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A look at Vbank, Nigeria’s digital banking app of 2020

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VBank dazzles Lagos corp members with gifts and cash prizes

A look at Vbank, Nigeria’s digital banking app of 2020

 

When VFD Microfinance Bank entered Nigeria’s budding virtual banking space with its VBank app in March 2020, it joined the ranks of challenger banks giving mainstream banks a run for their money.

A look at Vbank, Nigeria’s digital banking app of 2020


It was launched when consumers were groaning under the burden of high 
account maintenance fees, hidden bank charges and other difficult regulatory demands. It was also at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, which necessitated months of lockdown and restricted movement.

 

Riding on the back of its attractive and easy-to-use interface, the VBank app quickly racked up hundreds of thousands of downloads on Playstore and the App store. 

 

The latest update to the app launched earlier in the year with some sterling features to make virtual banking seamless.

 

Customisable features

The new update on the app comes with a customisable interface that allows adding quick links to the homepage by clicking the edit button on the top left corner of the page. With this, you can add features you use frequently to where you can quickly access them. 

 

Receiving/Sending money without an account number

The app comes with Proximity Payment, a Bluetooth-like feature. With this, VBank users can send or receive from other users of the app without using an account number. The app uses your phone’s location, microphone, and Bluetooth to carry out the transaction. 

 

There is a catch, however: VBank expressly states that “the data being shared is temporarily uploaded to Google in order to enable sharing.” 

 

Closely related to this are the QR code payment and cardless withdrawal options. The QR code feature allows users to initiate and receive payment by scanning another user’s QR code. It also enables the app user to generate a unique QR code anywhere in the world and then share the same with family and friends to receive payments anywhere QR code payment service is available. 

 

The cardless withdrawal feature enables users to withdraw cash at any ATM in Nigeria without using a physical debit card. And with the ATM locator on the app, you can locate ATM points nearest to you. 

 

One transaction, multiple beneficiaries

Sending funds to more than one person can be a bit tedious and time-consuming, especially when the internet connection is unstable.  However, the VBank app allows for making payments to multiple beneficiaries at a go with no hassles and for free. The bank charges zero naira for transfers all year round.

 

Investing 

With the Invest menu on the app, users can do more than save money. The menu allows users to create target savings, fixed deposit and shared/joint accounts, and also request a loan.  Only recently, the bank reviewed its Fixed Deposit Rates to return between 11.25 and 15 percent on a 30 to 365 day fixed tenor. This is one of the highest in the country. Also, it renewed its annual Children’s Day Target Savings in May 2021 promising a 20 percent bonus in the first month and nine percent in subsequent months provided the same amount is fixed monthly.

 

Other regular features

Like many other bank apps, with the VBank app you can do mobile top-up and pay bills. This would vary from cable bills, electricity bills to betting games.

 

The Vbank app is a digital product of VFD Microfinance bank which was incorporated in Lagos in 2015. The bank returned 400 percent in investment in 2020, the year of the pandemic. This is perhaps connected to the timely introduction of its digital app, Vbank, in March 2020, a few weeks before the country shut down. Last April, Vbank was named banking app of the year 2020 at the Gage Awards.

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Reliable Source Defends Okunfulure Olusola Steve, Denies Money Laundering Allegations

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Reliable Source Defends Okunfulure Olusola Steve, Denies Money Laundering Allegations

 

A trusted and close associate of Mr. Okunfulure Olusola Steve has come forward to refute the widespread reports alleging his involvement in money laundering.

According to the source, who is based in the United States and has longstanding ties with Mr. Olusola, the Nigerian-born businessman is a legitimate entrepreneur with a verifiable professional background in the U.S.

“I want to categorically state that Olusola is not involved in money laundering,” the associate stated. “He is a law-abiding citizen who has never engaged in any criminal activity.”

The source clarified that Mr. Olusola was in Nigeria to attend a private function and was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport while returning to the U.S., with $30,000 in his possession. The issue reportedly arose due to his failure to properly declare the amount to airport authorities, which led to allegations of money laundering.

“This situation has caused significant distress to his family, friends, and associates, as Olusola is widely regarded as a person of integrity and good character,” the associate added.

