith

Day 36 live updates: Bells hides food, and Tram opens up to Chimsom Chuka and Yusuf – BBNaija

By
Annette Ikponmwonba
-

By Annette Ikponmwonba | August 31, 2026

Keypoints

  • Bells was seen hiding food in a black bag shortly after the morning workout.
  • Sheba noticed that sugar was missing from the kitchen and questioned what happened to it.
  • Araga and Sheba discussed the previous night’s Live Show and their growing friendship.
  • Tram opened up to Chimsom Chuka and Yusuf about Goddessa’s eviction and his disagreements with Sheba.
  • The housemates received an ad-hoc Man Crush Monday task and were assigned housemates to impersonate.
  • Bells and Yusuf had a lover’s quarrel over loyalty, attention and their relationship.
  • Housemates continued discussing Sultex’s eviction and the previous week’s events.

Main Story

Day 36 in the Big Brother Naija Show Ya Sef house began with drama after Bells was seen taking food from the kitchen and hiding it in a black bag in one of the bedrooms, Shortly afterwards, Sheba noticed that the kitchen was missing sugar despite there having been plenty the previous night. The discovery raised questions among the housemates about what had happened to the supplies.

While some housemates relaxed, others got into their usual morning activities. Aikou and Chimsom Chuka played pool, while Sheba and Barry cleaned the kitchen and Oyin worked on her makeup, Araga and Sheba later discussed the previous night’s Live Show, including Ebuka’s questions about Araga’s relationship with the evicted Goddessa.

The Issues

The tension surrounding Sheba and Tram also remained a major talking point in the house, Tram told Chimsom Chuka and Yusuf that he had never had a problem with Goddessa, but felt she had chosen Sheba’s side during their disagreements. He said he had wanted to speak with Goddessa to resolve their differences but felt she refused to have the conversation.

Tram also accused Sheba of using other housemates as pawns for her own game, Meanwhile, Chimsom Chuka discussed his decision to save Sheba, describing it as something connected to a debt he believed he owed her, Another source of tension emerged between Bells and Yusuf, with Bells accusing Yusuf of repeatedly leaving her to interact with other housemates and making her feel like a second choice.

What’s Being Said

Sheba reflected on the previous Live Show and said that leaving the house early was not necessarily a disadvantage, arguing that success after the show ultimately depended on opportunities such as money and brand deals.She also spoke warmly about Goddessa, describing her as an important part of her journey in the house.

Tram, meanwhile, explained that he felt Goddessa had already chosen a side in his disagreement with Sheba, although he admitted feeling bad about her eviction, Bells later apologised to Yusuf after he reminded her that she had called him a liar the previous day. However, she continued to accuse him of lacking loyalty and disrespecting her.

What’s Next

The housemates will continue with the week’s activities, including the Man Crush Monday challenge, For the task, the female housemates picked male housemates from a lucky-dip box and were instructed to dress and behave like their selections. Bluethopia picked Barry, Nomy picked Aikou, Bells picked Araga, Flora picked Keivo, Oyin picked Ricky, Temi Nkem picked Tram, Sheba picked Chimsom Chuka and Abi picked Yusuf. Gerard also selected Bluethopia, The ongoing tension between Tram, Sheba and other housemates is also likely to remain a major storyline as the week progresses.

Bottom Line

Day 36 brought a mixture of food drama, relationship tension and growing divisions among the housemates. Bells’ hidden food and the missing sugar created suspicion in the kitchen, while Tram’s comments about Sheba and Goddessa showed that tensions from the previous week remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Bells and Yusuf’s argument added another layer of relationship drama to the house.

CBN tightens money market liquidity through OMO, T-bill sales

Iran vows decisive response after US strike on Larak Island

By
Kehinde Victor
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Key points

  • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran does not seek war but will respond firmly to aggression.
  • His comments followed a US strike on two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
  • Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack caused casualties and vowed retaliation.

Main story

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that his country will respond decisively to any aggression, following a US strike on two launchers on Iran’s Larak Island.

Pezeshkian, while stressing that Iran was not seeking war, said the country would not remain passive in the face of attacks.

