🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Central Bank of Nigeria links financial literacy to national economic growth strategy
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has emphasized the critical role of financial literacy in the nation's economic growth strategy, stating that informed financial decisions by citizens are vital for national development. Speaking at Global Money Week 2026 in Abuja, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director of the Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, highlighted that financial literacy is essential in today's evolving financial landscape, empowering individuals and strengthening families. The event, themed 'Smart Money Talks', aimed to equip young people with financial management skills and featured students from various schools. Isa-Olatinwo mentioned ongoing CBN initiatives to improve financial awareness, including digital learning platforms like the Bank Consumer Education Series and 'Sabi Money'. She encouraged students to view money as an instrument for investment rather than just spending. Mrs. Temilade Akinfadeyi, Head of the Financial Inclusion Division, explained that the fair provided a hands-on learning environment for managing money, saving, and responsible spending, and introduced participants to financial opportunities. Mr. Amuwa Nelson, Head of the Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, reiterated that Global Money Week aims to equip young people with the skills and confidence for responsible financial decisions. Polaris Bank also partnered with the CBN for this initiative, which runs from April 7 to April 30, 2026, to address the financial literacy
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The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, successfully rescued 14 victims who were abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways. The rescue operation, announced by Force public relations officer DCP Anthony Placid on Tuesday, was a result of sustained intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated efforts targeting criminal elements in the maritime corridor. All victims were rescued without harm and are currently undergoing medical evaluation and debriefing before being reunited with their families. Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu commended the joint security team for the successful operation, highlighting it as an example of effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led policing. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The incident, which occurred when a passenger ferry traveling from Calabar to Oron was intercepted, had previously drawn attention from the Senate, which urged security agencies to intensify operations in the Niger Delta waterways.
Must ReadA disturbing video circulating on social media shows the public killing of a bound suspect by armed men, identified as alleged police officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Effurun Area Command, in Delta State. The 90-second video depicts the suspect, with hands and legs tied, pleading for his life and offering to cooperate. Despite his pleas, an armed man fires a shot into his leg, and then a second shot towards his head, in full view of onlookers. The body is subsequently placed into a police van. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with Nigerians demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu described the footage as "disturbing," while other social media users called for police leadership to take action. In response to the viral video and public backlash, the Complaint Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that an investigation has been initiated into the incident, providing a tracking number for the complaint.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central, has acquired the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the All Progressives Congress to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial District seat. This action marks his official entry into the upcoming electoral race. Sani, a human rights activist and politician, previously served in the Senate for Kaduna Central and is recognized in Nigerian politics. His participation is anticipated to influence the dynamics of the contest in the district due to his grassroots support and political background. Observers and party stakeholders suggest this development could increase competition among those seeking the APC ticket in Kaduna Central. The sale of forms is scheduled from April 25 to May 2, 2026, with submissions closing on May 4, 2026. Aspirant screening is set for May 6 to May 9, 2026, covering various political offices. Primary elections will commence on May 15, 2026, and conclude on May 23, 2026.
Mustapha Gubio, the immediate past Commissioner for Works and Housing in Borno State, has obtained the nomination form to run in the upcoming governorship election. Gubio, who is the first aspirant to get the APC gubernatorial nomination form in the state, presented the form to Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri. This was confirmed by the governor's spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, who shared a photo of the event. Gubio's entry into the race follows Governor Zulum's dissolution of the State Executive Council on March 30, a move intended to allow council members to contest elective positions in the forthcoming general elections. Gubio previously oversaw infrastructure projects as Commissioner for Works and Housing.