It will be recalled that Justice Deinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, convicted and sentenced Mr. Okunfulure Olusola Steve to three months imprisonment for money laundering. He was arrested on March 28, 2025, by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service at the airport for failing to declare the $30,000 in his possession, in violation of the law.

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AARE ADETOLA EMMANUELKING AT 50: REDAN PRESIDENT CELEBRATES HIS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

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AARE ADETOLA EMMANUELKING AT 50: REDAN PRESIDENT CELEBRATES HIS VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

 

It is with great pleasure that I, Prince Akintoye Adeoye, President and Chairman of Council of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), on behalf of the entire Association, extend my warmest birthday wishes to you.

As you celebrate your birthday today, we recognize your outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Your visionary leadership in making homeownership accessible and building Adron Homes & Properties into a leading brand sets a high standard for excellence. Your passion and dedication continue to inspire many of us in the real estate sector.

Today is not just a birthday; it is a celebration of your remarkable achievements, wisdom, and the abundant grace of God. From a visionary start to shaping the future of affordable housing in Nigeria, your leadership in the real estate sector has been ground-breaking.

REDAN is proud to recognize your invaluable contributions to the real estate sector and our association. As you step into this new age, may you be blessed with continued success and even greater accomplishments in all your endeavors.

Turning 50 is a momentous occasion, offering a time for reflection on the many successes and cherished memories that have shaped your journey. At REDAN, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, and divine grace as you keep contributing to the advancement of the real estate sector and our beloved nation.

May this year and the ones ahead be filled with even greater achievements, joy, and fulfillment.

Once again, happy 50th birthday, Aare Adetola Emmanuel King.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

FOR: REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

Prince Akintoye Adeoye
President & Chairman of Council

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GGAN Lauds President Tinubu, Kyari’s Reforms on Food Security

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***Says Decrease in Prices of Food Commodities Good Sign for a Better Nigeria

 

The Good Governance Advocates of Nigeria (GGAN) has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, for their efforts in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

In a statement signed by its national president, Comrade Gideon Unazi, the group hailed the administration’s commitment to driving economic growth and positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global food markets.

According to Unazi, the country’s gradual shift from subsistence farming to a robust agribusiness ecosystem is a significant step towards empowering farmers and fostering private sector-led growth.

He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture, temporary suspension of tariffs on imported grains and essential food items and other reforms have yielded positive results.

Unazi added: “The collaboration with international development institutions such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also been instrumental in driving growth in the agricultural sector.

“The lifting of the ban on importation of food across land borders, the firming up of the Naira, and the reported pausing of bulk purchase of grains that UN and US agencies distribute to IDP camps have all contributed to the recent decline in food prices.

“The election of Kyari as the Vice Chairman of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in global agricultural transformation.

“This recognition is a clear indication that the country is on the right path towards achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development.

“The Ministry’s efforts to distribute over 2.1 million bags of fertilizers to farmers and provide food aid to flood-affected communities have been particularly noteworthy. These initiatives have not only improved agricultural productivity but also provided relief to vulnerable populations.”

Unazi said the recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement and proof of the Federal Government’s efforts, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past month.

The statement stated: “The recent decline in food prices is a significant achievement, with prices of some grains crashing by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

“The prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri have all declined, ranging from 10% to 70%. This trend is expected to continue, bringing relief to millions of Nigerians who have been struggling with high food prices.

“According to reports, the prices of major raw food items have declined significantly. Aljazeera reported that the prices of some grains crashed by as much as 40% in the past few weeks.

“BusinessDay highlighted a noticeable fall in the prices of beans, yam, rice, tomatoes, and garri, ranging from a decline of 23% for imported rice to 70% for tomatoes.

“The GGAN wishes to commend President Tinubu and Kyari for their leadership and vision in driving growth in the agricultural sector. We urge the administration to continue its efforts to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.

“We also call on all stakeholders to support the government’s initiatives aimed at achieving food security and sustainable agricultural development. With the current trend of declining food prices, we are optimistic that Nigeria is on the path to becoming a food-secure nation.”

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