Business
National Diaspora Day: NIDCOM Commends Optiva Capital for Commitment to National Development
National Diaspora Day: NIDCOM Commends Optiva Capital for Commitment to National Development
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended Optiva Capital Partners, Africa’s leading wealth management and investment immigration firm, for its partnership with the commission. This recognition came during the 14th annual National Diaspora Day celebrations held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to partners and sponsors, particularly highlighting Optiva Capital Partners for their collaboration with NIDCOM. She emphasized the importance of providing a platform for Nigerians globally to engage and invest in their home country in meaningful and impactful ways.
National Diaspora Day, celebrated annually on July 25, acknowledges the significant contributions of Nigerians living abroad, including their economic, social, and cultural impact. The theme for this year, “The Japa Phenomenon and its Implication for National Development,” reflects the growing trend of migration for better opportunities. The term “Japa” is derived from Yoruba, word which means “to flee or escape”.
Speaking at the event, Amaka Okeke-Lawal, Executive Director of Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners, representing CEO Dr. Jane Kimemia, remarked, “Our partnership with NIDCOM extends beyond the National Diaspora Day celebrations. Optiva Capital is committed to leveraging our extensive network to support Nigerians interested in investing in key sectors such as real estate, hospitality, health, education, ICT, and agriculture. This partnership aims to create new opportunities and enable our diaspora community to achieve their investment goals while contributing to national development.”
Optiva Capital Partners and NIDCOM recently formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), focusing on providing services tailored to the needs of Nigerians worldwide. This partnership will enhance diaspora engagement in areas such as investment advisory services and international real estate, creating pathways for wealth growth and substantial contributions to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
Nigerians in the diaspora have been pivotal in the country’s development, with remittances totaling $99 billion over the past five years, according to World Bank statistics. Hon. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of creating investment opportunities for the diaspora, noting that NIDCOM is working with private companies and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment to facilitate these investments.
In a message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged the Nigerian diaspora to be active participants in the nation’s development. He shared his personal experience in the United States and his subsequent return to Nigeria, motivated by a desire to contribute to national growth.
Optiva Capital Partners, a premier wealth management firm and Africa’s largest investment immigration company, also specializes in investment advisory, insurance, and international real estate.
L-R Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Head, Northern Operations, Optiva Capital Partners, Sylvia Onyalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and Amaka Okeke-Lawal, Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners at the commemoration of National Diaspora Day sponsored by Optiva Capital Partners in Abuja….Weekend
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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