He made the remarks on Monday in a statement issued by his office, as tensions between Iran and the United States intensified following the strike.

“We do not seek war, and this is a clear message that we have so far conveyed to the world,” Pezeshkian said.

He, however, warned that Iran would respond to what it considered acts of aggression.

The president also expressed concern about instability in the region, saying continued unrest would not serve the interests of any country.

He urged countries in the region to work towards strengthening security and creating conditions for development.

Pezeshkian’s comments came after the US Central Command said American forces had struck two launchers on Larak Island on Sunday.

The strike marked a fresh escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the two sides exchanging warnings over military actions in the region.

Following the attack, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said some military personnel and civilians had been killed or wounded.

The Guards also vowed that the United States would face retaliation for the strike.

The issues

The latest confrontation adds to tensions between Iran and the United States at a time when instability in the region remains a major concern.

Pezeshkian’s remarks combine a rejection of war with a warning that Iran intends to respond to attacks against it.

The situation therefore places renewed emphasis on efforts to prevent further escalation, particularly as both sides continue to issue warnings following military actions.

What’s being said

“We do not seek war, and this is a clear message that we have so far conveyed to the world.” — Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian President

“However, we will never sit still in the face of aggressions and will give a decisive response to aggressors.” — Masoud Pezeshkian

What’s next

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to retaliate for the US strike.

Pezeshkian has meanwhile called for efforts to strengthen regional security and development.

Bottom line

Iran says it does not want war, but its leadership has made clear that military aggression against the country will trigger a response.

The US strike on Larak Island and Iran’s subsequent warning have therefore raised the prospect of further escalation between the two countries.

AI adoption surges as companies chase ROI, but financial gains remain limited — McKinsey

AI adoption surges as companies chase ROI, but financial gains remain limited — McKinsey

By
Kehinde Victor
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Key points

  • Nearly nine in 10 organisations now use AI in at least one business function, but only 37 per cent report a positive impact on EBIT.
  • AI is delivering strong individual productivity gains, with 80 per cent of respondents reporting improved productivity.
  • Only six per cent of respondents qualify as AI high performers, with these organisations distinguished by workflow redesign, stronger leadership and broader use of AI.

Main story

Global businesses are rapidly expanding their use of artificial intelligence, but widespread adoption has yet to translate into a corresponding improvement in enterprise-wide financial performance, according to a new McKinsey report.

The McKinsey Global Survey on the state of AI, conducted from May 4 to June 8, 2026, found that 80 per cent of respondents said AI had improved their individual productivity.

However, only 37 per cent said AI had made a positive contribution to their organisations’ earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), the same proportion recorded in 2025.

The survey, which covered 1,719 respondents across 97 countries, points to a widening gap between the benefits employees are experiencing from AI and the financial returns being captured by their organisations.

McKinsey said the findings showed that companies were increasingly moving beyond experimentation, with AI becoming embedded across multiple business functions.

Nearly nine in 10 respondents said their organisations regularly used AI in at least one function, while 44 per cent said deployment was already scaling across their enterprises, up from 38 per cent in 2025.

The proportion of organisations using AI in at least three business functions also increased from 51 per cent to 56 per cent.

Large organisations are leading the expansion, with 54 per cent of respondents from companies generating at least $1 billion in annual revenue saying AI was scaling across their enterprises.

That compared with about one-third among respondents from smaller organisations.

The difference was particularly visible in the use of AI agents. Among large organisations, the proportion reporting that AI agents were being scaled in at least one function rose from 27 per cent in 2025 to 40 per cent in 2026, while the figure for smaller organisations remained at about 22 per cent.

AI chatbots remained the most widely scaled technology, with 47 per cent of respondents reporting enterprise-wide deployment.

About two in 10 respondents said their organisations had reached the scaling stage with AI agents, with a similar proportion reporting the same for software coding agents.

McKinsey said adoption of agentic AI varied by industry, with technology, media and telecommunications organisations among those most likely to be scaling the technology.

IT, knowledge management and software engineering were also among the functions recording the highest levels of agent deployment.

