New Sentinel

Category: Brands

  • MONIEPOINT ACQUIRES ORDA AFRICA TO POWER AFRICA’S RESTAURANT ECONOMY

    MONIEPOINT ACQUIRES ORDA AFRICA TO POWER AFRICA’S RESTAURANT ECONOMY

    Acquisition deepens Moniepoint’s food sector expertise with best-in-class restaurant management, targeting Africa’s $50 billion opportunity

    Moniepoint Inc. (“Moniepoint” or the “Company”), Africa’s all-in-one financial ecosystem platform for individuals, businesses and their customers, today announced the acquisition of Orda Africa (“Orda”), a leading cloud-based restaurant management platform operating in Nigeria.

    Under the terms of this acquisition, Orda will become part of the Moniebook platform, Moniepoint’s all-in-one Point-of-Sale (POS) and business management platform. Since launching its business management tools product in 2025, Moniebook has rapidly become the go-to platform for thousands of African businesses seeking integrated financial and operational tools, seamlessly unifying payments and bookkeeping in one platform.

    With Orda, restaurant owners can now gain access to this proven ecosystem that creates unprecedented opportunities to scale operations, optimize performance, and access credit, as well as the extensive reach of Moniepoint which has powered growth for millions of African businesses.

    The acquisition comes as Africa’s food service industry experiences unprecedented growth, with the sector valued at $50 billion and Nigeria’s market alone projected to reach $19.31 billion by 2030, growing at 11.73% annually. With Orda’s restaurant-focused capabilities now part of the Moniepoint ecosystem, the platform is well-positioned to capture this opportunity.

    Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, today Moniepoint has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading distributors of financial services as well as a trusted platform for many of the country’s MSMEs especially in the informal sector. The company has considerably expanded its offerings to include digital payments, business and personal banking, credit, cross-border payments, and business management tools with a customer base exceeding 20 million active businesses and personal banking customers and processes over US$250 billion in digital payments transaction value annually.

    Tosin Eniolorunda, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., said:

    “The food industry isn’t just about feeding people, it’s a major source of jobs and daily survival for many Africans. It highlights how vital the informal sector is, not just for the economy, but for everyday life across the continent.

    Data has shown us that Africa’s restaurant sector is one of the continent’s most dynamic economic engines, yet the majority of food businesses still operate with manual processes and fragmented tools. By bringing Orda into Moniepoint, we are giving restaurant owners what they deserve: one simple platform that handles everything from managing their kitchen to growing their business. Our goal remains to create financial happiness for Africans, giving them the tools to reach their full potential and that’s exactly what we’ve built here.”

    Founded in 2020, Orda was built to give Africa’s small and independent restaurants the tools they need to run more efficiently, providing a purpose-built software to businesses that had long operated without it.

    Guy Futi, CEO of Orda, reassured existing customers: “Orda has found the perfect home in Moniepoint. We have spent years building deep expertise in restaurant operations, but we have always known that to truly transform the industry, we needed to connect that expertise with comprehensive financial infrastructure. That’s exactly what this integration delivers. For our customers, we are assuring a smooth transition with no disruption to the platform and retained access to the support you are used to. What changes is your access to opportunities. Over the coming weeks, being part of Moniepoint means you’ll have more tools, more reach, and more ways to grow your business than ever before”

    Combining their respective strengths, Moniepoint and Orda deliver a purpose-built solution that empowers food businesses at every scale to manage orders, track inventory, pay suppliers, and access working capital, all in one seamless experience. This move represents a demonstrated commitment to building a dedicated financial infrastructure designed around the unique complexity of Africa’s food economy.

    For the millions of food entrepreneurs across the continent, from the everyday buka owner to the high-end restaurateur, this acquisition means less time managing multiple tools or carrying out arduous manual work and more time doing what they do best – feeding Africa.

