Business
”I would rather quit singing than going into secular music” – Gospel artiste, Ryta Ritche
Ryta Ritche, a gospel singer based in Lagos, comes from a strong Christian home and is following her passion. In this interview, she talks about offers in secular music she has had to turn down, and about a track she has that is prominent on You Tube, radio and television stations. She also talks about another track which will be out very soon, and much more
Q: Why did you choose gospel music?
R- It has always been a passion, right from childhood. I come from a very strong Christian home and I have five brothers, four of which are pastors, and a sister who is a pastor, too. That is not the point actually. The point is, this race is a personal thing. It’s a calling on its own. I’ve had so many offers to do secular, clubbing etc , but it has never been me. Even one of the days I was like I should do it. The voice I heard from God was, ‘If you try it, I will take away that voice from you.’ So from there I become so scared. But the truth of the matter is this: where God has called me to and I’m holding onto it, nothing can take it. It’s better for me to stop singing than leaving the line I’m in now.
A lot of people believe gospel singers are not well compensated. What’s your take on that?
Yes, I agree, but one thing I’ll say is this: If a church invites you, you can’t compare Gospel and secular, because secular artistes do their thing the way they like but this one has to do with God
R- When I was little. That song titled ‘Kpami’ has been in my mind. The meaning is praise & the lyrics say, ‘wherever you are, in whatever situation, always remember it will get better’. I was passing by somewhere in delta &I saw beggars begging & I saw another who was crippled but wasn’t begging, he was praising God in church when I saw that I was like these are others on the other side & they don’t really have a serious defect but a crippled man is praising God. That song came to me that wherever you are, whatever you do, give him praise because he deserves it & whatever he has decided to give to you, no man can take it.
What have been the challenges so far?
Sometimes I get frustrated but the frustrating part of it is the challenge. The challenge is, most people look down on me like what do I have to offer them in the area of sponsorship. You can’t do things on your own. Even the ministry has its own business aspect. The challenging aspect is sponsorship, publicity; those are the important things that need to come up. There are many out there but no one to pick them up.
There are several gospel artists, what stands you out?
In Christ, we are one but we are different people in traditions, vocals, looks, e.t.c. What makes me different is God. There are people out there who do more than me. I’m not perfect, I’m doing it the way God wants me to. I’m not limited to just praise. I’m a worshipper and my next single is going to be mind-blowing because it’s worship and I can’t wait to have it.
A lot of people have been expecting you to come out with an album. When should they be expecting?
I’ll say soon, because I still need sponsorship, publicity and all of that. I wouldn’t say because of sponsorship, my album will come out very soon and I know it’s going to go viral. I’m not limited.
You are a great worshipper. Where did you get the talent from; was it inborn?
Worship is a spirit. The bible says those that worship God must worship in spirit him in truth. When it comes to worship, I don’t need to tell you to raise your hands or open your mouth before you worship. If truly you are a worshipper, you don’t need anybody to tell you except you don’t do it in your privacy. There are people who go into spirit even before the minister comes up; those are worshippers. It’s a spirit, it’s something I developed, I love worship. I came from a family full of church things and my mum was a very good singer. I took after her but mine is beyond hers. God gave me hers and added to it.
Everybody has someone he or she looks up to; who do you look up to?
I had a mentor but now she’s deceased. I wept when she died. She’s a secular artiste but I’m not in for her secular songs, I’m in for her songs. She is Whitney Houston. I love her so much. Then when I was in Winners’ Chapel, on Saturday after rehearsals, I’d tell others that we should hold hands to pray for her; that’s the level of my love for her. In Nigeria, I love local music ’cos this is Africa. I loved Akanchanwa, e.t.c. ‘cos I’m into both the local & international. They even used to call me ‘Akanchanwa & Whitney Houston in church then. I like Sinach too.
In the next five years, where do you want to be; how do you want to see your band?
It all belongs to God. The dream is very high. I would have said the same thing if someone asked me five years ago. God knows better. Yes, you have a dream but sometimes what you intend doing doesn’t work out. If you had asked me five years ago, I would say my music would have gone far, I’ll be travelling everywhere but sometimes things don’t come the way you expect them to come. Though I’m not where I used to be, I know in the next five years, I won’t be here.
If you were offered N50 million to sing secular music in the club, what will you do?
I won’t sell my soul for the things of the world. I’m not judging anyone. Five or six years ago, a programme came up: they had this upcoming secular artist and I was called and even did rehearsal. On the day of the programme, I hid myself from the camera because I didn’t want anyone to see me on air. But while I was there, in my heart I was seriously bitter because that was not my line. God hadn’t called me to do secular song. I’ve had so many offers but that’s not me. In fact, someone told me he wanted to link me to D’banj but I said I didn’t want. y.
Finally, are you into Gospel fully or you have something else to offer?
I’m into gospel fully but I still have something else doing, because even with the money you get from churches, you still pay your band members. I’m a business person and a beautician. I’m into salon work – spa. I love handwork a lot. I have so many handworks.
What’s the greatest advice someone has ever given to you?
