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Leisure Resort Owners Prepares To Make Brisk Business From AFCON Match Broadcasts

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BY GLORIA OKEZIE-OKAFOR

Mr Oliver Chukwunonso must pray fervently against Super Eagles early ouster from the 2023 AFCON, which began on Saturday. His hotel, EUC Demodern Hotel And Suites, located in highbrow Divine Estate in Amuwo Odofin, is looking to cash in, big time, on the now prevailing match watching culture of soccer loving Nigerians.

For Chukwunonso, preparations are in top gear to host this year’s viewers during the soccerfest  in Ivory Coast.

Expectations are high as the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON 2024) begins with 52 nations contending for the prestigious trophy which is currently being defended by Senegal.

Nigeria will be playing against Equatorial Guinea in the second phase of the group A match by 2pm GMT on Sunday, January 14, 2024. They will square up with host country, too while rounding up the group encounters with Guinea Bissau. The matches will take place at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

With this excitement in the air, those in the Hospitality business are gearing up for the event as well.

A chat with the GM of EUC Hotel and Suites in Divine Estate  Lagos, showed that activities are in full swing to cash out from the games.

While this interview held, final touches was being put to the new viewing center – the VIP lounge. This viewing center would make it the third in the same hotel, prepared to accommodate its growing patronisers, and to give viewers a variety to choose from according to tastes and preference.

The first two centers are the outside and the poolside viewing centers respectively.

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“You know the game of football unites the world. The beauty of football is watching it in a crowded place, It doesn’t matter that you have your TV and subscription at home.

“The fun of being in the crowd, exchanging football history, exchanging banters, and drinks, makes it very memorable,” Chukwunonso gushed with enthusiasm.

His expectations are and should be.

Ordinarily, match viewing centers, with coming of satellite and pay TVs has been a money spinner drawing people to watch foreign leagues.

There is bigger expectations for business owners like Mr Chukwunonso ahead AFCON.

“We expect to see large turnout of people; and we have always enjoyed high patronage.

“Nigeria is in the championship. It makes it more exciting. As part of our preparation, we would also be introducing a new drink to our collection of products.

“This would be unveiled at the kickoff of the event.

“We also boast of trained staffs who are topnotch in service delivery. Not to mention that our soundproof standby generator, makes us the envy around here – you can’t miss the excitement for a second,” he added.

 

 Reason for setting third viewing center

“Our two previous viewing centers are always filled during matches; and haven spent eleven to twelve years in this business, it was only ideal that we reward our viewers with more choices, and one as beautiful as the VIP Lounge. Customers and guests now have varieties to choose from, and also something which meets their tastes and preferences. Any of these viewing centers allows you to meet and interact with people of like-minds.

READ ALSO:  Naira exchange rate for Monday afternoon, November 29

 

 

There are competitors, too

In Abuja, the Ivorian embassy opened an AFCON Village in partnership with upscale Continental Hotels. What this says is match viewing centers are big business, these days. But our hotelier and resort owner is unfazed, He says: “Competition is normal, and it makes business thrives. Haven spent over a decade in this business, we have had good reports from all our customers and guests alike.  We have people who come from far and wide. We have facilities for different games like: volleyball, lawn tennis, and table tennis. Added to this is our standard service, and this gives us an edge over our competitors.

“Hospitality business is fierce with competition; so, how you package your products and services, is what determines patronage. And we are not disturbed because we know the services we render to our guests and customers. We are mindful of our competitors, and thist gives us strength to stay on top in the business. Competition makes you have the zeal and

 

‘I am under pressure to do more’

Mr. Nonso express certainty that an increase in patronage indicates customer satisfaction.  He also said they have good testament to that. ‘ Nigeria is a leading team in the AFCON competition, and that generally would pull in the crowds. As patrotic citizens we have to support our own. Super Eagles is not just the team to watch in this tournament, but their presence would mean more business for us,” he added.

 

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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.

READ ALSO:  Naira exchange rate for Monday afternoon, November 29

 

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.

READ ALSO:  Naira exchange rate for Monday afternoon, November 29

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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