  • Showmax Originals have a new home on DStv Stream

    Showmax Originals have a new home on DStv Stream

    • Showmax Originals and select titles are moving to DStv Stream, where they will live in a dedicated Showmax section within the app.
    • The move ensures award-winning African stories remain widely available after the Showmax service closes on 30 April 2026.
    • DStv Stream brings together on-demand entertainment and live TV, including sports, in one streaming destination.
    • Showmax content on DStv will be available to Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages on satellite and streaming-only customers via the DStv Stream app
    • Existing Showmax customers will be migrated to DStv Stream on Compact and continue to stream until 31 May 2026 at no extra cost.
    • More movies and series will be added over the coming weeks.
    MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company, has announced that the titles which defined Showmax will continue to be available to audiences on DStv Stream from 1 April 2026. A dedicated Showmax section within the platform will bring together a curated selection of the service’s most acclaimed originals and fan-favourite titles.
    This content will sit alongside DStv Stream’s live channel offering, available to subscribers across DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages. Showmax customers with existing subscriptions will be migrated to DStv Stream on Compact and continue to stream until 31 May 2026 at no extra cost.
    The move ensures that the award-winning African series that helped establish Showmax as one of the continent’s most influential streaming platforms remain widely available within the broader DStv Stream experience, after the current Showmax service closes on 30 April 2026.
    “This move reflects DStv’s long-term commitment to streaming, bringing together on-demand entertainment and live television in a single platform designed around how audiences want to watch today,” said Kemi Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria.
    “Showmax helped unlock a wave of world-class African storytelling. Series like WURA, Flawsome, Cheta M and The Real Housewives of Lagos, along with productions from across the continent, were created through collaboration between MultiChoice’s content teams and local producers. That commitment to African storytelling does not change,” she added.
    The success of Showmax Originals has been built through partnerships with producers, writers and creative talent across Africa. Series such as Spinners, a co-production between MultiChoice and CANAL+, which aired across Africa and in France, demonstrate how locally developed African stories are increasingly reaching global audiences. DStv Stream remains the platform where this content is available locally, alongside a much broader library of African and international content, live channels and sport.
    What will be available to watch?
    The dedicated Showmax section on DStv Stream will feature standout titles including WURA, Flawsome, Cheta M, Princess on a Hill and Under the Influence alongside popular series from across the continent such as The Wife (South Africa) and Single Kiasi (Kenya).
    This sits alongside everything else available on DStv Compact, Compact Plus or Premium Stream, including tens of thousands of hours of on-demand movies and series and more than 100 live channels available to stream 24/7.
    For customers it delivers the best of both worlds: popular local originals and premium international channels, plus kids’ programming and world-class sport, reinforcing DStv as Africa’s most comprehensive entertainment platform.
    Sports remains a key part of the experience. Through SuperSport, subscribers can watch competitions such as the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, LaLiga and Serie A, as well as additional sports channels like ESPN. Unlike Showmax Premier League, which was only available on mobile devices, DStv Stream can be viewed on smart TVs as well as mobile devices.
    How to get Showmax on DStv
    Customers can download the DStv Stream app or visit the DStv website, log in or sign up, and navigate to the Showmax section. Showmax Originals on DStv Stream are available on DStv Compact, Compact Plus and DStv Premium packages.
    Beyond its content library, DStv Stream offers familiar streaming features such as live and on‑demand viewing in one place, pause and rewind on live TV, Watch from Start, offline downloads and personalised recommendations.
  • FirstBank Empowers SMEs with AI-Driven Growth Strategies, Hosts SMEConnect Webinar

    FirstBank Empowers SMEs with AI-Driven Growth Strategies, Hosts SMEConnect Webinar

    * Mr. Segun Alebiosu

    FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, is pleased to announce the upcoming edition of the SMEConnect Webinar scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The event will equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the knowledge and tools to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for business growth.

    This edition is strategically curated to inform and educate SMEs on how AI can be applied to scale their businesses in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The chosen theme, “AI for Business Growth: From Adoption to Integration and Scalable Impact,” reflects the growing importance and timeliness of AI as one of the most influential trends shaping the SME business landscape. The session will provide SMEs with actionable insights on how to leverage AI to enhance productivity, streamline operations, strengthen customer engagement, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

    The SMEConnect webinar will feature experts, including Temitope Odude, Senior AI Solutions Architect at Microsoft as a guest speaker. Odude will provide credible and globally relevant perspectives on how SMEs can successfully adopt and integrate AI into their everyday business operations. Other speakers include Abednego Ugwueke, Head of Digital Channels and Ibidun Adedewe, Head of SME Acquisition & Partnerships at FirstBank.