‘Don’t give up.’ I hear the voice, like, ‘Hello, you didn’t give this to yourself, you are going nowhere.’
GTCO Launches “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, Opens Call for Applications
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has announced the launch of “Take on Squad” Hackathon 3.0, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation, empowering talent, and supporting the development of technology-driven solutions that address real-world challenges across Africa.
Now in its third edition, the Hackathon brings together developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria in a collaborative environment to build practical solutions across key sectors including financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion. Under the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” participants are challenged to design and build intelligent, data-driven solutions that transform how communities engage with money.
Applications are now open, and interested teams can find full guidelines and registration details on the official portal at https://squadco.com/hackathon.
Speaking on the initiative, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, stated: “Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve. Through “Take on Squad” Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future. Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact. This reflects GTCO’s role as a financial services platform that connects capital, capability, and creativity to drive sustainable progress.”
The social coding event remains a cornerstone of HabariPay’s mission to foster creativity and problem-solving among emerging tech talents. Competing teams will leverage Squad’s advanced APIs to create scalable digital tools that address everyday challenges faced by businesses and individuals.
Through initiatives such as this, GTCO continues to position itself at the intersection of finance, technology and enterprise, actively shaping the future of digital transformation in Africa.
About HabariPay
HabariPay Ltd is the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa with direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom.
Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our goal is to support SMEs, micro merchants, large corporations and other fintechs (Tech Stars) with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving digital economy and expand beyond their current market reach. HabariPay’s solutions include Squad, a full-scale digital payments toolkit to make in-person and online payments simpler, HabariPay Storefront, an e-commerce website to facilitate online purchases, Value-Added Services to help merchants access cost-effective and flexible airtime and data bundles to run their businesses, as well as a switching infrastructure that enables tech-focused businesses to optimise cost and make transactions more efficient.
HabariPay’s contributions to Accelerating Digital Acceptance in Africa have not gone unnoticed–it received Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at TIA 2022 for its innovative payment solution, SquadPOS.
About Squad
Squad is a complete digital payments solution that is reliable, secure, and affordable, making receiving in-person and online payments simpler and convenient.
Thousands of merchants currently leverage Squad’s payment solutions for their daily business operations. Squad’s current products and service offerings include SquadPOS, Squad Payment Links, Squad Virtual Accounts, USSD, and E-Commerce Storefront.
Find out more at www.squadco.com.
Electric 8-Seater Tula Moto Keke Enters Nigerian Market, Targets Higher Operator Earnings
LAGOS — A new electric-powered tricycle with an expanded passenger capacity has been introduced into Nigeria’s urban transport sector, offering operators a potentially more profitable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional petrol-driven “keke.”
The newly launched 8-seater electric tricycle, now available in Lagos with plans for nationwide distribution, features a dual-row seating arrangement capable of accommodating up to eight passengers per trip—significantly higher than the standard three-passenger configuration common across the country.
Promoters of the innovation say the increased capacity is designed to boost daily earnings for operators, particularly amid persistent fluctuations in fuel prices. By running entirely on electric power, the vehicle eliminates dependence on petrol, reducing operating costs and shielding drivers from fuel price volatility.
According to the distributors, the tricycle is equipped with a durable battery system capable of covering extended distances on a single charge, making it suitable for commercial operations across high-traffic routes, residential estates, campuses, and marketplaces.
“The concept is straightforward—enable drivers to earn more while spending less,” a company representative stated. “With higher passenger capacity and zero fuel requirements, operators can maximise each trip without the burden of daily fuel expenses.”
Beyond its cost-saving potential, the electric keke is also said to require less maintenance than traditional models, offering additional long-term savings. Its quieter and smoother operation is expected to enhance passenger comfort and overall commuting experience.
Industry analysts note that the introduction of electric mobility solutions reflects a growing shift toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation alternatives in Nigeria, particularly in densely populated urban centres such as Lagos.
The distributors added that the product is currently available under a limited promotional offer, with delivery options across the country.
For inquiries and purchase: 📞 08153432071
📞 08035889103
Office Address:
📍 Plot 9, Block 113, Beulah Plaza,
Lekki–Epe Expressway,
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
As transportation costs continue to rise and environmental concerns gain prominence, innovations like the electric 8-seater keke may signal an emerging transition toward more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions nationwide.
Business
A Pipeline, a Licence, and a Storm Brewing: Corruption allegations Draw global oil giant, Shell, Into Nigeria’s Reform Test
*A Pipeline, a Licence, and a Storm Brewing: Corruption allegations Draw global oil giant, Shell, Into Nigeria’s Reform Test*
By Deji Johnson and Mustapha Bello
t begins with a pipeline that should have been completed by June 2026. It widens into a regulatory dispute. And it now risks becoming a defining test of Nigeria’s gas reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At the center is a stalled 80 kilometre gas pipeline from Sagamu to Ibadan, a project backed by over 100 million dollars in investment and built on a protected Gas Distribution Licence issued under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. The licence granted NGML–NIPCO exclusive rights to distribute gas within Ibadan for 25years based on Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act.
