Business
NASFAT LAUDS AMBODE FOR HIGH LEVEL OF RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
…As Gov Urges Muslims To Pray For Nigeria’s Progress, Unity At Eid-El-Maulud
The Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society (NASFAT) of Nigeria on Thursday commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for displaying high level of religious tolerance ever since assuming the mantle of leadership two and half years ago, saying that the development had brought about peace and harmony among all the religious bodies in the State.
National President of NASFAT, Alhaji Kamil Abayomi Abolarinwa, who said this when he led the national leadership of the body on a courtesy visit to Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, also lauded Governor Ambode for the massive infrastructural projects across the State in the last two and half years.
He said the numerous projects already implemented and ongoing were positively touching lives of residents of the State.
While commending Governor Ambode for the religious harmony in the State, Abolarinwa said: “We specifically appreciate your religious tolerance. You (Ambode) are a Christian but you conduct yourself as a human being and you relate with every religion with tolerance. May almighty Allah (SWT) continue to protect you and guide you right.”
Alluding to the various infrastructural projects across the State, the NASFAT leader said: “We are here not only to say good morning but to say thank you. We know you are doing well. Incidentally, yesterday, November 29, marked the 30th month Governor Ambode got to the saddle of governance in Lagos State and we want to commend you for good governance and infrastructure development in the State.
“There are too many projects to allude to but everybody who had lived in Lagos in the past and who have lived in Lagos in the last two and half years, will likely pass through Ojota and will not know they have passed through Ojota and when they are going towards Lagos-Shagamu expressway, they will pass through Berger and will not know they have passed the Berger Junction.
“Also, journey to Ota from Agege and Iyana Ipaja through Abule Egba has been made easy with the perennial traffic gone. All these touches the lives of every citizen of Lagos State and when you reduce the manhour you spend in traffic, then your life has suddenly become better for it.
Besides, Abolarinwa congratulated the Governor for the awards won by the State Government at the 2017 Hajj exercise largely due to his support, saying out of eight awards up for grabs, Lagos won seven including the Best State in Hajj performance.
He, however, solicited for the continuous support and partnership of the State Government with NASFAT for the development of Muslim ummah in the State.
Responding, Governor Ambode commended religious bodies in the State for exhibiting tolerance for each other, saying the peaceful atmosphere had made the economy of the State to continue to thrive.
He said: Yes, it has been two and half years that we came here but it has been two and half years of religious harmony and tolerance. There is no way I would have done it without your intrinsic support. Yes, it is not visible but it is the most tangible part of the progress that we have made because without religious harmony and tolerance, there can’t be a platform for us to do any infrastructure or the things we are doing and so I just want to thank you.
“Sometimes you find in different cities civil strife, religious strife but in Lagos there has never been anything like that and I want to thank you for the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos. Today, economy of Lagos has improved; the security of Lagos has improved but again it is for the people who are able to go about their daily callings and able to go about the things they do that these things are benefiting.”
Also, in his Eid-El-Maulud message, Governor Ambode called on Muslims to continue to offer prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, particularly enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful co-existence and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity and love for one’s neighbour.
While imploring Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, Governor Ambode said the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity as one people and one nation irrespective of diversity.
“I want to seize this occasion to urge all Nigerians to commit themselves to making a greater effort to imbibe these qualities and values as they celebrate the Prophet’s birth.
“Let me therefore on behalf of all the good people of Lagos State wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a happy Eid-El-Maulud celebration,” Governor Ambode said.
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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