    Speaking ahead of the event, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said “SMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and at FirstBank, we recognise that the economy cannot thrive without them. As a committed growth partner to SMEs, this session reinforces our strong focus on innovation, demonstrated through initiatives such as the use of AI‑enabled credit scoring to deliver fast, instant loans to micro‑SMEs, with over ₦1 trillion disbursed to support customers’ financial needs. Building on this foundation, we are equipping business owners with the right knowledge and practical insights on Artificial Intelligence to help them scale in the short term and drive sustainable growth. I encourage every business owner to participate in this session to gain hands‑on guidance on integrating AI into everyday business operations.”

    SME owners and entrepreneurs have been enjoined to register for the webinar at https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cUr1LhWFQXymTqWtONOOVg

    It was however exclusively gathered that SMEConnect Webinar series is one of FirstBank’s signature platforms for supporting SMEs with practical knowledge and strategic insights. The Bank has consistently won awards for impacting businesses and for providing innovative solutions for customers and other stakeholders, including SMEs.

    The Bank was named Best SME Bank in Nigeria and Best SME Bank in Africa by TAB Global Excellence in Retail Finance Awards for 2 years as at 2025.  The Bank also won the SME Financier of the Year- Nigeria awarded by The Digital Banker.

  • Nestlé Pure Life Named 2025 Product of the Year by LEADERSHIP Newspaper

    Nestlé Pure Life Named 2025 Product of the Year by LEADERSHIP Newspaper

    Nestlé Pure Life has been named the 2025 Product of the Year by LEADERSHIP Newspaper, a leading media institution in West Africa. The award highlights products that set the standard for performance, innovation, and impact within their category.

     

    According to the board of editors at LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Nestlé Pure Life was recognized for its consistent delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water, its efforts in advancing sustainability, its innovative response to evolving consumer needs, and its work in raising awareness about clean water in Nigeria.

     

    Nestlé Pure Life ensures consistently high-quality drinking water through protective water sourcing, multi-stage purification, and essential mineral enhancement. Its focus on sustainability and innovation is demonstrated through initiatives such as the use of 50% recycled PET bottles, recyclable clear caps, and the introduction of the convenient 33cl bottle, designed to reduce water waste and meet growing on-the-go hydration needs.

     

    Speaking on the brand’s approach, Olutayo Olatunji, Business Executive Officer for Nestlé Waters, stated: “At the heart of everything we do lies our deep connection with consumers. This award underscores our commitment to not just delivering hydration, but providing a reliable, premium experience that our consumers can trust every day.”

     

    On sustainability, Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Lead for Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized: “As a fast-moving consumer goods company, we remain steadfast in our commitment to caring for the planet. Through eco-friendly packaging and sustainable design, Nestlé Pure Life is taking concrete steps to reduce its environmental footprint and fulfill its sustainability commitments.”

     

    From the 33cl bottle to larger family-sized options, Nestlé Pure Life continues to lead the hydration category, delivering products that meet consumers’ everyday needs while upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.

     

  • World Consumer Rights Day: Rite Foods Treats BJAN, Stakeholders to Facility Tour; harps on need to respect Consumer Rights

    World Consumer Rights Day: Rite Foods Treats BJAN, Stakeholders to Facility Tour; harps on need to respect Consumer Rights

    (L-R) Sola Salako-Ajulo, Founder CAFON, Olufemi Ajileye of Rite Foods, Dr. Tinuola Akinnubi of NAFDAC, Mr. Dan Obi, Chairman, BJAN and Dr. Olubunmi Otti of FCCPC, at the BJAN’s Consumer Day event hosted by Rites Foods Ltd, at its Ososa factory, Ogun State.

