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FirstGem: We’ll make every Nigerian girl-child find her voice, pocket – FirstBank Chairman- Ibukun Awosika

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It was a colorful and spectacular sight as beautiful Nigerian women gathered from different diverse backgrounds for the FirstGEM First Anniversary Celebrations.

More than the spectacular display of diverse colorful fashionable attires was the extraordinary array of businesses and ideas which these women represent.

On Tuesday, December 5th, FirstBank hosted an interactive session for women themed “Positioning for Business and Financial Success” to mark FirstGEM at one.

FirstGEM is an account designed specifically to meet the needs of the woman and is available to all women aged 18 years and above, whether working professionals or entrepreneurs

The event began with breakfast, which was an excellent opportunity for all who were present to meet each other and network.

Immediately after Dr. Rafiq Raji, Chief Economist at Macroafricaintel gave his expert analysis of the economy and prospects for women business in 2018 where he advised the attendees to build sustainable businesses by being aware and informed about economic data.

The event had 2 plenary sessions; the first session saw Ms. Kike Mesubi, Vice President FBNQuest Asset Management & Mr Remi Banjoko, MD DKB Markets Ltd. give expert advice on Wealth Management and Stock Market Investment. The second session saw Mrs. Chizor Malize, MD Brandzone LCC and Mrs Motunrayo Ade-Famoti, CEO Money Stewards give expert advice on Personal Branding and Real Estate Investment.

It was a colorful and spectacular sight as beautiful Nigerian women gathered from different diverse backgrounds for the FirstGEM First Anniversary Celebrations.

More than the spectacular display of diverse colorful fashionable attires was the extraordinary array of businesses and ideas which these women represent.

On Tuesday, December 5th, FirstBank hosted an interactive session for women themed “Positioning for Business and Financial Success” to mark FirstGEM at one.

FirstGEM is an account designed specifically to meet the needs of the woman and is available to all women aged 18 years and above, whether working professionals or entrepreneurs.

The event began with breakfast, which was an excellent opportunity for all who were present to meet each other and network.

Immediately after Dr. Rafiq Raji, Chief Economist at Macroafricaintel gave his expert analysis of the economy and prospects for women business in 2018 where he advised the attendees to build sustainable businesses by being aware and informed about economic data.

The event had 2 plenary sessions; the first session saw Ms. Kike Mesubi, Vice President FBNQuest Asset Management & Mr Remi Banjoko, MD DKB Markets Ltd. give expert advice on Wealth Management and Stock Market Investment. The second session saw Mrs. Chizor Malize, MD Brandzone LCC and Mrs Motunrayo Ade-Famoti, CEO Money Stewards give expert advice on Personal Branding and Real Estate Investment.

To wrap up the event, Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika encouraged women to not be laid-back in pursuing their dreams rather; they should pursue their personal wealth as it eventually will add to the family’s wealth.

She ended the event with a simple but powerful declaration, “We will not stop until every Nigerian girl-child has found their voice and found their pocket.”

 

Business

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

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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.

 

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

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Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

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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.

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GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

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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

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