Business
KEYSTONE BANK BOOSTS AGRICULTURE WITH THE APPROVAL OF N300M TO THE AGRIC ANCHOR BORROWERS PROGRAMME
With the recent focus of the Federal government of Nigeria on diversification of the economy, Agriculture is being promoted in many quarters as the next frontier in driving the economy of the nation. The reason is not farfetched as agriculture was the major export industry before the discovery of crude oil in the late 1950s with cocoa, groundnut, palm oil being major export products among others.
Before independence in 1960, the economy was characterised by the dominance of exports and commercial activities. There was no viable industrial sector. After independence, agriculture continued as the mainstay of the economy. In spite of fluctuations in world prices, agriculture contributed about 65 per cent to GDP and represented almost 70 per cent of total exports. Agriculture provided the foreign exchange that was utilised in importing raw materials and capital goods. The peasant farmers produced enough to feed the entire population.
But Nigeria’s status as an agricultural powerhouse has declined drastically over the years. While Nigeria once provided 18% of the global production of cocoa, second in the world in the 1960s, that figure is now down to 8%. And while the country produces 65% of tomatoes in West Africa, it is now the largest importer of tomato paste.
The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme which was initiated by the CBN as a sub-shoot of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) was created to support farmers and increase their production capacity. About N19billion was disbursed in the last farming season with reported 90% success rate. The programme was initially designed for Rice Farmers only but the scope has since been expanded to other farming sectors.
One financial institution that has been involved in the Anchor Borrowers Programme is Keystone Bank.
The Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr. Philip Ikeazor has underscored the importance of financial institutions in driving the agricultural sector. “Financial institutions have a crucial role to play in providing support to players along the agriculture value chain and the CBN’s initiative of the Anchor borrowers programme is a step in the right direction. Financing in agriculture is one factor of production which facilitates the acquisition, procurement and management of the other factors of production like, land, expertise and management”.
Mr. Ikeazor however noted that there are challenges to financing of the agricultural sector. He highlighted that in spite of the good efforts of the federal government there have been challenges experienced in reaching the targets of effective financing. He stated,“We however have to take into consideration the issue of uneven distribution of credit which is present at sub-sectorial levels of allocation” He stated that if some of these challenges are to be overcome, programmes of both the private and public credit institutions need to shift focus to the rural areas.
According to experts in the agricultural sector, the low volume of business in the rural areas where poverty is most prevalent cannot guarantee sustainable business activities to encourage the establishment of commercial banks to provide the needed finance for agricultural production. Moreover, the cost implication of processing agricultural loans in the rural economy makes it unattractive for conventional banks to channel their resources to farming. Although, the commercial banks finance agricultural activities but their credits are urban based and so small that their impact cannot be felt in the rural areas where farming actually takes place. Lack of priority attention to rural population in credit delivery by commercial and other banks in the economy contributed to the depressed economic conditions in the rural economy, and this situation also affects the overall economic growth and development of the nation.
Business
HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE
HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE
LAGOS — A fast-rising fashion brand, House of Bimpe Fit, is making waves in the style scene with its collection of modern, elegant outfits designed for both men and women.
The brand, which showcases a blend of contemporary and classic designs, is quickly attracting attention for its attention to detail and quality finishing. From sharply tailored men’s native wears and suits to chic, figure-flattering outfits for women, House of Bimpe Fit is positioning itself as a go-to destination for fashion lovers seeking both style and comfort.
Speaking on the brand’s vision, the management emphasized its commitment to delivering “quality outfits for both men and women,” ensuring customers step out with confidence and class regardless of the occasion.
Fashion enthusiasts have particularly praised the brand’s versatility, as it caters to a wide range of tastes—from corporate elegance to casual sophistication.
With an active presence on social media, especially on TikTok via @house_of_bimpefit, the brand is leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and showcase its latest collections.
Industry watchers say House of Bimpe Fit is one to watch, as it continues to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry.
For inquiries, customers can contact the brand via phone at 0802 686 6277.
Business
Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students
Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students
By Agholor M.O
Jafad College of Nursing Science, Oru Ijebu Ogun State, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in healthcare education as it matriculated and inducted into Nursing Training, 158 students of the N.D 2025/2026 academic session in a well attended and inspiring ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 8th of April 2026 at the College premises, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State
The event began with a colourful academic procession of the matriculating students led by their Class Coordinator Mrs B.O. Okuboyejo, alongside principal officers of the college, including the Student Affairs Officer, Mrs Fijabi; College Accountant, Mrs Funmilayo Victoria Alao; Librarian, Mr Jonathan Olusola Fatokun; Registrar, Mr Mojeed Adewale Lawal; and the Acting Provost, Ms Olufunmilola Akintayo.
In her welcome address, the Acting Provost charged the new students to embrace discipline, dedication, and professionalism, noting that Jafad College provides a strong academic and moral foundation needed to thrive in the ever demanding healthcare sector.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Mr Abdulhameed, JAMB Zonal Coordinator, Abeokuta, Ogun State, further underscoring the institution’s growing reputation.
Delivering the matriculation lecture, Mrs Oyelayo Toyin Adeola, a registered nurse educator from Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, spoke on the theme: *“The Journey of Admission to Graduation: Strategies for a Successful Outcome – Learner and Teacher Perspective.”* She emphasized the importance of goal-setting, effective study habits, time management, and active student teacher collaboration. She also highlighted the need for resilience, ethical conduct, and continuous self-improvement, describing nursing as both a calling and a profession that demands compassion, competence, and lifelong learning.
The ceremony reached a symbolic peak with the capping and stripping of the students by experienced registered nurses from Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, officially ushering them into the noble nursing professional Training.
Parents and guardians expressed satisfaction with the quality of organization and training standards, while the students beamed with excitement as they began their professional journey.
With its experienced faculty, structured training, and commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses, Jafad College of Nursing Science continues to stand out as a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals in Ogun State and beyond.
Business
FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament
FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament
Lagos, 30 March 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made at the official press conference of the tournament held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
ChessMasters is an annual chess tournament designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Organised by Eko Hotels and Suites & KEY Academy , ChessMasters was created to provide thousands of children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational skills, bringing schools together on a national stage.
Speaking at the press conference, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said, “Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.”
Ijabiyi further highlighted how the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare. “We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, hence we see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community.”
Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co- Founder of ChessMasters and her partner Damilola Okonkwo of Key Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, noting that the partnership will help scale the impact of ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate. “We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening the doors of participation to more children and more schools in this year’s edition.”
Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, emphasising its role in nurturing future chess talents. “Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism.”
The second edition of ChessMasters will be held on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition is open to 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to participate and vie for a total prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank’s involvement in the 2026 edition of the tournament reinforces the potential of ChessMasters to become a launchpad for African children, leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development.
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