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Over 552,000 Retirees Now Receive Monthly Pensions Under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme — PenCom

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Over 552,000 Retirees Now Receive Monthly Pensions Under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme — PenCom

More than 552,000 retirees across Nigeria are now receiving regular monthly pensions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has revealed.

The Commission also announced that total pension assets have surpassed ₦25 trillion, a major milestone in Nigeria’s pension reform journey and a reflection of the scheme’s growing role in national economic development.

The disclosure was made by PenCom’s Director-General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, during a two-day sensitisation workshop held in Yola, Adamawa State, for employees and pensioners in the North-East region. She was represented at the event by Alhaji Bello Abubakar, PenCom’s Commissioner for Administration.

According to Oloworaran, the achievement underscores the steady growth and stability of the CPS since its introduction in 2004. She noted that the scheme has not only ensured the prompt and consistent payment of retirement benefits but has also deepened Nigeria’s financial markets by mobilising long-term savings for investment in infrastructure and other sectors.

“With over ₦25 trillion in pension assets, the CPS has become a key driver of Nigeria’s economic stability, contributing significantly to national development,” she stated.

The sensitisation workshop aimed to raise awareness about the workings of the CPS, clarify misconceptions, and educate contributors on their rights and obligations under the scheme.

PenCom also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in pension administration, while expanding coverage to informal sector workers through the Micro Pension Plan.

The success of the CPS marks a significant transformation from Nigeria’s old defined-benefit system, which was fraught with inefficiencies, delayed payments, and mounting liabilities. Today, the contributory model has become a cornerstone of retirement security and financial inclusion across the country.

Equity Group Reports $405 Million Profit in Q3 2025, Driven by Regional Growth and Digital Expansion

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Equity Group Reports $405 Million Profit in Q3 2025, Driven by Regional Growth and Digital Expansion

Equity Group Reports $405 Million Profit in Q3 2025, Driven by Regional Growth and Digital Expansion

Equity Group Holdings has posted a profit of $405 million for the third quarter of 2025, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous quarter.

The strong performance underscores the success of the financial group’s regional growth strategy and continued investment in digital banking innovation. According to the bank, the rise in profitability was supported by robust contributions from subsidiaries across East and Central Africa, as well as increased efficiency in digital transactions and customer engagement.

In a statement, the lender highlighted that nearly half of its total earnings were generated outside Kenya, reaffirming the impact of its diversification efforts across markets such as Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Equity Group noted that its digital transformation initiatives continue to enhance service delivery and expand access to financial services, particularly through mobile and online platforms. The bank’s focus on technology-driven solutions and regional inclusion has positioned it as one of Africa’s most dynamic financial institutions.

Analysts say the results reflect not only the group’s operational resilience but also its ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and customer needs across multiple markets.

Nigerians Lose ₦316 Billion to Ponzi Schemes and Illegal Fund Managers — SEC

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Nigerians Lose ₦316 Billion to Ponzi Schemes and Illegal Fund Managers — SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revealed that Nigerians have lost an estimated ₦316 billion to Ponzi schemes and unregistered fund managers, warning the public against falling prey to fraudulent investment platforms promising unrealistic returns.

According to the Commission, despite repeated warnings and sensitisation campaigns, thousands of Nigerians continue to invest in illegal schemes driven by greed, desperation, and lack of financial literacy.

SEC officials noted that these schemes often disguise themselves as legitimate investment opportunities, using social media and digital payment platforms to lure unsuspecting citizens with promises of high profits in a short time.

“The growing number of victims is alarming. Greed, ignorance, and the get-rich-quick mentality remain the major factors driving participation in Ponzi schemes,” the Commission stated.

The regulator reiterated that only licensed fund managers and investment firms registered with the SEC are legally authorised to collect funds from the public for investment purposes. It urged Nigerians to verify the registration status of any investment platform through the Commission’s official website before committing their money.

The SEC also disclosed that it is working with law enforcement agencies and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to trace fraudulent operators, recover assets where possible, and prosecute offenders.

The Commission further emphasized the importance of financial education, noting that public awareness remains the most effective safeguard against investment fraud.

Ponzi schemes — which pay old investors with funds from new participants — have surged in recent years, especially amid economic hardship and digital financial expansion, leaving many Nigerians in debt and disillusioned.

The SEC’s renewed warning comes as part of its ongoing campaign to strengthen investor protection and promote transparency within Nigeria’s capital market.

Nigerian Banks Record Over 213 Million Ad Impressions Across Social Media Platforms — Report

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Fifteen of Nigeria’s leading banks collectively generated more than 213 million ad impressions across major social media platforms in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting the growing dominance of digital marketing in the country’s banking sector.

The data comes from the Banking Conversion Digital Marketing Efficiency Report (Q3 2025), published by ConversionTracker.com, which analyzed user traffic, engagement behavior, and conversion performance across top financial institutions.

