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E-Financial

IFIN Wins First Prize in EFICA Awards 2021

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IFIN (“Islamic Finance Initiation Network”) the first of its kind fintech, stands out with its state-of-the-art solutions for the Islamic finance industry and wins the Ethical Finance Initiative Award at the annual EFICA Awards 2021 held recently at JW Marriot Marquis, Dubai and organized by Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (“ADIB”), a leading Arab financial institution, and Refinitiv, a London Stock Exchange Group business.

Founded in 2014 by two industry pioneers IFAAS and Path Solutions, IFIN offers next-generation fintech solutions that link Islamic financial institutions with retailers, MSMEs, corporates and regulators, originating Sharia-compliant instant financing for retail and MSME segments.

Through digitalizing the entire financing process, IFIN is revolutionizing the Islamic financial services industry, taking it to the next level.

Manar Abbas, IFIN Chief Operating Officer said, “It is tremendously exciting for us to have won the industry’s most coveted and prestigious award in the face of rising competition. This prize constitutes a very gratifying recognition of our continued perseverance towards reinventing Islamic finance and will make a genuine difference to what IFIN is able to achieve”.

The Ethical Finance Initiative Award recognizes individuals and organisations that offer emerging and innovative ethical financial solutions and initiatives that have been successfully implemented and made a positive social impact for their stakeholders.

IFIN was carefully selected among 200 applications for the $80,000 prize for being the first of its kind Sharia-compliant, next-generation Buy-Now-Pay-Later fintech that connects all types of Islamic financial institutions, including banks, windows, finance companies, microfinance, and crowdfunding platforms, with retailers – both online and offline – allowing customers to submit their finance applications to their preferred institution and get it approved instantly.

“This is an incredible honor”, commented Mohammed Kateeb, Path Solutions’ Group Chairman & CEO and IFIN Co-founder & Board Member. “This has been an amazing year of innovation and growth for IFIN in an exciting new era of digitalization, and today we are proud to receive one of the highest awards that can be bestowed annually, which again confirms the success of our project and increase our motivation to building innovative solutions that continue to shape the overall fintech and financial services ecosystem”.

EFICA was launched in 2013 by ADIB and Thomson Reuters – now Refinitiv – with the aim of inspiring and recognising thought leaders and forward-thinking firms which offer the most dynamic, ground-breaking solutions that advance ethics in the world’s financial services.

The other prize winners on the evening were Manzil – Canada’s first Islamic Neobank and Islamicly App.


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E-Financial

Sterling Bank Pledges ₦2bn to Fully Fund University Scholarships

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Sterling Bank has launched a ₦2 billion scholarship initiative to support Nigerian students in private universities. The program, Beyond Education, was unveiled on Democracy Day and aims to remove financial barriers to higher learning.

The bank will fully sponsor 600 students from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to study Technology, Finance, Sales, and Public Health at Miva University, founded by Sim Shagaya. The selection process is merit-based, with candidates nominated by themselves or others, and final selection determined through public voting open to Sterling account holders.

Sterling Bank’s CEO, Abubakar Suleiman, described the initiative as an investment in Nigeria’s future, aligning with the bank’s commitment to Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Transportation. The bank has already deployed over half a trillion naira in financing across these sectors.

According to Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive at Sterling Bank, the program is about creating opportunities beyond education. The bank is shifting from short-term philanthropy to long-term ecosystem development, with investments in digitized healthcare, school financing, agricultural cooperatives, solar energy, and transport systems.

“Nigeria’s progress requires action,” Suleiman said. “We are funding the future architects of the country—those who will build the businesses, institutions, and innovations needed for national prosperity.”

Nominations for the Beyond Education scholarships are now open at www.sterling.ng/FUTURE. The initiative sets a precedent for private-sector-driven education investment, where success is measured not just in profit, but in people empowered.


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E-Financial

FG to Train 100,000 Youths Annually in Forex Trading and Financial Skills

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Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Investonaire Academy to train 100,000 young Nigerians annually in forex trading, financial planning, and risk management.

The agreement, signed in Abuja, was announced by Omolara Esan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. According to her, the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce youth unemployment and enhance financial inclusion.

At the signing ceremony, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the partnership as a milestone in the ministry’s efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical financial skills. He emphasized that the programme would foster critical thinking, improve digital literacy, and expand access to global economic opportunities.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director at Investonaire Academy, highlighted the importance of empowering youth with relevant financial and digital skills. He described young people as essential drivers of innovation and national development.

The ministry assured that the programme would be implemented with transparency and measurable outcomes, ensuring that participants gain practical expertise in forex trading and financial planning.

The Federal Government has recently intensified efforts to boost skill development across various sectors. A separate plan aims to train 100,000 artisans nationwide, following the successful upskilling of 29,000 individuals in previous phases. This initiative seeks to professionalize vocational trades, eliminate quackery, and introduce licensing systems.

Additionally, technicians from specialized institutions will receive industry-standard training to strengthen Nigeria’s labor force and increase self-reliance in skilled professions.

Through these efforts, the government hopes to position Nigerian youth for economic success both locally and globally.


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E-Financial

NDIC Begins Final Settlements to Creditors of Liquidated Premier Bank

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Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has begun the final phase of liquidation for the defunct Premier Commercial Bank, initiating the payment of liquidation dividends to verified creditors, nearly 25 years after the bank’s closure.

NDIC Begins Final Settlements to Creditors of Liquidated Premier Bank

Premier Commercial Bank had its operating license revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on December 20, 2000, following findings of financial instability and regulatory non-compliance.

Since then, the NDIC has overseen the bank’s liquidation process under a winding-up order from the Federal High Court, which designated the corporation as the official liquidator.

In a public announcement, the NDIC invited all eligible creditors to visit any of its zonal offices between June 2 and June 27, 2025, to verify and claim their entitlements.

This move marks a critical milestone in the final settlement of claims related to the bank’s collapse.

To facilitate the verification process, creditors are required to present proof of deposit or shareholding, such as a passbook, chequebook, term deposit certificate, or bank statement.

Additionally, valid identification documents must be submitted, including a driver’s license, international passport, national identity card, NIN slip/card, voter’s card, or a formal identification letter from a traditional ruler or local government chairman.

The NDIC assured the public that the ongoing settlement is part of a broader effort to bring closure to longstanding claims resulting from Premier Commercial Bank’s liquidation. The process, according to the corporation, has been designed to ensure efficient disbursement to all verified stakeholders.

Premier Commercial Bank is one of 53 deposit money banks whose licenses were revoked by the CBN between 1994 and 2018 due to various violations and signs of financial distress.

These closures were followed by legal procedures appointing the NDIC to manage asset recoveries and creditor settlements.

By initiating this final phase of payment, the NDIC is reaffirming its commitment to financial system stability and depositor protection while calling on all affected individuals and institutions to complete verification processes promptly to receive their due compensation.


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