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VP Shettima wants Bankers to support Tinubu’s digital jobs initiative
Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, Thursday, sought the partnership and support of the banking community for the one million digital jobs initiative by the Tinubu administration for young Nigerians.
Sen. Shettima made the demand when he received a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
Addressing the delegation led by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ken Opara, the Vice President who spoke about the intentions of the Tinubu administration across different sectors said, “Beyond the fuel subsidy removal, the harmonisation of the foreign exchange, beyond the tax and fiscal reform committee, President Bola Tinubu is the most business-friendly President in the contemporary history of Nigeria.
According to a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Shettima said- “He understands the business world; he has been part of the business world. He is determined and committed to repositioning this nation.”
VP Shettima urged bank executives and other members of the banking community to key into the Federal Government’s digital programme to create one million jobs in the technology space.
“Support us in our digital jobs initiative, support us to save this nation. I have confidence and hope in this nation and together we can make this nation work again,” he said.
Sen. Shettima who spoke glowingly about the commitment of the banking sector to the development of the Nigerian economy called on the community to “bequeath to the future generation, the Nigeria of our dream.”
Earlier in his remarks, president of CIBN, Dr Opara, noted that the leadership of the banking community in Nigeria was at the Presidential Villa to pay homage to the Vice President.
He commended the Tinubu administration for its recent economic policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate harmonisation, among others.
Dr Opara assured the Vice President of CIBN’s cooperation in all of the administration programmes and policies, noting that “the banking community will be very supportive in ensuring that the laudable policies of this administration are actualised in the interest of the people of this country.
“The banking industry will continue to play pivotal roles in supporting inclusive economic growth. We will continue to deepen financial inclusion by expanding access to banking services across the country,” he added.
He also briefed the Vice President on key engagements of the Institute, including those targeted at addressing emerging challenges in the polity, especially the brain drain syndrome.
Other members of the CIBN delegation on the visit to the Presidential Villa included the Institute’s first Vice President, Prof Pius Olanrewaju; 2nd Vice President, Mr Dele Alabi; National Treasurer, Mrs Mojisola Bakare-Asieru; past presidents, Dr Uche Olowu and Dr Bayo Olugbemi; Chief Executive Office of NEXIM Bank, Abba Bello; Managing Director of TAJ Bank, Mr Hamid Joda and Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe.
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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