The report assessed 15 major banks, including Access Bank, Citibank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, FCMB, Globus Bank, GTBank, Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Standard Chartered, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA).

According to the findings, Nigerian banks are increasingly leveraging digital platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to reach both existing and prospective customers. The report also noted a surge in targeted content marketing, video campaigns, and influencer-driven engagement strategies as banks compete for digital visibility and brand trust.

Beyond impressions, the report offers a detailed analysis of conversion efficiency — tracking how effectively online engagements translate into actual banking actions such as account openings, app downloads, or loan applications.

ConversionTracker.com highlighted that banks with faster website loading speeds, stronger search engine optimization (SEO) visibility, and active customer interaction on social media recorded higher digital conversions.

“Nigerian banks are no longer just advertising online — they’re optimizing the entire digital customer journey,” the report stated. “Performance now depends as much on responsiveness and user experience as on marketing spend.”

The findings underline how digital engagement has become a crucial battleground for banks, as younger and tech-savvy customers increasingly prefer online channels for financial services.

Industry experts say the trend signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem — where digital marketing, data analytics, and user experience are now central to how banks attract, retain, and grow their customer base.

From Afrobeats Star to Fuji Custodian: Adekunle Gold Reclaims the Soul of Nigerian Sound

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From Afrobeats Star to Fuji Custodian: Adekunle Gold Reclaims the Soul of Nigerian Sound

In this edition of Ranks Africa Spotlight, we spotlight Adekunle Gold — the man redefining the rhythm of African sound.

In the relentless rhythm of Afrobeats’ global takeover — where algorithms chase viral hooks and borders blur into playlists — Adekunle Gold emerges not as a chaser, but as a custodian. His sixth studio album, Fuji, released on October 3, 2025, isn’t just another notch in Afrobeats’ belt; it’s a deliberate pulse-check — a vibrant reminder that the genre’s heartbeat was kindled in the smoky clubs of Lagos, not the sterile glow of streaming dashboards.

With 15 meticulously sequenced tracks spanning 40 minutes, Fuji scores high not only for its sonic brilliance but for Gold’s uncanny ability to diagnose what Afrobeats truly craves: roots deep enough to weather trends, vibes that linger like the aftertaste of pepper soup, and a blueprint for Africa’s musical business that transcends the “one-sound-fits-all” trap.

This isn’t about Gold’s chameleon-like versatility — though his catalog, from the R&B introspection of About 30 (2018) to the genre-blending flair of Catch Me If You Can (2023), already proves he’s a maestro of metamorphosis. No, Fuji is a reckoning — a high-octane homage to the Fuji genre that shaped his youth, infused with Apala echoes and Tungba swagger, polished to Afrobeats’ glossy sheen.

Naming it Fuji isn’t casual; it’s an artistic declaration. A masterstroke that announces to the world that Nigeria’s — and by extension, Africa’s — creative empire isn’t confined to Afrobeats alone. As Adekunle Gold told BellaNaija,

“I’m already making Fuji sounds; since my first album Gold, I’ve had a Fuji-sounding song on every album. Even if I sing R&B, I sound Fuji. So I might as well show the world this sound I grew up on.”

In a landscape dominated by export-ready bangers, Fuji is cultural cartography — mapping Africa’s sonic diversity for a world too quick to box it in.

While streams have been impressive, what truly defines this album is its live voltage. From sold-out Lagos lounges to pulsating stages across Abuja and Port Harcourt, Gold’s Fuji performances ignite a wildfire of energy that transcends the digital space. At his October 18 headline show at Eko Hotel, the atmosphere was electric — with crowds belting along to Don Corleone and My Love Is The Same, featuring the tender voice of his daughter, Iyabeji. For 90 minutes, Gold proved that Fuji isn’t nostalgia — it’s evolution.

Tracks like Big Fish recount his journey from humble beginnings to global acclaim, while Many People explores fame’s fragile duality. Only God Can Save Me honors his late father with raw vulnerability, while Attack pulsates with triumphant defiance. Collaborations with 6LACK, Davido, and Zlatan enrich the project with cross-border textures while preserving its Nigerian soul.

As Premium Times aptly described it, Fuji is “a cultural masterclass in evolution and authenticity.” Adekunle Gold doesn’t just revisit the past; he propels it forward — giving Fuji the global stage it’s always deserved.

For Ranks Africa, spotlighting Adekunle Gold isn’t just about his music — it’s about heritage in motion. In an era when Afrobeats risks dilution by global trends, Fuji restores balance — rooting the genre in its soil while inviting the world to the feast.

🔥 Kudos, AG Baby — not just for creating a masterpiece, but for honoring your roots, amplifying your voice, and proving that Africa’s rhythm will always set the world’s pulse.

