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The real arguments for Nigeria’s digital Banks

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If you live in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard some stories about how difficult it is to get anything done at a government agency. Those stories are so popular that they have made their way into popular culture through “oga is not on seat” jokes.

When you’re going to a government agency, you brace yourself for the reality that no matter how small the task you want to accomplish, it could take all day. It’s not unusual for simple processes to be complicated by ridiculous demands.

It’s the sort of thing we’ve come to expect from Nigeria’s public sector. Yet, in the private sector,

Nigeria’s legacy banks will give any government institution a run for their money. A few weeks ago, I read this interesting rant by a Nigerian in the UK Guardian on how it took him 15 trips to the banking hall to withdraw money.

We all have these experiences. The Nigerian banking system throws up the kind of processes that can test the patience of the Pope. Sometimes you apply to get a debit card and you wait for weeks to get. Then you begin another process to get the PIN for the same debit card.

Some other issues that rankle are the unending debts for card maintenance, SMS alerts, the list is endless. Yet, these would be such small trade-offs if Nigerian banks actually provide services that work and are reliable. Bank transfers in Nigeria are like Russian roulette.

Sometimes you can transfer money without hassles, the next time, you may get debited thrice for a failed transaction.

Frankly, I’m not sure which I would rather visit: a banking hall or a government parastatal. If banking is this difficult for me, what’s it like for a lot of the people in the informal sector?

I got the clearest answer last week when my friend shared an article about how many of the artisans who work for him often do not have bank accounts. It’s hard to fault them because banks and banking have come to represent stressors for the average person.

Digital banks are promising freedom

This is why the Digital alternative to banking is interesting. The counterbalance to the wahala of legacy banking is a bank that exists almost entirely in your phone.

They have no physical branches so you don’t have to spend hours in a banking hall trying to explain to a frazzled customer rep that you can no longer reproduce your signature from when you first opened the account seven years ago.

But beyond the branchless structure of digital banks, one of the things Digital banks like VBank say that works for me is their promise of banking without a ton of bank charges. I can be free from those pesky little card maintenance charges from that second-generation bank.

I can make a request for a debit card from an app and get the card delivered to my address in one week.

It’s not often that a bank says all the right things. Yet, there are lingering questions like, “can I put my money in a bank that doesn’t have a branch that I know?”, “Whose shirt will I hold when they debit my account wrongly?.”

There are also big questions like; many of the promises of ease the digital banks make will appeal to the carpenter down your street who still doesn’t have a bank account. How will digital banks reach people like this?

Can the segment of the population who find these promises of freedom attractive- young millennials – form the basis for a sustainable business?

These are questions that remain up in the air, but here’s what I know; V Bank makes really good promises, but the real argument for them is time. Will they still send my debit card in 4 business days in 2027? Will my free transfers still go through and will their customer reps still be as attentive?

I don’t have a crystal ball, but it doesn’t hurt to live in the moment and enjoy all these perks right away.

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APM Senatorial Candidate Ajadi Distributes Over 500 Bags of Rice

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APM Senatorial Candidate Ajadi Distributes Over 500 Bags of Rice

 

The Senatorial candidate of Oyo Central Senatorial District under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has distributed over 500 bags of rice to residents, party members, state executives, and key stakeholders across Oyo State ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebration.

The gesture, which forms part of his annual humanitarian outreach, was aimed at easing economic hardship and strengthening unity among party executives, party members, and residents within the senatorial district during the festive period.

Ajadi said the distribution was a continuation of his commitment to supporting vulnerable households and fostering community solidarity, especially at a time when many families are facing rising food prices and economic pressure.

He explained that Eid al-Adha is rooted in sacrifice, sharing, and compassion, adding that political leadership must consistently reflect empathy for the people, regardless of political affiliation or election cycles.

According to him, the intervention was extended to party executives, grassroots mobilizers, youth groups, and key stakeholders across the senatorial district to ensure equitable distribution across different segments of the political structure in Oyo State.

Ajadi further noted that the initiative was designed to complement household food needs during the festive season, stressing that small acts of support can significantly ease the burden on families affected by economic challenges.
He urged political leaders at all levels to prioritize welfare-driven initiatives that have direct impact on citizens, emphasizing that leadership should go beyond campaigns to sustained service delivery and humanitarian engagement.

Beneficiaries of the rice distribution expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and thoughtful amid rising food costs across the country.

They commended Ajadi for maintaining close contact with grassroots members and consistently demonstrating what they described as people-oriented leadership.

