Business

MTN’S Who Deserves To Be A Millionaire Has Given Me A New Lease Of Life- Chief Lari Williams

Published

10 years ago

March 29, 2016

The multi – award winning septuagenarian, Chief Lari Williams MFR, who has lectured in 3 Nigerian universities namely; University of Lagos, Lagos State University and University of Calabar is going blind. He bore his mind on his winnings on the Who Deserves To Be A Millionaire? and his current state of homelessness. Excerpts

Two people (Olumide Ayeni and Wale Davies) have just played with you to win N1 million. Congratulations sir.

I am grateful to God. Thank you

How do you feel?

I feel great. I am happy. God is good, you people are good. The people that were with me in the hot seat are good as well. Though we couldn’t go beyond one million naira but believe me, this MTN’s Show has given me a new lease of life. It’s been a big relief. One has come a long way, you know.

Really?

I tell you

Can you let us into your background then?

My name is Lari Williams. I’m an actor, a poet, a lecturer and a playwright. I studied Journalism at the London School of Journalism, Park Lane. I proceeded to Morley College to study English where I developed an interest in drama. I then went to study drama at Mountview Theatre School, London.In order to become a professional actor, I went to Stratford E15 Acting School also in England. I set up a group named Calabash Artists in England. My academic career was wrapped up at University of Iowa,Iowa State,USA. I produced my first full length play titled ‘Colanut Junction’ in 1971. I employed the likes of Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycet, Dele Jegede, etc to work on the play. We also did a production at the London Commonwealth Hall. I consider that as one of my biggest achievements.

Hmmh, quite impressive, Chief. Then,when did you come back home?

I came back to Nigeria in 1977 after I got an invitation from the FESTAC ’77 committee as a musical poet. I decided to remain in Nigeria after FESTAC with my family, and I also started teaching arts at the National Theatre. I also got roles in soaps like ‘Village Headmaster, Ripples, Mirror In The Sun, etc.

So how have you been faring?

Things have been difficult because even though we were pioneers of this industry; most of the acting roles did not pay enough. We were just doing arts for art’s sake. I also practice as a journalist and I have had a column in the Vanguard called ‘Stage & Screens’ for over 28 years.I have no option, in spite of health challenges,I need to do so as a to keep body and soul together.

You mean you still write?

Ah, I do. Even, I still train young people who are passionate about theatre arts, I write plays as well. I am presently trying to put my play on even though I can’t afford the cost.I have not folded my hands, I have been busy with projects but it has been difficult because as you know, there is no pension for people in my profession.

In essence, Chief, do you mean all these efforts bear little rewards?

Rewards you said? (Shaking head) I am presently homeless and I do not want to blame anybody for not helping out. As the first president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, I am sure my colleagues must have heard about my condition, coupled with cataract-my eye problem, I cannot see very well again, but help cannot be forced out of anybody.

Apart from being a former president of the Actors Guild what other honours have you?

Honours and awards? Honestly I’ve lost counts. And I mean it.(Laughs).I have received a lot of them for which I am proud. In recognition of (my) selfless service to the nation, I became a recipient of the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ endorsed by a former president, and most importantly I am an awardee of the National Honours; Member of the Order of the Federal Republic,MFR.

When were you given the award?

2008

What do you think would have made government to come up with an award for the person of Chief Lari Williams?

How would I have known? I was only contributing in my little way, but all the same, I thank God and good people of Nigeria.It is still part of these that has brought about my invitation to this programme –Who Deserves To Be A Millionaire?.Am I the only worthy person out there? I pray God would continue to show love to them, grant them peace, make the company grow and bless them forever. They have made me to see how good Nigerians and some corporate bodies can be. Well, this is an experience to me at my age! God will bless the organizers, I am full of gratitude to MTN and the Show’s producers.

‎Olumide Ayeni & Wale Davies (of Show Dem Camp) played for Pa Lari Williams.

Business

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

Published

4 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

6 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

6 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