    The general manager of operations, Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Olufemi Ajileye, has stressed the need to respect the rights of consumers all over the world while reaffirming the company’s commitment to producing safe and high-quality products for Nigerians that can compete with global standards.

    Mr. Ajileye was speaking at the weekend during a facility tour of the Company at Ososa, near Ijebu Ode in Ogun state by members of Brands Journalists of Nigeria, BJAN and other stakeholders to commemorate this year’s World Consumer Rights Day.

    He disclosed that every year, the company sends samples of their water abroad to ensure its safety against heavy metals and other contaminants, adding that they work with trusted vendors and operate some of the best equipment sourced internationally.

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of BJAN, Mr. Daniel Obi noted that Brand Journalists occupy a unique and critical ecosystem between regulators, manufacturers and consumers.

    Brand Journalists at Rite Foods facility

    Said he: “As brand journalists, our responsibility goes beyond reporting what brands say about themselves. We are the bridge between brands and what consumers understand about the products they buy”.

    “Today, by standing inside this facility, we are doing exactly what this profession entails by getting close to the truth and bringing the public with us,” he enthused.

    According to Mr. Obi, today’s event amongst others, reaffirms BJAN’s commitment to consumer education and accountability journalism, he added.

    The Director-General for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) ,Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, noted that WCRD reminds us that consumers are not passive participants in the market place but central stakeholders as well.

    D-G, NAFDAC, Prof Adeyeye

    Represented by Dr. Tinuola Akinnubi, Deputy Director, Food Regulation, Focal point for Alcohol, NAFDAC, she said protecting the consumer is not only a responsibility of the regulators but a shared responsibility by all stakeholders: “Consumers must demand good services at all times adding that journalists must move beyond discussions into commitment to report facts.

    Dr. Adeyeye reassured NAFDAC’s position of ensuring that no product that compromises public health thrives in the country.

    On a concluding note, she said: “Let industry prioritize compliance over profit margins and safety over shortcuts. Let the media amplify facts over sensationalism. A protected consumer is a confident consumer. A confident consumer strengthens markets. And strong markets build strong nations”.

    Armed with a well-researched paper, Mrs. Sola Salako-Ajulo who has been a vocal voice and strong advocate for consumers for over two decades reiterated the need to get Nigerians know their rights against ‘abusive’ tendencies by service providers.

    Mrs Sola Salako-Ajulo

    “When we talk about consumer protection in Nigeria, we often speak in legal language — policies, regulations, enforcement frameworks, and complaint statistics. But consumerism is not just about laws. It is about the everyday lived experience of Nigerians; the mother who pays for electricity she never receives, the young entrepreneur whose bank account is debited by unexplained charges, the elderly pensioner who unknowingly purchases counterfeit medication, and millions of Nigerians who navigate markets daily that are often opaque, unresponsive, and structurally unfair. That is the true state of consumerism in Nigeria”, she said.

    She further disclosed how her organization designed an AI powered platform called CAFON Consumers Companion (3C).

    3C, she noted, understands Nigeria consumer rights and is designed to answer issues associated with consumer rights and how to demand for them.

    While observing that consumer protection is a responsibility of all in the value chain, Mrs. Salako-Ajulo called on all consumers to educate themselves on their rights.

    Her paper was titled: Understanding the Challenges, Progress, and Strategic Pathways for Nigerian Consumers in 2026.

    Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Federal Consumer Competition Protection Commission (FCCPC), who was represented by Dr. Olubunmi Otti, Zonal Coordinator for the South West noted that holding the event at a production facility was particularly fitting.

    • Mr. Tunji Bello

    Being around where production takes place allows us to see where the journey of many consumer products begins. It is at this stage that safety standards, quality controls and compliance procedures are applied and monitored,” he noted.

    Mr. Bello, said that the global observance of the event on March 15 provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of protecting consumers while strengthening trust in the marketplace even as he explained that when consumers are well informed and adequately protected, markets function more efficiently and businesses are able to grow in a stable and predictable environment.

