🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Payaza achieves upgraded credit ratings and launches new payment features for African businesses
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Payaza, a payments infrastructure company, has received two new ratings: a DataPro upgrade from A to AA- and an A- investment-grade credit rating from Intelligent Africa. These mark the company's fourth credit rating, affirming its financial strength, operational discipline, governance standards, and strategic direction. The Chief Executive Officer of Payaza Africa, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, stated that these ratings confirm Payaza's growth with strength, structure, and sustainability, reflecting a commitment to building a world-class institution. In addition to the ratings, Payaza introduced "Chat and Pay by Payaza," a feature allowing merchants to accept payments and generate receipts via WhatsApp, and Shopaza, a storefront solution for business owners to sell products and collect payments. These innovations aim to simplify commerce for businesses and consumers. The new ratings are expected to enhance Payaza's standing with investors, regulators, partners, and clients, reinforcing its role in Africa's financial infrastructure.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed confidence that the ongoing remodelling of Osogbo Stadium will meet international standards, including FIFA requirements, upon completion. According to a post by Adeleke's Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor made these remarks after a project review session. The stadium's seating capacity is projected to increase from 4,000 to 15,000. Governor Adeleke stated that the project aims to modernize the stadium and position Osun State as a hub for major sporting events, enabling it to host local and international competitions and provide a platform for youth talent development. He emphasized the importance of involving both local and international technical experts to ensure the project adheres to global benchmarks. The state government is also working to activate key sports development structures, such as the Osun State Sports Trust Fund and the Osun State Sports Commission, to enhance funding, governance, and long-term planning for the sports sector. Governor Adeleke outlined his vision for a modernized sports system in Osun, featuring improved facilities, better workforce structures, and increased opportunities for athletes. He commended the contractors for their progress and the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, who also serves as Commissioner for Sports, for his role in the initiative.
Tottenham Hotspur has condemned racist abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso following their 2-2 Premier League draw with Brighton. Danso made an error in stoppage time, leading to Brighton's equalizer and keeping Spurs in the relegation zone. After the match, the 27-year-old was targeted with "vile, dehumanising racism" on social media. Tottenham stated on Sunday that the abuse has been reported to the police and relevant authorities, vowing to pursue strong action against those responsible. The club emphasized that performance on the pitch does not justify discrimination and affirmed their unconditional support for Danso. The incident occurred during the Premier League's "No Room For Racism" campaign weekend. Danso responded on Instagram, stating the abuse "doesn't define me" and would not distract him. The Premier League also condemned the abuse, warning of bans and potential legal prosecution for offenders. Anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out supported Danso, noting a rise in online abuse cases. This incident is part of a series of similar cases this season, prompting calls for stronger action against racism in football.
Iran's foreign ministry stated on Monday that the United States is not serious about diplomacy, citing alleged violations of a two-week ceasefire. Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei pointed to a US attack on an Iranian cargo ship, a US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and delays in implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon as "clear violations." Iran has been in conflict with Israel and the United States since February 28, following strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite a fragile ceasefire that began on April 8, a previous round of negotiations failed to yield a deal. US President Donald Trump announced that US negotiators would travel to Pakistan for further talks, but Baqaei indicated that Iran currently has no plans for the next round of negotiations. Key unresolved issues include Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei clarified that transferring enriched uranium to the United States has never been discussed as an option.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has issued a public warning regarding the circulation of unregistered and suspected counterfeit Colgate toothpaste. The alert follows a complaint received by its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate concerning the distribution of these products in Kaduna State. An investigation by NAFDAC officials at an outlet selling the items led to the discovery of two suspected counterfeit products branded as “Coglaet ActivGel 100g” and “Coglaet Herbal 100g.” The shop owner stated the products were bought from a door-to-door sales representative, but no proof of purchase was provided. NAFDAC emphasized that these products have not met regulatory standards for registration and quality assurance, posing potential public health and safety risks. The agency has removed the items from circulation and is investigating to identify and track distributors. The affected products, “Coglaet Crema Dental Herbal 100g” and “Coglaet ActivGel 100g,” lack batch numbers and NAFDAC registration numbers. They are labeled as manufactured by Guangzhou YECAI Oral Cleaning Products Co., Ltd in China, with manufacturing dates in August 2025 and expiry dates in August 2029. NAFDAC has instructed its zonal directors and state coordinators to increase surveillance and remove counterfeit products. The agency advises distributors, retailers, and consumers to verify product authenticity before purchase and report suspected cases to NAFDAC via the