Business
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: MRS AKEREDOLU, OTHER STAKEHOLDERS BRAIN STORM ON WAY FORWARD.
Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined other patriotic Nigerians, Captains of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, foreign development partners, and other relevant stakeholders to chat way forward on Tourism and Hospitality development and sustainability in Nigeria.
The two day event organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri is the third in the series.
In her contribution, Mrs. Akeredolu observed that Nigeria has alot of natural endowments that if properly harnessed will make Nigeria a tourist destination.
The sunshine state First Lady who is also a passionate advocate of tourism development in Nigeria, cited her home town Emeabiam as having untapped tourism potentials.
She said “Our dear Imo state has a lot of potentials to be the tourist destination in Nigeria. You heard all the speakers mention so many tourist attraction areas in Nigeria. Even where I come from Emeabiam in Owerri West , we have a confluence yet to be developed, where Otamiri River joined Uramurukwa River, that is eco-tourism waiting to be harnessed. Another one is the rubber estate, the bikers can get fun from just riding round the perimeters of that thousands of hectares of the abounded rubber estate. Beside it, Otamiri River, you drop a pin in there, you will see it. Can you imagine if that place is developed? I mean when I take you there, you wouldn’t want to come back.
Am using this opportunity to raise my voice, Imo state, harness your numerous potentials.”
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of IHTEF, Chibuikem Diala said, the IHTEF 2018 was put together to promote
Hotel, Tourism, Green Economy and other related business associated with the industry in Nigeria.
Mr Diala further said that this year’s theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism” offers a unique opportunity to leverage on new tourism-new markets-green hospitality and innovative pathways that will sustainably drive hotel and tourism growth with strategic intention to drive workforce excellence, grow investments, promote fuller lives, increase sub-national GDP and maximize environmental sustainability.
Present at the event were one time Governor of the old Rivers State who is also the traditional ruler of Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff (Seriyai II), Imo State Comissioner for Tourism, Dr Cyril Okafor and his Ondo State Counterpart Hon. Ismaila Olurimisi, Natacha Haguma, CEO, Global logistics Limited, Kigali Rwanda, Mr Adedayo Adesugba, Honourary chair, Institute of Hospitality, Uk. and Comrade Preye Ketebu-Brown, Vice President World Assembly of Youth.
Others are Captains of Industries and top government officials from across Nigeria.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of “INSPIRING ICON AWARD” (Health and Wellness Tourism) to Ondo State First Lady and presentation of the Hotel Industry Excellence Award (South East Edition) with the hotel of the year award to Osborne La-Palm Royal Resort Abakiliki, Exhibition and Cultural display.
PHOTO NEWS 01: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (left), being presented with an award of “INSPIRING ICON AWARD” (Health and Wellness Tourism), by former Governor of old Rivers State who is also the traditional ruler of Amanyanabo of Twon Brass Kingdom, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff (Seriyai II) (right), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.
PHOTO NEWS 02: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.
PHOTO NEWS 03: Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (middle), during the programme organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism and Eco-sustainability Forum [IHTEF] with the theme “Emerging Markets in Nigeria: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism, held at the Villa Garden Hotel Owerri, Imo State.
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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