    Referencing his remarks in the agency mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, Mr. Bello said: “Under Section 114 of the Act, businesses are required to provide consumers with clear, accurate and understandable information about goods and services, including pricing information, product labelling and proper trade descriptions so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions,” he explained.

    “Compliance with safety standards is not just a regulatory obligation. It is an investment in consumer trust and long-term brand credibility,” he observed.

    He acknowledged Rite Foods for opening its facility to BJAN and Stakeholders for the tour.

    The theme of this year’s WCRD is “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.” It aims at ensuring consumer safety by promoting the removal of hazardous products from the market, fostering trust in goods, and highlighting shared responsibility among governments and businesses for consumer protection.

  • Feature: FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians

    Feature: FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians

    For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.

    But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.

    The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access

    In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.

    Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.

    9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment

    MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.

    Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora

    The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.

     

    Taking the First Step

    For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?

    Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.

  • CNN Marks 10th Anniversary of #MyFreedomDay with Global Coverage and Student-Led Action

    CNN Marks 10th Anniversary of #MyFreedomDay with Global Coverage and Student-Led Action

    On Wednesday, March 11, CNN International marked the 10th anniversary of #MyFreedomDay, the global day of action and student-led awareness aimed at ending modern slavery.

     

    This milestone year honors a decade of courage, leadership, and commitment from young abolitionists around the world. Under the 2026 theme, “Progress and Obstacles in Combating Modern Slavery,” CNN will reflect on the achievements made over the past ten years while spotlighting the challenges that remain.

    As part of this special anniversary, CNN’s global coverage will originate from across multiple regions, underscoring the international scale of both the crisis and the movement fighting it. Viewers can expect live reporting from:

    • Asia — Hong Kong
    • Europe — London
    • North America — Atlanta

    In addition, CNN will highlight how #MyFreedomDay and the CNN Freedom Project have inspired powerful storytelling and youth-led action in Africa (Nigeria), the Middle East (UAE), and Southeast Asia (Thailand)—reflecting the truly global reach of the initiative and the growing network of young people demanding freedom for all.

    Throughout the day, CNN International will amplify student voices, share survivor stories, and examine the evolving landscape of modern slavery, reaffirming its commitment to raising awareness and driving change.

     

    Leif Coorlim, executive editor of the CNN Freedom Project, said: “Over the past decade, #MyFreedomDay has shown us the incredible power of young people to drive change. Students around the world have organized events, challenged their communities, and demanded action on behalf of the millions who remain trapped in exploitation. This 10th anniversary is a reminder that real progress happens when young people are informed, engaged, and given a platform. Their voices help shape the global fight against modern slavery, and their leadership is building a future where every person has the chance to live freely.”

