Business
SICKLE CELL DISEASE COULDN’T STOP ME FROM BECOMING A ROCKSTAR”, ADEKUNLE GOLD INSPIRES YOUTHS AT FIRSTBANK SPONSORED LAGOS CONCERT
DECEMBERISSAVYBE: “SICKLE CELL DISEASE COULDN’T STOP ME FROM BECOMING A ROCKSTAR”, ADEKUNLE GOLD INSPIRES YOUTHS AT FIRSTBANK SPONSORED LAGOS CONCERT
By Bolaji Israel
Afrobeat’s sensation, Adekunle Gold, popularly known as AG Baby, mesmerised hundreds of music lovers and inspired youths at a pre-Christmas concert sponsored by FirstBank, Nigeria’s premier financial institution.
The event, aptly named “Stacked December Party,” took place on December 22, 2023, at the Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, Lagos.
Adekunle Gold, with his unique blend of breathtaking and soulful melodies, captivated the audience, leaving them in awe and begging for more. The concert, titled “An Intimate Encounter with Adekunle Gold,” provided a platform for the superstar to connect with his fans on a deeper level.
In a touching moment during the show, the acclaimed singer took a break from his electrifying performance to share an inspirational message. He revealed that despite battling the life-threatening sickle cell disease, he had successfully achieved his dreams of becoming a celebrated musician. With unwavering determination and perseverance, Adekunle Gold proved that one can overcome any obstacle and fulfill one’s aspirations.
Addressing the crowd, he said, “I have been on tour for about three years with full energy. I am a rockstar, yet I have sickle cell disease. It’s not easy, but if I can overcome my challenges, so can you. No matter your situation, believe in yourself and strive for greatness. I pray for your happiness and success.”
FirstBank, a financial giant which has operated for almost 130 years and is well known for its commitment to supporting the arts and empowering youths, sponsored numerous customers to attend the concert as part of its DecemberIssaVybe campaign. To win more free tickets, customers are encouraged to follow the bank on its social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram.
The bank’s sponsorship of heavyweight musical events featuring Adekunle Gold, Asake, Night of Queens female acts, Davido, Kizz Daniel, and others through the DecemberIssaVybe campaign since 2017 aims to create memorable experiences for families, fostering bonding and entertainment during the festive season.
Adding to the magical evening, Simi, Adekunle Gold’s superstar wife, joined him on stage for a brief but enchanting duet performance. Together, they serenaded the audience with heartfelt renditions of their popular songs, including “No Forget,” “Stand By You,” and “Look What You Made Me Do.”
Adekunle Gold treated his fans to a delightful mix of his old and recent hits, including “Kelegbe Megbe,” “5 Star,” “Orente,” “Pick Up,” “Jore,” “Jehovah Dey Bless Me,” “Mogaju Aye lo,” “Sinner,” “Okay,” “Ogaranya,” and “Ire Ayo.”
The show also featured the presence of young musical talents; stylish media content creator and influencer, Eniolaoluwa Adeoluwa, popularly known as Enioluwa, as well as skitmaker Layiwola Wasabi, known for his hilarious lawyer roles.
At 36 years old, Adekunle Gold, who holds a Higher National Diploma in Arts and Design from Lagos State Polytechnic, released his fifth studio album, “Tequila Ever After,” in 2023. The album, his first under DefJam Recordings , received widespread acclaim and further cemented his status as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Adekunle Gold’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to all, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a belief in oneself, dreams can be realised, regardless of the challenges faced.
His performance at the FirstBank-sponsored Lagos concert left an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans, reminding them that they too can overcome obstacles.
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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