The distribution exercise was carried out across selected locations within Oyo Central Senatorial District and coordinated through local party structures to ensure fairness and orderly sharing.

Political observers in the state noted that such interventions have become a key feature of political engagement in Nigeria, particularly during festive seasons, as politicians seek to connect with constituents beyond electoral promises.

As the Eid al-Adha celebration approaches, Ajadi reaffirmed his commitment to continuing similar initiatives aimed at supporting families and promoting unity among residents of Oyo State.

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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)

 

Before the election that saw the end of Macky Sall’s reign in Senegal, Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, revealed that there would be a revolution in Senegal and that the opposition would defeat the ruling party.

Despite the fact that the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was in prison, the prophet made it known that if the opposition leader had a way out of prison, he would defeat the candidate of the ruling party.

Even though it looked impossible, at the end of the day, Sonko-backed candidate Diomaye Faye won the election in the first round by a landslide.

While the people of Senegal were celebrating in the euphoria of the victory, Primate Ayodele warned again that the president and Ousmane Sonko, who was later appointed Prime Minister, would have a political crisis that would collapse their relationship.

It was unbelievable at that time because Sonko singlehandedly won the election for Faye, and as he was seen as Sonko’s little brother, it was impossible for them to have issues, but subsequently, Primate Ayodele made it known that both of them would have a political crisis.

These were his words:

“In Senegal, Sonko and Faye, I see a sort of disagreement and separation. Something is about to happen. Watch out. You will have differences that will separate you; watch out for this.”… this was just a few months after the government came to power.

As he warned, the political crisis happened suddenly to the surprise of many and unexpectedly, it has taken a different turn with the sack of Ousmane Sonko as the Prime Minister of the nation.

The shock announcement was made on state television in a decree read out by presidential aide Oumar Samba Ba, who said Faye “has ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko… and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government”.

No details were provided on the appointment of a new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had weeks ago made it known that he sees that Sonko will be sacked as the Prime Minister of the country.

These were his words:

“Faye will sack Sonko as the Prime Minister of Senegal. In a couple of months, he will be removed from office, that is the message of the Lord.”

@primateayodele

Before the crisis became public… before the tension turned into open confrontation… the prophecy had already gone forth. Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele warned that there would be serious disagreement and political conflict involving Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. At that time, many doubted the prophecy. Many questioned the warning… but today, events have begun to unfold exactly as spoken. The conflict became visible. The division became clear. And now, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially sacked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Prophecy is not noise. Prophecy is not politics. When God reveals, time confirms. This is another reminder that divine warnings should never be ignored. The voice of prophecy speaks ahead, so nations and leaders can be guided with wisdom, caution, and prayer. May God continue to reveal hidden things and preserve nations from confusion and crisis. #senegalaise_tik_tok #ousmanesonko #senegalaise #faye #senegaltiktok

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

With the new development, this has been fulfilled already.

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Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy

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Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has stressed the need for increased youth participation in Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that failure to engage young people meaningfully could further aggravate insecurity across the country.

 

Buratai made the assertion while delivering a lecture titled, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Security Aspirations,” at the University of Ilorin.

 

The retired military officer described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest strength, noting that their creativity, patriotism, and innovation must be effectively channelled towards combating terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, separatist agitations, and other security threats confronting the country.

 

According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had transformed from a colonial constabulary institution into a formidable force responsible for protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

He observed that persistent insecurity across the North-East, North-West, Middle Belt, and South-East remained a major threat to national unity, adding that meaningful youth engagement in security initiatives would play a decisive role in ensuring stability and sustainable development.

 

Buratai further outlined the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces, including defending Nigeria against external aggression, suppressing insurrection, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

 

The former army chief also reviewed Nigeria’s security landscape, identifying Boko Haram insurgency, ISWAP activities, banditry, oil theft, separatist violence, and transnational organised crimes as some of the major challenges confronting the country.

 

Drawing comparisons with counter-insurgency operations in Colombia and Sri Lanka, he urged Nigeria to adopt a combination of military operations and socio-economic reforms in addressing insecurity.

 

He also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace careers in the Armed Forces, noting that the military offers opportunities for leadership development, discipline, skills acquisition, career advancement, and national integration.

 

Buratai proposed the recruitment of 50,000 youths annually into the Armed Forces over the next five years, alongside the establishment of state intelligence fusion centres and a national civic security training programme for graduates.

 

 

He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to actively support efforts aimed at promoting peace and national security, stressing that enduring peace could only be achieved through justice, inclusion, and development.

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