🎧 Stream FUJI now on all digital platforms.
💬 What’s your standout track? Tell us below!

Azeezah Hashim: The Media Messiah Takes Center Stage at The Future Awards Africa 2025

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Azeezah Hashim: The Media Messiah Takes Center Stage at The Future Awards Africa 2025

In This Edition of Ranks Africa Spotlight, We Spotlight Azeezah Hashim — The Media Messiah of Our Time

When the spotlight beams and the stage hums with anticipation, there are hosts… and then there is Azeezah Hashim — the Media Messiah herself. The voice, the vibe, the visual — she’s everything you expect in a world-class host and so much more. As she prepares to co-host The Future Awards Africa 2025 alongside the ever-talented Mike Afolarin, one thing is certain: nobody does it quite like Azeezah.

From radio waves to television screens, Azeezah’s presence commands attention with the grace of a queen and the confidence of a born storyteller. Her energy is infectious, her delivery — effortless, and her ability to connect — unmatched. She doesn’t just host events; she transforms them into experiences.

It’s no surprise, then, that The Future Awards Africa, a celebration of young excellence and impact across the continent, would choose a powerhouse like Azeezah to steer its narrative this year. Her voice has become the heartbeat of a generation — sharp, stylish, and sincere — and her rise represents the vibrant evolution of Nigeria’s entertainment and media landscape.

But beyond the glitz, Azeezah Hashim embodies purpose. She’s a bridge between tradition and innovation, between the past that built us and the future we dream of. Whether she’s lighting up live stages, interviewing Africa’s biggest stars, or curating stories that matter, Azeezah always centers authenticity. She is proof that passion and professionalism, when woven together, can shape culture itself.

So, who better to host the awards this year — to carry the torch for Africa’s future — than Azeezah Hashim? Her charisma doesn’t just fill rooms; it inspires them. Her poise doesn’t just impress; it empowers.

As we gear up for The Future Awards Africa 2025, all eyes are on Azeezah — the Media Messiah who continues to redefine what it means to own the stage. Because when she holds the mic, magic happens. And this year, the world is about to witness that magic unfold again.

Toyosi Etim-Effiong — The Visionary Media Executive Redefining Africa’s Global Narrative

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Toyosi Etim-Effiong — The Visionary Media Executive Redefining Africa’s Global Narrative

In a fast-evolving creative economy, few names resonate as powerfully as Toyosi Etim-Effiong, a trailblazing media executive, producer, and storyteller whose work is shaping the future of Africa’s global narrative. Driven by purpose and passion, Toyosi has positioned herself as a leading voice in African media, culture, and communications, consistently championing stories that reflect the continent’s richness, diversity, and resilience.

Championing Authentic African Stories

Toyosi is the CEO of That Good Media, a fast-rising pan-African communications and content company dedicated to promoting African talent, culture, and creative excellence on the global stage. Through her work, she has collaborated with top-tier media brands, production companies, and cultural institutions to create and distribute authentic African stories that resonate worldwide.

That Good Media has been instrumental in connecting Africa’s entertainment industry with international platforms. Under her leadership, the company has hosted “The Nigerian Creators’ Brunch” in partnership with the Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS), providing a powerful networking space for filmmakers, influencers, and global executives to exchange ideas and forge partnerships.

Her company has also championed cross-industry collaborations with brands and institutions seeking to tell compelling African stories through film, fashion, music, and technology, reaffirming Toyosi’s mission to change how the world sees Africa.

A Power Couple in Storytelling

Beyond her professional achievements, Toyosi shares her creative journey with her husband, Daniel Etim-Effiong, one of Nollywood’s most respected actors and filmmakers. Together, they represent a modern African power couple blending artistic excellence, family values, and cultural advocacy.

Their synergy goes beyond the personal both are united by a shared passion for storytelling that uplifts and empowers. While Daniel brings depth and emotion to the screen, Toyosi operates behind the scenes building structures, facilitating partnerships, and shaping the narratives that define Africa’s entertainment ecosystem.

Notable Projects and Global Recognition

Over the years, Toyosi has spearheaded several notable projects aimed at bridging Africa and the global media industry. She has worked across multiple sectors, from television and film development to event production and strategic communications.

Among her standout initiatives is the “Nigerian Creators’ Conference,” a platform that fosters collaboration between African creators and international investors. Her role in organizing industry showcases, including partnerships with FilmOne Entertainment, Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), and NollywoodWeek Paris has further established her as a connector between Africa’s creative potential and global opportunity.

Toyosi’s impact also extends to mentoring emerging media professionals. She frequently speaks at industry summits, empowering women and young creators to claim space in Africa’s billion-dollar creative economy.

