Business
Some Beautiful ones Ambode, Ayande have been born by Robert Boroffice
By Robert Ajayi Boroffice
When Ayi Kwei Arhma wrote his novel “The Beautiful ones are not yet born” it was a mirror of the dawn of post independence Ghana.An era characterized by despair and political disillusionment among Ghanaians It was a prevalent situation nurtured by embezzlement of public fund and,lack of patriotism.The novel was born out of a yarning for a generation of leadership -the beautiful ones, that will rescue Ghana from the clutches of corruption.Several decades ago when this novel was written many countries in including Nigeria shared with Ghana this state of hopelessness generated by corruption.Over five decades after independence Nigeria is still confronted with a systemic corruption which has almost become enigmatic.A nation that is so blessed with natural resources fertile landmass and very clement climate continue to grapple with poverty and underdevelopment.The impact of corruption has been compounded by insurgency provoked by religious and tribal myopism .I couldn’t contradict a friend who said that Nigeria is full of contradictions.Those who are supposed to be excellencies turn out to be excellent thieves,the honorable are far below honour and the distinguished are far from dignity..While I could not argue with him is because be backed up his view with concrete examples.
Yet I believe that some beautiful ones have been born. One of them is Professor Ben Ayade.. The Governor of Cross River State.Professor Ben Ayade was my student at the University of Ibadan and he was my colleague as a senator in the seventh Assembly.He has built on what he learnt in my genetics class to move govrpernance to a higher level in his state.Genetic evolution produces new characters that advance development propelled by natural selection.Ben has utilized intellectual selection to prioritize his development objectives and goal for the socio economic development of his state.The trajectory he has charted for his development strategies will lift up the state.
Professor Oloyede. Who is the Registrar of JAMB is another beautiful one that has been born.I have known him as far back as when he was the Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin.Among the Vice Chancellors he was in a class of his own in terms foresight ,hard work and commitment to the ideal of an academic institution designed for learning research and building of character.As a member of Senate Committee on Education I was excited to find out that Professor Oloyede is the Registrar of Jamb. In the 2017 budget hearing our committee challenged Prof Oloyede to fund his Agency from internally generated revenue.He accepted the challenge and I assured the committee that he would achieve that fit..I am therefore not surprised that JAMB has generated internally a revenue of N7 billion Naira.
This leads me to the most beautiful of them Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state.Two years before he was elected as the Governor of Lagos state he never dreamt or prayed to be Governor of Lagos State.Divine purposed destiny bestowed on him that burden.
When I attended the book launch in. Lagos where his governorship ambition was made public I had an insight in to his personality.I saw him as an engine of a Mark Truck in the body of a Volkswagen.He was struggling to contain his energy for work , for passion to transform Lagos,furry of anger to combat corruption.As a Governor he has worked tirelessly do what is in the overall interest of Lagos. State.He tackled the
Mike 2 manace without succumbing to to tribal sentiment.He faced the problem of Tejuoso market without bothering about insinuations of tribalism.The roads and Bus terminals constructed are a beauty to behold.Lagos state is better for it.
His decision to contruct a befitting Lagos Airport road came light a meteorite that illuminates an eclipsed hope of a nation.Airports all over the world is the gateway to a nation.It gives a first time visitor an idea what the country looks like.What we have as Lagos Airport road is an embarrassment to the nation an indicator of misplaced priority.I hope that the new road will eliminate the taxi park on the right side the road.
I have no hesitation to reach the verdict that with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode,Governor Ben Ayade and Professor Oloyede some beautiful ones have been born.
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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