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The Alternative Bank signs MoU with Niger State on multi-sector development
The Alternative Bank, an Africa-focused non-interest bank, has signed a multi-year deal with the Niger State government to boost the development of agriculture, transportation, energy, and infrastructural sectors in the state.
Mohammed Bago, Governor of Niger State who signed the Memorandum of Understanding, alongside Garba Mohammed, executive director at The Alternative Bank, said the objective of the deal is to maximise the agricultural potential of the state.
Governor Bago expressed delight with the financial institution’s readiness to partner with the state for maximum agricultural potential. He said the state plans to lease earth-moving equipment like caterpillars, bulldozers, pale loaders, and graders to prepare 4.5 million hectares of cultivable land over the next 10 years.
The deal with The Alternative Bank provides the State Government with numerous developmental prospects including deploying solar-powered kiosks across various locations in the state for basic healthcare delivery and community convergence. The deal also encourages investing in agriculture to bolster the agro-economy value chain, aiming at food security and export enhancement.
Another benefit of the deal is fast-tracking the shift to sustainable electric transportation in Niger State, empowering people and reducing environmental harm from fossil fuel use (PMS/AGO). It would also bridge banking service gaps in underserved areas, ensuring comprehensive financial service access and economic integration for all residents of the state. The deal will introduce a digital platform mirroring the physical setup, infrastructure, and operational model of the state’s tertiary institutions. Finally, it will bring focus to the drug supply chain and expedite health insurance to widen healthcare access in the state.
Garba Mohammed, Executive Director of Alternative Finance said there are million-dollar opportunities from the deal. He noted that an international partner is willing to invest $65 million in a sugarcane plantation, creating job opportunities and generating electricity and other products.
Another development partner from the UAE is ready to invest between $1 and $10 million for exporting the Alfalfa plant, requiring 100,000 hectares for cultivation. Mohammed has also advised the state government to obtain Ijarah Sukuk from the capital market for 5 to 7 years, to reduce costs and ensure a return on investment without a substantial upfront cost from the state.
About The Alternative Bank
The Alternative Bank is the non-interest arm of Sterling Financial Holding Company. Licensed to operate as a commercial entity in 2023, the bank boasts of various product offerings and solutions such as Alt Mall, Alt Drive, and Alt Power, amongst other various diverse and innovative solutions.
News
Police: Igboho not involved in rescue of kidnap victims
The Nigerian Police has said Sunday Igboho was not involved in recent rescue operations of the abduction victims in Igboho community.
It would be recalled that a video went viral on Saturday where community members trooped out in their hundreds to celebrate and glorify Igboho, attributing a recent release of abducted villager to his stern warning to kidnapper to free abductees or face his wrath.
But the police has officially debunked claims that the hostages have been safely released. Furthermore, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police has denied that Sunday Igboho was involved in recent rescue operations.
Yhe Oyo State Police Command dismissed these claims as unsubstantiated, urging the public to rely only on official channels rather than social media rumors. The police also clarified they have no evidence of Igboho’s participation in successful rescue efforts.
News
Fubara: Fathers are society’s foundation
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, has extolled the virtues of unconditional love and immeasurable sacrifice as the defining hallmarks of fatherhood and the bedrock upon which families and society are built.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the 2026 Father’s Day celebration, Governor Fubara paid glowing tributes to fathers for serving as the pillars that hold families together and, by extension, strengthen communities across Rivers State and Nigeria.
According to a statement by Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Media, Fubara noted that across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, fathers labour daily to provide for their families despite the economic and social challenges confronting the nation. According to him, Father’s Day is a special occasion set aside to honour the quiet love and selfless sacrifices that fathers make across generations and throughout the world.
“A father’s love is quiet strength. It is the man who leaves home before dawn and returns after dusk so his children can eat and go to school. It is the man who denies himself so his family can have. It is the firm hand that corrects and the open arms that forgive. That love is the invisible thread that holds our homes together, and that sacrifice is the foundation of our society.
“I have seen fathers labour under the sun, paddle through floods and endure hardship, all so that the next generation will have a better chance than they did. That is heroism without medals,” he said.
Governor Fubara emphasised that when fathers stand, families stand; when families stand, communities stand; and when communities stand, Rivers State stands. He stressed that responsible fatherhood produces stable homes, while responsible sons and daughters help to build peaceful neighbourhoods, harmonious communities and a prosperous state.
The Governor pledged that his administration would continue to draw inspiration from the resilience and sacrifices of fathers in building a Rivers State worthy of their commitment and labour.
He prayed that God would grant every father, grandfather, uncle, guardian and mentor good health, strength and long life to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Father’s Day, celebrated in Nigeria and many countries around the world on the third Sunday of June, highlights the invaluable contributions of fathers to the family and society at large.
News
Edo: Convicted kidnappers to face public execution
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to establish a special court to fast-track the prosecution of suspected kidnappers and cultists in the state.
He said anyone convicted by the special courts would face public execution, adding that he would not hesitate to sign their execution order
He spoke in Benin during the parade of suspected kidnappers and cultists arrested by the Edo State Police Command.
He warned residents against engaging in kidnapping and cult-related activities, saying such crimes would only lead to the loss of lives and property.
The governor said the proposed special court would become operational within the next few weeks to ensure speedy trial of suspects.
“We are setting up a special court to try kidnappers and cultists. In the next two or three weeks, it should be ready,” he said.
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