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Economy

Amawbia community visits Soludo, seeks partnership with state government on production of organic fertilizer

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Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has communities for accelerated development.

He also assured that the administration is working assiduously to repair the broken social contract existing between Ndi Anambra and the State government.

Governor Soludo gave the assurances while receiving a delegation of Amawbia people led by Ozonkpu Victor Oye, National Chairman of APGA and Chief (Engr) Godwin Aronu, President General of Amawbia Town Union who paid him a courtesy call at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

While addressing the delegation, Governor Soludo stressed that it will take time and will be difficult because the people no longer trust the government. He admitted that successive governments haven’t been entirely sincere to the people for decades.

He thanked Ndi Amawbia for their massive support during the last gubernatorial election and for electing him to work for the state while describing Amawbia Community as a great town and a home.

The Governor explained that Anambra has an estimate of N5.5 trillion annual economy, but 99.8% of the income is in private hands.

According to Governor Soludo, the Public Community Private Partnership (PCPP) with the public sector is critical, stressing that his administration is attempting to get Anambra to contribute at least 5% of their income.

He mentioned that countries that are rapidly developing contribute 22% of their income to the government.

“When the oil money arrived, we abandoned the taxes that had been in place since the first and second republics. There is no society in the world that has developed without the use of taxes”, Soludo stated.

“We are currently at 0.2%, but 22% income or higher is required for any economy to develop rapidly.

“Individuals may provide public goods, public infrastructure, waste management, security, law and order, and so on. That is the primary responsibility of the government.

“People have forgotten that they must contribute a portion of their income to the government in order for it to provide public services. This has been the practice for decades “Soludo noted.

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“In my inaugural speech, I mentioned the Neni and Oraukwu models, in which the people built their roads with good drainage on their own. They are now concentrating on primary health care and education. This model is gradually being adopted by a number of communities.

“I’m spreading this message to individuals and communities. We have limited resources, but we are maximizing, squeezing costs, and reducing waste while determining to add value to whatever services we provide.

“There is a new revolution on the horizon, and trust ndi Anambra, they are on the right track.

“I am urging local governments to work with the state government. We should pay for services as a people.

“We are collaborating with communities that have usable skill acquisition centers. The state government will accredit and use it if they meet the minimum requirements.

“In partnership with Bank of Industry, we have set aside over N2 billion for the Ministry of Youth Development to empower our youths,” Soludo maintained.

The Governor while responding to one their pleads, assured that the State Government will look in and ensure that the Organic Fertilizer Project at Amawbia becomes operational because it will create jobs and add value for the people, while urging the Federal Government to provide the necessary equipment.

“The roads we are constructing at the moment are intra-community roads. In the first phase, we are focusing on roads with strategic connections” Soludo pointed out.

“How are communities ensuring the cleanliness of Amawbia? The state will be clean if all of the communities are clean. We will shortly launch an Open and Clean Drainages campaign and strategy to keep it clean throughout the year.

“We intend to set up a system that includes a central receptacle and a waste collection mechanism. Community leaders and stakeholders will play an important role “Soludo stated.

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“After 30 years, we will relocate from the current Government Lodge to the new one that we are currently constructing in Awka. We need to consider how to put this place to better use and bring Amawbia back to life.

“Minimum standards must be established for markets and community roads. The most efficient government is community government.

“We are also working towards controlling erosion and the solution is to control the runoff water from buildings in every community. The entire state is secure if everyone can control the water that runs out of their houses, if all communities become responsible,” Soludo concluded.

The National Chairman of APGA, Ozonkpu Victor Oye, thanked the Governor for giving the people of Amawbia the opportunity to meet with him after rescheduling the meeting four times.

He admitted that he had no idea how many communities have the opportunity to meet with the Governor as Amawbia has.

“Ndi Amawbia are known as peace makers which connotes our name (Ama obia) meaning we don’t know visitors. We welcome everyone from wherever they come and give them our lands.

“We are facing an existential threat. Some of our lands are being taken over and sold. Our PG has been harassed and arrested on numerous occasions” Ozonkpu explained.