Projects in the Pipeline

Looking ahead, Toyosi is set to expand That Good Media’s footprint across Africa and the diaspora, with upcoming projects in film marketing, media training, and cross-border storytelling collaborations. She is also developing new digital initiatives aimed at spotlighting African creators through innovative content formats, thought-leadership series, and brand storytelling.

Her focus remains on building sustainable creative ecosystems, where African content not only thrives locally but competes globally in quality, scale, and influence.

Redefining the African Narrative

At her core, Toyosi Etim-Effiong is driven by a simple but powerful mission: to amplify African voices and redefine the global perception of Africa through media that inspires, educates, and empowers.

Her journey is a testament to what happens when creativity meets strategy; when storytelling becomes a tool for nation-building, and when visionaries like her turn passion into legacy.

Ranks Africa celebrates Toyosi Etim-Effiong — a true architect of Africa’s creative renaissance, a bridge-builder for global collaboration, and a storyteller changing how the world sees Africa.

Reps Approve Tinubu’s Request to Raise $2.34bn from International Capital Market

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Reps Approve Tinubu’s Request to Raise $2.34bn from International Capital Market

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to obtain $2.34 billion from the international capital market to help finance Nigeria’s 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds.

The approval followed the consideration of a report presented by the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management during plenary on Wednesday. Lawmakers said the move was essential to support the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act and ensure fiscal stability amid rising debt obligations and limited domestic revenue.

According to the committee’s report, the proposed borrowing will be sourced from multiple international financing instruments, including commercial loans and bond issuances, with terms expected to be negotiated at competitive interest rates.

In addition to the $2.34 billion approval, the House also endorsed plans by the Federal Government to issue Nigeria’s first-ever $500 million Sovereign Sukuk in the global market. The Islamic bond, which aligns with non-interest financial principles, is expected to attract new categories of investors while broadening the country’s external funding options.

Committee chairperson Hon. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana explained that the borrowing plan aligns with the government’s medium-term debt management strategy, which seeks to reduce debt-servicing costs and diversify Nigeria’s sources of external financing.

He added that proceeds from the loan would be used to fund priority capital projects in infrastructure, power, transport, and other critical sectors of the economy.

The lawmakers, however, urged the executive arm to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of the borrowed funds and to avoid excessive reliance on external borrowing.

The approval is part of the Federal Government’s broader financing framework for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at narrowing the budget deficit and stimulating economic growth through strategic investments.

BREAKING: Tinubu Reduces Presidential Pardon List from 175 to 34 After Public Outcry

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BREAKING: Tinubu Reduces Presidential Pardon List from 175 to 34 After Public Outcry

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has drastically reduced the number of convicts approved for presidential pardon, cutting the original list from 175 to just 34, following widespread public criticism over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious offences.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who confirmed that Tinubu formally exercised his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy by signing the instruments of release for the revised list of beneficiaries.

According to Onanuga, the President’s decision followed consultations with the Council of State and careful consideration of public feedback. The review was carried out under the discretionary powers granted by Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list. Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted,” the statement read.

The development comes after reports of public outrage over the initial list, which was said to include inmates convicted of violent and high-profile crimes. Critics had argued that such inclusions undermined public trust in the justice system and contradicted the government’s stated commitment to law and order.

The revised list, according to the Presidency, focuses on inmates with compelling humanitarian grounds such as old age, ill health, and exceptional cases deserving of leniency.

Tinubu’s latest move marks a recalibration of the government’s mercy policy, reflecting a more measured approach to balancing justice with compassion amid heightened scrutiny from civil society and the general public.

VFD Group Grows Nine-Month 2025 Profit to ₦7.9 Billion as Investments Strengthen

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VFD Group Grows Nine-Month 2025 Profit to ₦7.9 Billion as Investments Strengthen

VFD Group Plc has reported a strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, posting a profit after tax of ₦7.9 billion, driven by solid investment gains and improved income from its financial services portfolio.

The result represents a notable year-on-year improvement, underscoring the Group’s continued growth across its core subsidiaries and strategic investments.

In a statement accompanying the unaudited financials, the company attributed the performance to increased contributions from its investment banking, asset management, and proprietary investment businesses, as well as improved efficiency in cost management and balance-sheet optimization.

VFD Group noted that its diversified investment strategy—spanning banking, technology, real estate, and consumer finance—continued to yield strong returns despite macroeconomic headwinds, currency volatility, and inflationary pressures.

Group Managing Director Nonso Okpala described the nine-month performance as a validation of the company’s long-term strategy of building a resilient investment ecosystem that delivers value to shareholders while supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

He added that VFD Group will sustain its focus on expanding strategic holdings, strengthening governance structures, and leveraging technology to drive innovation across its portfolio.

Analysts say the results position VFD Group among the standout performers in Nigeria’s financial services sector in 2025, reflecting the benefits of diversification and disciplined capital deployment.

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