E-Financial
Fadayomi, Banker, Jailed 6 Years for Stealing N11m

Justice Mohammed Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court on Friday sentenced, Sunday Fadayomi, a former staff of the Ayete Microfinance Bank Limited, situated in Ayete, Oyo State, to six years imprisonment without an option of fine.
Pronouncing Fadayomi guilty of all the 30 count criminal charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, Justice Owolabi sentenced him to jail for stealing N11 million from the bank’s vault while he was a staff of the bank.
The convict is an information system expert in charge of the bank’s information technology section, the position he held for about 10 years before his criminal exploits were blown open.
The bank, in a petition dated April 17, 2018, had accused him of sundry criminal activities, including posting money to customers’ accounts without tellers, posting cash deposit at weekend when the bank was not opened for operation, accessing loans without intention to pay and using proxy accounts to commit fraud, among others.
After firming up its series of investigations into the allegations, the EFCC arraigned him on the 30-count charge on May 17, 2018.
Fadayomi, however, pleaded not-guilty to all the charges which border on stealing, contrary to Section 390 (6)(9) Criminal Code of Cap 38, Vol. 2 Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
His plea led to a full trial which came to a halt on Friday. The EFCC was represented in the case by Ifeanyi Agwu and Oyelakin Oyediran.
After considering arguments by the prosecution and defence lawyers, Justice Owolabi held that the EFCC lawyers convinced the court that the accused indeed committed the offence with which he was charged.
E-Financial
FIRS Partners Flutterwave for Digital Payment Collection

Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, is now enabling digital tax collections for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), making it one of the few fintechs supporting the government in modernizing tax payments.

L-R: Mr Gbenga Badejo; Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Flutterwave; Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman, FIRS; Mr. Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave and Mr Oluwabankole Falade, Chief Legal, Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy Officer.
This development allows the FIRS to leverage Flutterwave’s seamless and secure payment infrastructure to collect taxes, levies, and other payments from businesses and individuals across Nigeria.
Flutterwave’s payment technology simplifies tax payments for individuals, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations, ensuring a fast, transparent, and accessible tax payment experience.
By integrating with the FIRS, Flutterwave provides diverse digital payment options, real-time reporting and tracking, offline tax payment capabilities, and a secure payment system for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.
Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, stated: “At Flutterwave, we are committed to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and economic growth. By making tax payments easier and more transparent, we are helping to digitize government collections and support national development which is in line with our mission.”
This integration also brings key advantages, including real-time reporting and tracking of payments, diverse digital and mobile payment options, offline tax payment capabilities, enhanced transparency for both taxpayers and the FIRS, and providing Nigerians in the diaspora an avenue to seamlessly pay their taxes.
These advancements align with the commitment of the Federal Inland Revenue Service to modernize government collections and improving user experience.
Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Flutterwave, emphasized the company’s dedication to serving Nigerians: “Working with the public sector is pivotal to shaping the future of digital payments in Nigeria. This underscores our commitment to delivering solutions that serve Nigerians better, foster trust, and drive impactful innovation through strategic collaboration.”
With its proven track record across Africa, Flutterwave continues to play a key role in public sector digitization efforts in Nigeria.
In 2024, Flutterwave also partnered with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to establish a cybercrime research center, reinforcing its dedication to financial security and innovation.
As one of the primary fintechs facilitating government tax collections, Flutterwave remains at the forefront of financial technology solutions that enhance business operations and enable growth across Nigeria and beyond.
E-Financial
BOI Launches N10Bn GLOW Fund for Female Entrepreneurs