  • Thrifto: A Nigerian Fintech Reinventing the Age-Old Ajo for the Digital Age 

    Thrifto: A Nigerian Fintech Reinventing the Age-Old Ajo for the Digital Age 

    For generations, millions of Nigerians have relied on informal group savings schemes known by different names across the country — ajo in Yoruba communities, esusu in parts of the South-West, and adashe in the North. The concept is simple: a group of people contribute a fixed amount periodically, and each member receives the pooled sum when it is their turn.
    The system has endured for decades because it works. But it also carries risks — defaults, disputes, poor record-keeping, and sometimes outright loss of funds.
    A new Nigerian fintech startup, Thrifto, is aiming to modernise this long-standing financial practice by combining the cultural familiarity of group savings with the transparency and structure of modern financial technology.
    Founded by media entrepreneur and technology consultant Sulaimon Biodun Durojaiye, Thrifto has quietly launched its web application and begun onboarding users across the country who are already forming savings groups and using the platform to pursue specific financial goals.
    Bringing Structure to Informal Savings
    At its core, Thrifto is a bank-integrated digital platform that enables individuals to organise and manage group savings in a more structured, transparent, and accountable way.
    Users can create or join savings groups, determine the amount to be contributed, agree on the savings cycle, and choose payout positions. The platform then tracks contributions, maintains clear records, and manages payout schedules.
    According to Durojaiye, the goal is not to replace the traditional culture of cooperative savings, but to make it safer and more reliable in an increasingly digital world.
    “Group savings is deeply embedded in Nigerian culture,” he explains. “What we are doing with Thrifto is providing the structure, transparency, and accountability that technology can offer while preserving the collaborative spirit of ajo.”
    Early Adoption and Organic Growth
    Although still in its early stages, Thrifto is already seeing organic adoption among salary earners, entrepreneurs, and small business operators who are using the platform to organise savings groups with colleagues, friends, and family members.
    These groups typically set financial goals ranging from school fees and rent payments to business capital and major household purchases.
    By digitising the process, Thrifto eliminates many of the traditional friction points associated with informal savings groups — including poor record keeping, misunderstandings over contribution schedules, and disputes over payout order.
    *Introducing Self-Saving for Personal Financial Discipline*
    In addition to group savings, Thrifto is preparing to introduce another feature designed to strengthen personal financial discipline.
    The new feature, scheduled to launch next week, will allow users to set up structured personal savings plans, enabling them to save fixed amounts periodically toward specific goals.
    For example, a user could decide to save ₦5,000 daily for one month, or ₦50,000 weekly over several months, with the system tracking progress and helping the user remain consistent.
    This feature is expected to appeal to individuals who want the discipline of structured savings without necessarily participating in a group cycle.
    “Many people want to save but struggle with consistency,” Durojaiye notes. “By allowing users to define their own saving rhythm — daily, weekly, or monthly — we’re helping them build financial discipline in a practical way.”
    Building Trust Through Technology
    One of the platform’s distinctive innovations is its Trust Rating System, which assigns users a Trust Score based on their participation history and reliability within the platform.
    The system is designed to encourage accountability and responsible financial behaviour among participants, while helping users make more informed decisions when forming or joining savings groups.
    Over time, users who maintain strong participation records can build higher Trust Scores, making it easier for them to join credible groups and collaborate with other reliable members.
    A Platform Designed for Nigerian Realities
    Unlike many fintech products that attempt to introduce entirely new financial behaviours, Thrifto is built around practices Nigerians already understand and trust.
    The platform simply digitises and strengthens an existing social financial system that has supported communities for generations.
    By doing so, it taps into a massive but largely informal segment of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem — cooperative savings.
    Industry observers believe that if properly executed, digital platforms like Thrifto could play an important role in expanding financial inclusion, improving savings discipline, and strengthening informal financial networks.
  • GAMSU Launches Ideal School Campaign to Demonstrate a Model of Excellence in Nigerian Public Education

    GAMSU Launches Ideal School Campaign to Demonstrate a Model of Excellence in Nigerian Public Education

    The Gamaliel & Susan Onosode Foundation (GAMSU) has officially launched the 2026 edition of its Ideal School Campaign, an initiative designed to identify and renovate one public school in Nigeria that requires critical infrastructural support.
    Founded in 2013, GAMSU remains committed to improving the lives of children and young people through innovative and flexible educational opportunities. The Ideal School Campaign reflects the Foundation’s long-standing belief that learning environments matter, and that safe, dignified spaces are essential for meaningful education.
    About the Campaign
    The Ideal School Campaign is an open nomination initiative inviting communities across Nigeria to nominate a public school in need of renovation.
    Communities, alumni groups, parents, teachers, and concerned citizens are encouraged to submit nominations, accompanied by evidence that clearly demonstrates the school’s needs.
    Rather than selecting at random, GAMSU will conduct a structured evaluation process, considering:
    • The severity of the infrastructural need
    • The potential impact of the intervention
    • Feasibility and logistics
    • Available funding