The survey found that companies were increasingly using AI coding tools to develop software internally rather than purchasing certain products from external providers.

Thirty-two per cent of respondents said their organisations had decided not to purchase at least one software product or feature because the functionality could be developed internally using AI coding tools.

The figure was highest in technology, at 41 per cent, followed by healthcare at 39 per cent.

Professional services and energy and materials each recorded 38 per cent, while insurance stood at 36 per cent.

Despite these developments, McKinsey said the strongest evidence of AI’s impact remained at the individual rather than enterprise level.

About half of respondents said AI had helped them make better decisions, while similar benefits were reported in areas such as skills development.

At the organisational level, respondents also identified improvements in innovation, competitive differentiation, customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction.

However, these gains have not yet produced a significant change in the proportion reporting positive EBIT impact.

The report said some functions were already recording more direct financial benefits.

Supply chain management, service operations and manufacturing were among the functions where respondents most frequently reported cost reductions, while marketing and sales was the function most commonly associated with revenue increases.

At the same time, the cost of running AI systems is becoming a concern for businesses.

One in five respondents said their organisations had limited AI use because of operating costs associated with the technology, including token costs.

Technology companies reported the lowest proportion affected by such constraints at 12 per cent, while consumer goods and retail recorded 25 per cent.

Nevertheless, investment in AI continues to increase.

Twenty-eight per cent of respondents said their organisations were allocating more than 10 per cent of their enterprise-wide information and communications technology budgets to AI.

Another 60 per cent expected AI investment to increase over the following year.

McKinsey said the financial value of AI was concentrated among a relatively small group of organisations.

Only six per cent of respondents were classified as AI high performers, meaning their organisations reported that AI accounted for at least five per cent of EBIT and that they had achieved significant value from the technology.

That proportion was unchanged from 2025.

McKinsey found that these organisations were not distinguished simply by higher spending. They were more likely to redesign workflows around AI, pursue growth and innovation alongside efficiency and establish stronger structures for implementation, measurement and risk management.

While about 80 per cent of both high performers and other respondents said efficiency was an AI objective, high performers were substantially more likely to pursue growth and innovation.

Eighty-two per cent of high performers identified growth as an AI objective, compared with 47 per cent of other respondents, while 65 per cent identified innovation compared with 49 per cent among others.

High performers were also 3.3 times more likely to say they intended to use AI to fundamentally transform their businesses over the next three years.

Nearly three-quarters had already fundamentally redesigned workflows because of AI, compared with about one-quarter of other respondents.

McKinsey also found that high-performing organisations were twice as likely to report strong senior leadership commitment to AI initiatives and defined processes for measuring their impact.

The workforce implications of AI remain uncertain.

Only 14 per cent of respondents from AI-using organisations said AI had contributed to an overall reduction in workforce size during the previous year, significantly below the 32 per cent who had expected workforce reductions in the 2025 survey.

Two-thirds reported little or no AI-related change in total employment.

Expectations for the coming year, however, remain significant, with 39 per cent expecting AI to reduce their organisations’ overall headcount.

Service operations and supply chain management were the functions where respondents most frequently anticipated workforce reductions.

Despite this, only 13 per cent of respondents said AI had made them anxious about their own career prospects.

The employee experience was less positive among midlevel managers and individual contributors, with 47 per cent reporting at least one negative effect from AI, compared with 31 per cent of executives and senior managers.

The issues

The central challenge identified by the McKinsey survey is not AI adoption but the difficulty of converting adoption into enterprise-level value.

Employees are already reporting substantial productivity improvements, yet the proportion of organisations reporting positive EBIT impact has remained unchanged.

The findings suggest that simply adding AI tools to existing processes may not be enough to generate significant financial returns.

The organisations achieving the strongest results are taking a broader approach by redesigning workflows, pursuing growth and innovation, measuring outcomes, managing risks and giving senior leaders responsibility for AI initiatives.

The rising cost of operating sophisticated AI systems is also creating another layer of pressure, meaning companies must balance continued investment with the economics of deploying increasingly complex technologies.