On paper, the law is clear. On the ground, the situation is anything but.
For more than three months, construction has been halted following a stop work order issued by the Oyo State Government led by former Shell Contractor and engineer, Governor Seyi Makinde. No detailed public justification has been provided that aligns with existing federal approvals already secured for the project.
What might have remained a quiet regulatory disagreement has now escalated into something far more politically charged. How?
In recent remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is of the same political party as Governor Seyi Makinde, made a pointed allegation that has since rippled across political and industry circles. He suggested that the Governor of Oyo State and Shell were in what could be described as an “unholy alliance.”
It is a serious claim. One that, if substantiated, would raise profound questions about the intersection of corporate influence, state level action, and federal law.
Neither Shell nor the Oyo State Government has publicly responded in detail to the allegation.
But the silence is now part of the story.
*THE SHELL QUESTION*
For Shell, this moment carries particular weight.
The company has operated in Nigeria for decades, building one of its most significant global portfolios in the Niger Delta. But that history is not without controversy. From corruption claims to environmental damage claims and community disputes amongst others, Shell has faced years of litigation and, in several high profile cases, adverse rulings tied to its operations in the region.
Those cases, many adjudicated in foreign courts, have shaped a negative reputation that continues to follow the company.
Now, a new question emerges.
Is Shell once again operating at the edge of Nigeria’s regulatory framework seeking to exert undue influence in circumventing Nigeria’s petroleum laws, or firmly within it?
Industry sources including a widely reported meeting between their representatives, Oyo State Government representatives and the newly appointed midstream and downstream chief executive, indicate that engagements involving Shell and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority could enable the company to enter a gas distribution zone already licensed to another operator in breach of the PIA.
If true, the implications are immediate and far reaching.
A licence meant to protect investors and investments in Nigeria’s gas space ceases to be exclusive against the dictates of the guiding laws. A framework begins to look flexible, and a reform risks appearing reversible.
To many, it seems more than just a commercial dispute and is not just about one company versus another.
Nigeria is in the middle of an energy transition where gas is expected to play a central role in powering industries, stabilising electricity supply, and reducing reliance on expensive diesel. President Bola Tinubu has emerged as a global champion of using gas as a transition fuel in Nigeria and Africa whilst rolling out elaborate but clearly defined plans to achieve it. Yet gas availability remains inconsistent, constraining power generation and limiting industrial output.
Projects like the Sagamu to Ibadan pipeline are designed to close that gap. To halt such a project is to delay not just infrastructure, but impact. To undermine its legal basis is to question the system that enabled it and to introduce competing claims within the same licensed zone is to risk regulatory confusion at a time when clarity is most needed.
This is where the issue moves from commercial to national because at stake is not only an investment, but the credibility of the reform architecture itself.
*OYO STATE AND THE FEDERAL QUESTION*
The role of the Oyo State Government adds another layer of complexity.
Energy regulation in Nigeria, particularly in the gas sector, is governed by federal law. Yet implementation often intersects with state authority, creating spaces where jurisdiction can blur.
The stop work order issued on the pipeline has become the clearest manifestation of that tension. Was it a regulatory necessity?
A precautionary measure? Or, as alleged by Minister Wike, part of a broader alignment with external interests? Without transparency, speculation fills the vacuum and the regulator must avoid finding itself mired in such allegations.
*QUESTIONS THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY*
For Shell, the questions are now direct and unavoidable:
Is Shell, a global energy giant, seeking to operate within the Ibadan gas distribution zone already licensed to NGML–NIPCO?
What assurances, if any, has it received from regulators or state actors?
How does it reconcile such actions with the exclusivity provisions of the PIA?
For the regulator, NMDPRA:
Can a Gas Distribution Licence be effectively shared, diluted, or overridden after issuance? According to Nigerian laws, the answer is No.
What precedent does this set for Nigeria’s gas infrastructure market?
For the Oyo State Government:
On what legal grounds does the stop work order stand, given federal approvals already in place?
And how does this action align with national energy priorities or the state’s gas needs?
Nigeria has spent the last two years telling a new story to the world. A story of reform, of discipline, of a country ready to compete for global capital. And it has worked so far with stability returning to Nigeria’s economy and over $20bn of energy investments looking to enter the country in the short to midterm.
But reforms are not tested in policy papers. They are tested in moments like this.
Moments where law meets influence, investment meets interference and promise meets pressure.
For Shell, long mired in issues surrounding ethical operations in Nigeria, this is more than a business decision. It is a reputational crossroads.
For Nigeria, it is something even larger. Whether the country’s laws will hold when they are most challenged or Whether its reforms will stand when they are most inconvenient or even whether Nigeria’s energy investments future will be shaped by the rules of law, adherence to regulatory protections and provisions or by unethical and corrupt relationships.
Until those questions are answered clearly, publicly, and decisively, the pipeline in Ibadan will remain more than steel in the ground.
It will remain a symbol of a country still deciding which path it truly intends to follow. Nigeria must act quickly and decisively because the world is watching.
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