He revealed that the people of Amawbia adore Mr. Governor, as all three wards and 17 polling units in Amawbia voted for him. He also promised that Governor Soludo would get the most votes from them during his second term.

“When this state was formed in 1991, I witnessed all of the Governors who came and went. My prayer for Governor Soludo is that God will propel him to greater heights when we leave office”.

Ozonkpu urged the Governor to continue doing his job honestly and confidently.

The President General of Amawbia Town Union, Chief Engr Godwin Aronu, discussed in detail the challenges of land grabbers and issues of boundary delineation between themselves and neighboring communities.

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He also mentioned organic fertilizer (a project Former President Obasanjo approved for five states and added one in the Southeast).

According to Chief Aronu, the project was initiated in 2006. While the Community will provide the land, the state government will provide the building while the federal government will provide the equipment, but the project was halted somewhere along the way.

“This project has the potential to solve the problem of providing organic fertilizer in the South East. It generates approximately 500 million naira in revenue through job creation and by-product marketing.

“Based on Mr. Governor’s policy, we would like to collaborate with the state government. We want the stumbling block removed from that project. Finance and expertise are available to run it.

“We want our skill acquisition center to be operational. These are two critical programmes that we want to present to the Governor on behalf of the Amawbia community”, he added.

Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Special Duties, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Member Representing Awka South 2, Anambra House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, MD Ocha Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Woman Leader Amawbia, Mrs. Chinyere Anagoh, Former TC Chairman Awka South Mike Akuwudube, the prestigious Amawbia Ozo Society, Amawbia Stakeholders among others attended the event.

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Economy

Fidelity Bank Resumes International Transactions on Naira Debit Cards

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Fidelity Bank

Tier-one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc., has announced the resumption of international transactions on its Naira Debit Cards.

This recommencement gives customers the freedom to make seamless payments abroad, online, and at ATMs outside the country.

The Divisional Head of eBanking, Fidelity Bank, Ifeoma Onibuje, shed light on the development.

Onibuje said: “We are delighted to inform the public that Fidelity Naira Cards are now enabled for global use.

“This means that our travelling customers can now utilize their Naira Debit cards outside the country to shop, spend and withdraw internationally without hassles.”

“Consequently, our customers can now spend up to $1,000 quarterly for international POS and online transactions; and withdraw up to $500 quarterly on international ATMs.”

The announcement offers Fidelity Bank customers another way to complete international transactions, in addition to the Bank’s existing foreign currency debit and credit cards.

The bank stated that it further reinforces its commitment to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into customers’ lifestyles.

With Fidelity Bank’s VISA and Mastercard Naira Debit Cards, Nigerians can now enjoy effortless global access.

Beyond payments, Fidelity VISA cardholders, one of the variants of the bank’s card offerings, also enjoy premium travel and lifestyle benefits.

The benefits range from airport lounge and spa access via the Visa Airport Companion App, to fast-track immigration lanes and 20% discounts on SIXT car rentals worldwide.

This move, the bank said, also reflects its commitment to provide secure, convenient, and reliable banking services that empower customers in Nigeria and beyond.

The bank noted that it has deliberately made the process of getting a Fidelity Naira card seamless.

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It stressed that customers can easily apply for their Fidelity VISA or Mastercard Naira Debit card via the Fidelity Mobile App or simply visit the nearest Fidelity bank branch to request for one and they can start transacting globally with ease.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the 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.

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Celebrity/Entertainment

How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

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A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.

The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.

During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.

The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.

 

Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:

“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”

 

Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:

“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”

 

The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.

“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”

 

His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.

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Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.

 

Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:

“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”

From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.

His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.

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Africa

UK Dominates Nigeria’s Q1 2025 Capital Inflows With N5.5tn — NBS

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The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.

This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.

This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.

Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country

United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)

South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)

Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)

United States: $368.92m (6.54%)

United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)

Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.

Other contributors included:

Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)

Belgium: $70.54m

France: $47.33m

Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)

Singapore: $36.79m

Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.

The NBS noted:

“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”

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A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.

50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.

Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.

Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:

30% of the world’s mineral reserves

8% of natural gas reserves

12% of oil reserves

65% of the world’s arable land

Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035

Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:

1. Technology

2. Oil & Gas

3. Power and Renewable Energy

4. Agriculture

5. Manufacturing

6. Infrastructure

7. Strategic Minerals

Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.

Diversification of investment partnerships  particularly within Asi

a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.

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Africa

U.S. Govt Reacts to Nigerian Minimum Wage

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The United States government has said that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage has lost real value due to the sharp fall of the naira, leaving millions of workers trapped in poverty.

According to the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, the wage translates to just $47.90 per month.

The report noted that currency devaluation and weak enforcement have undermined the wage increase.

The report also revealed that many states are yet to implement the new wage law. Several governors cited financial challenges as the main excuse.

Even where the law exists, compliance remains poor because of limited labor inspectors and weak oversight from authorities.

Wage Devaluation and Exclusion

The report highlighted that firms with fewer than 25 workers are excluded from the minimum wage law, leaving millions of employees without protection.

This also explained that about 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where wage and labor rights are almost never enforced.

This means a majority of Nigerians continue to earn far below the national benchmark, despite the government’s approval of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.

The U.S. report stressed that the naira’s sharp decline, trading above N1,500 to the dollar, had worsened the wage erosion. This has left workers unable to afford basic needs, pushing many deeper into poverty.

Human Rights and Labor Challenges

The document pointed out that weak enforcement of labor laws contributes to worsening poverty levels in the country.

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Workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, artisans, and small traders, rarely benefit from labor protections.

The report also noted that Nigeria’s minimum wage is rarely sufficient to cover basic food, housing, and transport needs.

This has further exposed structural gaps in the government’s approach to economic reforms and poverty reduction.

Governors Push Investment Platform

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new investment initiative called NGF Investopedia.

The platform seeks to attract capital flows into bankable projects across all 36 states, with the goal of tackling Nigeria’s annual $100 billion infrastructure financing deficit.

The launch event in Abuja gathered governors, international partners, and investors. The forum described the platform as a long-term strategy to unlock growth opportunities across states and strengthen Nigeria’s subnational economies.

NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria must urgently leverage its human and natural resources to address poverty and joblessness.

“Here is Africa’s largest economy, endowed with abundant human and natural resources,” he said, stressing that state governments must play a bigger role in attracting investments and supporting local industries.

A Widening Gap

The contrast between the U.S. report on wage decline and the governors’ push for investment highlights Nigeria’s economic paradox.

While authorities promote foreign capital inflow, millions of workers continue to survive on wages that have lost most of their value.

With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and the naira weakening, the gap between earnings and cost of living keeps widening.

Unless enforcement improves and the informal sector is integrated into wage protections, the N70,000 benchmark may remain symbolic rather than effective.

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Economy

Global Card: Fidelity Bank Hits Milestone As Fidelity Naira Card Accepted Globally

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Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank may have hit another milestone the Fidelity Naira Card is now accepted globally.

This was disclosed in a message sent to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) via email on Monday.

According to the statement entitled “Your Fidelity Naira Card Now Works Globally; Shop, Pay and Withdraw with Ease!“, customers can buy favourite global brands online using their Fidelity Naira Card.

The band also stated that they can equally pay at POS terminals abroad and make cash withdrawals at ATMs as they travel.

The message reads:

“We’re excited to let you know that your Fidelity Naira Card is now enabled for global use — so you can shop, spend and withdraw internationally with confidence.

“Here’s what you now enjoy every quarter:

Channel

Transaction Limit
ATM Withdrawal abroad $500
Online/Web & POS Payments $ 1,000

“What does this mean for you?

  • Shop your favourite global brands online
  • Pay at POS terminals abroad with ease
  • Withdraw cash at ATMs when you travel.”

The statement, however, noted that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions combined, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments.

The bank urged customers who may need assistance with setting card limits or activating their cards for global use, to contact the bank’s customers care “Centre Trueserve”, which is available round the clock, whether in Nigeria, or outside the country.

“Your world, your card — spend smart, spend globally with Fidelity,” the message concludes.

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