Atiku Abubakar Will Be President For All”, Atikunation DG, Fatee Muhammed

Published

8 years ago

January 17, 2018

Hon. Fatee Muhammed, a businesswoman and politician, is the director-general of Atikunation, a volunteer group for the Atiku Abubakar 2019 presidential project. The PDP House of Representatives aspirant in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, in this interview, speaks of her group’s aims and passion for the Atiku project, her political dream, among other issues. Excerpt.

What is that project or accomplishment that is considered to be Alhaji Atiku’s most significant in his political career that you think should win him instant followers and needed support toward 2019?

Institutional reforms were part of the most outstanding achievements of the OBJ/Atiku administration. Atiku was the head of the privatization drive that opened way for revolution in the telecoms industry that solved problems of unemployment to a great extent. Millions have been blessed directly or indirectly through this drive.

In addition, Alhaji Atiku is an employer of labour. He is one of the well-to-do Nigerians that are regularly taking the youths off the job market.

Your group, Atikunation, has begun the inauguration of state coordinators across the country, how have the responses been from each state, and does this give positive hope for the Atiku Abubakar presidential project?

The responses have been very fantastic! The responses are encouraging across the country. In fact, people now realize that it is only Atiku who has the will to deliver Nigerians from the claws of APC government. This indeed is a positive hope for the Atiku Abubakar presidential project. People are getting Atikulated on a daily basis.

The PDP is yet to pick its flag bearer for the 2019 presidency. Likewise the ruling APC. Does this delay have anything to do with fears of what to expect, especially given that you are campaigning for an interested party?

Yes, this is a moment of decision for both parties. At the moment, consultation, networking and strategic meetings are ongoing. None of the parties will take chances by fielding a wrong candidate. They will both weigh all the available options looking at the pros and the cons. But for PDP, Atiku’s candidature is the best.

A dramatic change is required and Nigeria needs forward-looking leadership that has solutions to her myriad of challenges. What difference is a President Atiku Abubakar going to make in this regard?

Restructuring will solve some of these challenges facing Nigeria. Atiku is coming to restructure Nigeria for the good of all and equal opportunity.

Atiku is cosmopolitan and a visionary leader. He is one of the few Nigerians who have created employment like I said earlier. At the moment, he has over 50,000 Nigerians working in his companies nationwide. Having said this, he has the capacity to solve these challenges of unemployment, insecurity, infrastructural deficit, low quality of education. His university is one of the best rated in Nigeria and is a globally acclaimed institution.

How would you react to the thinking from some sections of Nigeria that your candidate, like they are accusing Buhari, is also coming to perpetuate the so-called Hausa/Fulani agenda?

Atiku’s is a household name in Nigeria. The role he played to strengthen our young democracy then during Obasanjo’s third term agenda earned him the respect and honour. So, Atiku is not a religious/racial bigot. Atiku is not in anyway coming to perpetuate the so-called Hausa/Fulani agenda. As a matter of fact, he has no link with them. That I know.

Tell us about your House of Representatives membership aspiration.

It is on course. There is no going back. I want to serve my people and make a positive and lasting impact. My desire is to seek public office to alleviate poverty and suffering of my people.

It is becoming somewhat a pipe dream for the PDP to win Lagos State, not even when it was the ruling party at the centre. Do you foresee PDP ever winning Lagos State, and what do you think is the strategy the party is lacking to win the state?

Winning Lagos is an uphill task. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is doing a great job. Nonetheless, his policies are not in favour of the masses. Therefore, if we can work on the APC lapses to reach out to the masses at the grassroots, then, PDP will win Lagos. It requires no magic.

When was your best moment in politics?

Good question! My best moment in politics was when I won the House of Representatives primary election and most importantly, the support I got from my people. Also, it was a pointer to the fact that politics can be won without banking on any godfather. Mine was a deviation from the old order.

How do you cope running your private businesses and still stay very active politically?

I have good organization in place and a working structure. I don’t have to be around all the time. I have heads of units and managers coordinating my business for me. Everything is ICT compliant. I monitor everything online. So, it’s easy for me to be active in politics and still run a successful private business.

Visualize Nigeria in 2020 and share with us your expectations for the country.

I see a great Nigeria. A nation filled with milk and honey. By 2020, Nigeria will be one of the 20 largest economies in the world, able to consolidate its leadership role in Africa and establish itself as a significant player in the global economic and political arena.

With Atiku Presidency, Indeed, the geo-political zones would become centres of thriving economic activities. Human capital development would also be made to align with the respective development priorities and aspirations of each of the regions.

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.

Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

Bank

Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

Published

4 days ago

February 18, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.

The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.

With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.

Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19

It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.

Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.

Business

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

Published

5 days ago

February 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.

In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.

For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.

Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”

Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.

With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.

About HabariPay

HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:

GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com