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Agric Revolution: The Alternative Bank to tackle hunger in Ogoniland
The Alternative Bank Limited, a forward-thinking financial institution, is taking proactive steps to combat hunger and environmental distress in Ogoniland.
Teaming up with over 800 local farmers, the bank has launched the Agricultural Community Support Programme (ACSP) in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship City Limited.
At the inauguration ceremony, Gbenga Awe, Group Head of Agricultural Finance and Solid Minerals, highlighted the ACSP’s mission: to fortify local farmers, address food security, and elevate livelihoods. A key focus is also on boosting foreign exchange earnings through the export of processed agricultural products.
Represented by Mr Adelana Ogunjirin, Head of Structured Trade Finance, Awe emphasized The Alternative Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, having already provided over 800 farmers with bank accounts and ATM debit cards. Recognizing the impact of environmental pollution on the local population, the bank is extending agency banking services, bridging the financial gap between rural and urban areas.
Awe underscored the collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship City Limited, emphasizing an initial emphasis on cassava cultivation. “Our strategy is geared towards sustainability, creating jobs, and contributing to foreign exchange earnings,” he stated.
Dr. Douglas Fabeke, CEO of Global Entrepreneurship City Limited, addressed the project’s significance, outlining plans for a cassava processing factory and an agricultural research centre to empower Ogoni farmers. Despite challenges like a lack of start-up capital, the project aims to revive farming and fishing, crucial occupations hindered by years of neglect.
The Ogoni farmers, represented by Mrs. Mary Eko Joe, expressed heartfelt gratitude to The Alternative Bank for alleviating their struggles and supporting widows and orphans.
With a shared commitment to upliftment, the farmers extended their appreciation and optimism for the continued success of The Alternative Bank.
15 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Amaewhule disclosed the lawmakers’ decision during Friday’s plenary, attributing their defection to what he called a “clear division” within the PDP.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided, and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision, to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” Amaewhule said.
Amaewhule’s Deputy, Dumle Maol, is one of the 16 lawmakers that joined APC as well.
All the lawmakers, who have jumped ship, are core loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Central Bank of Nigeria,has rolled out a new framework ito expedite handling of fraud accusations and refund victims.
Customers must report suspected fraudulent transactions within 72 hours under this draft guideline, and financial institutions have 16 working days to look into the matter and repay money.
The action comes in the wake of a dramatic increase in banking sector fraud.
According to data from the Financial Institutions Training Center, losses in the first quarter of 2025 increased to ₦3.29 billion, a startling 603 percent increase over the previous year. In the same time frame, reported cases also increased to 12,347.
The November 26, 2025, proposed regulations seek to improve bank accountability, expedite reimbursements, and boost prevention.
Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department Rita Sike signed the circular, which describes stricter regulations intended to prevent fraud before it occurs.
The apex bank’s ongoing fight against financial fraud has advanced with the adoption of this guidance. To enhance cooperation between operators, it established the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum in 2011.
It directed banks to establish specialized fraud bureaus four years later. By requiring BVN or NIN for account opening, it reinforced Know Your Customer checks in 2023.
Operatives of the Department of State Service have arrested a medical doctor treating wounded kidnappers inside the forest in different parts of Kwara State.
The suspect, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, was also involved in supplying drugs to kidnapping gangs operating in Kwara.
The DSS intercepted the medical doctor in the Jebba area after intelligence reports revealed that some couriers had been moving medical supplies from Sokoto to treat wounded bandits hiding in forests across the state.
A security official said many of the criminal groups have sustained gunshot injuries in recent encounters with forces.
The source said, “So, we are advising improved security measures in health facilities in thickly forested areas which the kidnappers may target.”
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kwara State, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the arrest was another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry.
Ajakaye noted that the state government will continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to shut down all channels aiding kidnapping activities.
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