Business
FCMB Opens Flexx Hub, Creates Fun Banking Arena for Youths
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited is set to launch its first Flexx Hub, an exclusive banking arena for its youth customers who hold a Flexx account. The flagship Flexx Hub is located at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, popularly called MediLag and the bank has unveiled a week-long launch event which began on Monday July 18, 2016 with exciting and fun activities to culminate in the Grand Opening of the Flexx Hub this Friday, July 22, 2016.
With a rich and deep content format hardly seen before now, the Flexx Hub Launch Week will feature a line-up of activities including appearances by popular celebrities, such as music artistes, DJs, photographers, Radio On-Air-Personalities, personal finance planners, entrepreneurial coaches and much more. In addition, there will be music, dance, game shows and talent contests, where participating youths will get a chance to win a daily Smartphone prize and stand a chance to win the Grand Prize of a Hyundai Veloster in the ongoing Flexx Promo.
Speaking on the Flexx Hub launch and what makes Flexx different from the generic offering for young people in the Nigerian Banking space, the Divisional Head, Retail Banking at First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Olu Akanmu said,
Flexx is not just an account but a lifestyle platform that offers a customer experience centred around Fun, Future and Banking. The tripod of ‘FFB’ is served through digital channels that fit into the lifestyle of the Flexx target market which include the Mobile App, a Microsite and an Online Account Opening platform, all of which allow a potential Flexx customer open an account with FCMB without having to visit a branch. What the physical structure of the Flexx Hub brings to the table is a further simplification of banking as we know it and a place for young customers to breeze through those unavoidably physicalbanking transactions, while enjoying access to free extras such as wifi, charging ports etc. Ultimately, the goal is to demystify and remove the rigours of banking, so that members of the youth market are happy to come “Flexx @ The Hub” whenever the need arises. This is the first Flexx Hub we are opening, with many more to be opened in campuses across Nigeria before the end of 2016″.
FCMB’s Flexx proposition is targeted at young people who are actively seeking platforms which allow them to express their uniqueness, while building skills for financial success. A youth-centric banking product, Flexx is designed to meet the overall financial needs of young people within the age range of 18 and 35 years, where and how they want those needs met. This is summarized in the description of Flexx as “An app. A card. An account”, which gives account holders the freedom to bank on the go using the Flexx Mobile App. The Flexx card makes it convenient for them to withdraw cash, make payments online and on Point-of-Sale machines, as well as access exclusive discounts and freebies from Flexx partners. In addition to all of these, Flexxersget access to relevant fun and lifestyle information, as well as entrepreneurial tips, guides and events that help them build skills needed to achieve life aspirations and survive in the real world. This interesting departure from the common market offering gives the account holder a unique opportunity to “flexx” (a popular expression which means to “show off”) and express a lifestyle that will be the envy of their peers who do not have a Flexx account.
While responding to why FCMB is investing so heavily in banking solutions that foster youth capacity building, the Group Head, Corporate Affairs of the bank, Mr. Diran Olojo said,
“The youth segment is critical to our success as a retail brand. We are positioning FCMB as a youthful, vibrant and accessible brand and this segment is instrumental in harnessing that positioning for various reasons, including the population size in comparison to other segments, being about 42% of Nigeria’s population, reference to a National Bureau of Statistics’ report. In addition, we believe our differentiated approach with the Flexx account of focusing not just on fun and lifestyle, but also on their future and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and business people is something that is attractive to the youth. This is a very important aspect in helping them to prepare for a successful future.”
Mr. Olojo said the Bank is focusing on the opportunity to develop sustainable relationships with the youth segment, even though they may currently have little disposable income.
“Our investment in this segment in the short term is to onboard them as early adopters and provide them with a platform that encourages sustainable self-development as we partner them through various life cycles into adulthood”, the FCMB brand custodian, concluded.
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, which is one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments. Having successfully transformed to a retail and commercial banking-led group, FCMB expects to continue to distinguish itself by delivering exceptional customer experience, while empowering its customers to achieve their aspirations.
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.
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.
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.
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
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