Bank of Industry (BOI) has launched a special intervention programme, Project Guaranteed Loans for Women (GLOW), valued at ₦10 billion to support female entrepreneurs across the country.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WCCIMA), seeks to bridge the financial inclusion gap for women-led businesses.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi, managing director, BoI, said at the launch in Lagos, yesterday, the Nigeria leads the world in women’s entrepreneurial activity, with 23 million female entrepreneurs accounting for 41 per cent of the country’s micro-businesses.
Olusi decried that access to finance remained a major challenge for women looking to scale their businesses.
He, however, noted that BOI was committed to supporting female entrepreneurs with strategic funding initiatives designed to drive economic growth and innovation.
According to him, the bank’s 2025-2027 strategy prioritises gender-focused financial inclusion, targeting critical financing gaps and exploring actionable solutions for female-led businesses.
“Women entrepreneurs drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities. However, financing remains one of their biggest challenges.
“Our goal today is to listen, simplify financing processes, and build a strong network that fosters sustainable growth,” Olusi stated.
He also reaffirmed BOI’s commitment to providing financial solutions for women-led businesses in partnership with the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (WCCIMA).
Olusi revealed that the ₦10 billion GLOW Fund was established in collaboration with WCCIMA to enhance access to capital for female entrepreneurs.
Additionally, he outlined other BOI financial interventions, including: the BOI Impact Fund, $2 million investment in Aruwa Capital, a female-led investment firm and $50 million partial risk guarantee partnership with the African Guarantee Fund
Dr Weyinmi Eribo, director general, WCCIMA, emphasised the need for sector-specific financing tailored to women-led businesses.
She pointed out that while women-owned businesses were among the fastest-growing in Nigeria, the financial sector had yet to fully recognise them as a critical market segment.
Eribo noted that the financing gap for women-owned businesses exceeded $42 billion, describing this as a missed opportunity for national economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
She warned that without intentional, tailored financing, women-led businesses would struggle to scale and compete effectively.
“Women entrepreneurs account for over 40 per cent of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), yet many remain excluded from mainstream financing due to systemic barriers,” she stated.
Eribo commended BOI for launching the GLOW Fund and acknowledged the contributions of the bank’s gender desk team.
She pledged that WCCIMA, in partnership with BOI, would ensure that these funding initiatives translated into measurable impacts for female entrepreneurs.
E-Financial
Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation, and Sanwo-Olu Champion Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment

Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and Sterling One Foundation have emphasized the need for gender equality and youth empowerment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions focused on sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.

L-R: Moyo Akinyosoye, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank; Zuriel Oduwole, Youth Envoy/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Ifeoluwa Elegbede, Communication Lead, Sterling One Foundation, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office to discuss youth empowerment, gender equality, and the need for sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders.
At just 22 years old, Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category.
Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.
Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.
“At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ this International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls.
We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and opportunities they need to lead and succeed.”
During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19, economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.
The THEMES Plus agenda reinforces our commitment to inclusion and youth empowerment. Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next generation.”
Oduwole also emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social change:
“I have seen the power of storytelling in changing perceptions and opening doors for young people.
“When we share our stories, we inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and creating opportunities that make a real difference.”
Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing narratives that drive meaningful change. By amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.
The Sterling One Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable change through strategic interventions that create lasting impact in gender equality, youth empowerment, and social development.
- Telecom2 days ago
ATCON Calls for Telecom Policy Improvements in Nigeria
- E-Business2 days ago
Google to Buy Cybersecurity Company Wiz for $32Bn
- E-Business2 days ago
Darey.io, Xterns.ai to Expand Digital Skills, Experience Through Lagos Tech Hub
- E-Business2 days ago
Microsoft Warns of StilachiRAT Malware Threat to Cryptocurrency Wallets
- Telecom2 days ago
MTN Group to Invest $10Bn in African Expansion by 2030
- E-Business2 days ago
Senate Votes to Compel Facebook, Others to Open Offices in Nigeria
- Telecom2 days ago
MoMo PSB Launches ‘Refer & Win’ Promo with Airtime and Data Rewards for Loyal Customers
- News2 days ago
£15bn Petro Union Fraud: AGF Defends Nigeria’s Wealth at Supreme Court