What’s being said

“Employees are clearly benefiting from AI, but companies have not yet broadly converted those individual gains into financial results.” — Dan Tinkoff, McKinsey senior partner

Organisations are also increasingly considering whether they should build certain technology capabilities internally rather than automatically purchasing them from external providers.

McKinsey senior partner Lieven Van der Veken said companies were becoming more deliberate about deciding where to buy, where to build and where to develop the internal capabilities required to integrate and scale AI.

McKinsey senior fellow Michael Chui also highlighted the emerging economics of AI, noting that falling token prices could be offset by the increasing volume of tokens consumed by complex reasoning tasks and agentic software development.

McKinsey associate partner Tara Balakrishnan said the strongest performers were distinguished by a coherent approach combining workflow redesign, leadership involvement, impact measurement, human oversight and risk management.

What’s next

Businesses are expected to continue increasing their AI investment, with 60 per cent of survey respondents anticipating higher spending over the following year.

The findings also point towards greater emphasis on redesigning workflows, scaling AI agents, developing internal AI capabilities and establishing stronger systems for measuring financial and operational impact.

Companies will also need to manage AI operating costs and risks as they deploy increasingly sophisticated systems.

Bottom line

AI has moved well beyond the experimentation stage, with most organisations now using the technology and an increasing number scaling it across their businesses.

But the McKinsey findings show that adoption is not the same as return on investment.

The companies capturing the greatest value are not simply using more AI. They are redesigning how work is done around it, aligning leadership and investment behind clear objectives, and measuring whether those changes actually produce business results.

The next phase of AI adoption, therefore, may be determined less by how many tools companies deploy and more by how effectively they transform their businesses to capture the value those tools can create.

‘I want to see my Jesus some day’: Nicki Minaj speaks on faith

‘I want to see my Jesus some day’: Nicki Minaj speaks on faith

By
Leonard Offiong
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Key Points

  • Nicki Minaj has spoken publicly about her Christian faith and belief in God.
  • The Trinidadian-American rapper said she has made up her mind to one day see Jesus.
  • She shared a passage from Psalm 36 while reflecting on her faith journey.
  • Minaj explained why she chose to share the New International Version of the Bible instead of her usual King James Version.
  • She also blessed her followers and said the message reflected what she believed the Lord was communicating that day.

Main Story

United States-based Trinidadian rapper and singer Nicki Minaj has spoken about her Christian faith, saying she is determined to one day see Jesus as she continues to express her belief in God.

Minaj shared the message on X on Sunday while reflecting on her Christian journey and her desire to meet Jesus.

She wrote, “I’ve got my mind made up And I won’t turn back because I want to see my Jesus some day.”

The rapper also shared an image of Psalm 36 from the Bible, highlighting verses that contrast the behaviour of wicked people with God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness and justice.

In a separate post accompanying the biblical passage, Minaj explained her decision to share the New International Version rather than the King James Version, which she said she would normally use.

She noted that the NIV’s wording could be easier for newer believers to understand, while also offering a blessing to her followers.

The Issues

Minaj’s latest posts offer another glimpse into the role her Christian faith plays in her public life, with the rapper using her platform to share biblical passages and personal reflections about her beliefs.

Her decision to highlight Psalm 36 also places emphasis on themes of faith, righteousness and God’s character, while her explanation of the Bible translation suggests an effort to make the message accessible to people who may be newer to Christianity.

What’s Being Said

“I’ve got my mind made up And I won’t turn back because I want to see my Jesus some day.”

“This is what the Lord is saying today,” Minaj said.

“I’d normally only post the KJV, but I think you’ll understand why the NIV may cut through a little more to newer believers. The Lord richly bless you,” the singer added.

What’s Next

Minaj’s latest comments are likely to continue drawing attention from followers as she increasingly uses her social media platforms to discuss her Christian faith and share biblical messages.

Bottom Line

Nicki Minaj’s latest posts underline her continued expression of Christian faith, with the rapper declaring her determination to one day see Jesus while encouraging her followers through scripture and a message of blessing.

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