    Open Nomination Process
    Public primary and secondary schools in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, and Nassarawa States are eligible for nomination.
    Teachers, parents, community leaders, alumni, and education stakeholders are invited to submit nominations through the official online form.
    Nomination Period: February 9 – February 28, 2026
    Assessment Period: March 1 – March 31, 2026
    Selected School Announcement: April 2026
    All submissions will be reviewed using a transparent and standardised evaluation framework based on:
    • Infrastructure condition
    • Safety risks
    • Access to water and sanitation
    • Enrollment and impact potential
    • Community readiness and sustainability
    Visual documentation shared via Instagram or X may support nominations, but all schools must be officially nominated through the online form to be considered.
    How to Nominate
    Nominations must be submitted through the official campaign page:
    Supporters are encouraged to share photos or short videos of nominated schools on Instagram or X (Twitter), tagging @onosodefoundation and using the campaign hashtags:
    #AdoptASchoolNG
    #GAMSUIdealSchool
    A Commitment to Dignity in Education
    GAMSU continues to work toward strengthening educational access and quality in Nigeria, one student, one school, and one community at a time.
  • Fidelity Bank Advances Financial Inclusion in Kebbi as Community Celebrates New Branch Launch

    Fidelity Bank Advances Financial Inclusion in Kebbi as Community Celebrates New Branch Launch

    L-R: District Head, Kyangakwai, Alhaji Suleiman Musa; Former Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Mr Isma’ila Abdulmumuni Kamba; District Head, Kamba (Sarkin Shikon Kamba), Mamuda Zarummai; Council Secretary, Dandi Local Government, Kebbi State, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad; and Regional Bank Head, North-West Zone 2, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Muhammad Lawal-Ahijo; at the official commissioning of the new Fidelity Bank Plc branch in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area, Kebbi State recently.
    Residents of Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State have welcomed the opening of a new branch of Fidelity Bank Plc, describing it as a major milestone that will ease long-standing financial and logistics challenges faced by farmers, small-scale traders and individuals in the community.
    The Chairman of Dandi Local Government Council, Dr. Mansur Isah-Kamba, described the branch as a welcome relief after years of limited access to formal banking services. Represented by the Council Secretary, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, Isah-Kamba noted that residents – including over 83 traditional rulers on the local government payroll—previously travelled long distances to Birnin Kebbi for routine banking transactions.
    “With the opening of this branch in our locality, the stress, cost and time associated with banking outside the community will be significantly reduced,” he said. He also commended Fidelity Bank for its foresight and commitment to supporting farmers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
    On his part, the Sarkin Shikon of Kamba, Alhaji Mahmoud Zarumai-Fana, described farming as the primary occupation in the area will help improve commercial activities.
    “Our people are predominantly farmers. Access to financial services will help them improve productivity and livelihoods. Farmers need support such as pumping machines, fertilisers, and pesticides, and proximity to banking services will make it easier to save, access loans, and participate in agricultural intervention programmes,” he said.
    Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Regional Bank Head, North‑West Region, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Muhammad Lawal‑Ahijo, highlighted the bank’s commitment to expanding financial access and supporting economic growth across Nigeria.
    “Our decision to establish this branch is rooted in our belief that every community deserves access to reliable financial services that enable people to grow, businesses to thrive, and local economies to prosper. Kamba is a thriving agricultural community, and the decision to open a branch here is a strategic investment in the future of its farmers, traders, and households. While the infrastructure is for the bank, this branch belongs to the community. We encourage residents to take ownership by fully utilising the services available.” Lawal-Ahijo said.
    He further noted the bank’s overall dedication to empowering informal sector workers and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), adding, “Our goal is to bring banking closer to the people and support farmers, SMEs and households with accessible financial services that drive sustainable growth.”
    In his remarks, a member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly representing Dandi Constituency, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman-Fana, said the new branch marked a significant step toward strengthening financial inclusion in rural communities.
    “This is a milestone for our constituency. Financial inclusion is critical to rural development, and farmers, traders, and youths must take advantage of this opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being,” he said.
    Residents also expressed delight about the impact the new branch will have on their daily lives. A petty trader, Mrs. Hassana Abubakar, said she previously had to close her shop whenever she travelled to Birnin Kebbi for banking transactions.
    “Now I can do my banking here without losing a whole day’s business. This will help my shop grow,” she said.
    The opening of the Fidelity Bank branch in Kamba underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial inclusion, supporting rural economies and empowering farmers and small businesses across Nigeria.
    Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
    The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
    Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.