Business
TAJBank revs up nationwide operations drive, opens Apapa branch
Tolu Francis
TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s fast-growing non-interest banking services provider, on Thursday opened a new branch in Apapa, Lagos in furtherance of its current drive to provide seamless financial transactions and advisory services for its growing customer-base.
It would be recalled that the bank secured its national banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) about six months ago and the opening of the Apapa branch is part of the board and management’s initiatives to open new branches within the next few months across the geo-political zones in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TAJBank’s Founder/Managing Director, Mr. Hamid Joda, said Apapa was targeted for the commencement of the bank’s branch network expansion in the South West region because of the strategic position in the nation’s business operations and the need to offer customers real-time, technology-powered world class services.
He said: “We are very excited to begin the deepening of our non-interest and customer-focused products and services in Apapa, Lagos as we commence the expansion of our services across the geo-political zones of the country.
“This is a mega branch based on the investments in technologies and solutions and the quality of human resource we are putting in place here and we intend to put in other branches we are opening very soon because we intend to offer what other banks are not offering in terms of value-addition to our customers.
“With this move, we want to assure Nigerians and other residents and businesses in our country that TAJBank’s only interest is our customers and in line with our business philosophy, we shall continue to offer them products and services that surpass their expectations in the years ahead.”
In his remarks, the bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Sherif Idi, recalled that the sterling performance of the non-interest lender was recognized both in Nigeria and internationally given “the awards from Business Day and Leadership newspapers and other global rating agencies to TAJBank in recognition of our world-class operational standards and service quality.”
In his remarks during the new branch opening event, the Managing Director/CEO of IAL Nigeria Limited who shares in the vision and business philosophy of TAJBank, Alhaji Ismail Adetola Lawal, commended the Board and management of the Non-interest Bank for opening the Apapa branch for the benefit of business owners and the Nigerian economy.
He said “My prayer for TAJBank limited is that the Almighty God will continue to build the Bank and make it the preferred choice for millions of Nigerians that are looking for interest free banking products and services. I want to assure them that TAJBank will not disappoint them but surpass their expectations.”
Business
FG, Investonaire Academy Unveil National Programme to Equip 100,000 Youths with Financial Skills, Digital Wealth Tools
By Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government, in collaboration with Investonaire Academy, has unveiled a nationwide financial literacy and wealth-building programme targeting more than 100,000 young Nigerians. The initiative is designed to equip participants with practical skills in budgeting, saving, investing, asset building, and long-term financial planning, positioning them for sustainable prosperity in a rapidly evolving economy.
Launched on Tuesday in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described financial literacy as a necessary survival tool for young people confronting today’s economic realities.
He noted that the initiative represents the foundation of a broader vision expected to extend beyond Nigeria to other African nations and global markets.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting over 4,000 corps members annually, the Minister said the programme will provide platforms, resources, and skills needed for both job creation and employability.
“The young people who understand money — how to save, invest, build assets, and manage risk — are the ones who will lead Nigeria into prosperity,” he said.
A major highlight of the launch was the expansion of the Nigeria Youth Academy, a digital platform offering mentorship, training, and startup support. According to the Minister, more than 200 startups will receive empowerment through the Academy’s e-app platform before the end of the year.
He stressed the need for deeper collaboration with private organisations, innovators, and youth-focused groups, noting that government alone cannot drive youth development. He further encouraged young Nigerians to embrace skills acquisition, innovation, and digital enterprise, saying these remain critical to reducing the desire for migration and increasing self-reliance.
Outlining the Ministry’s long-term commitments, Olawande emphasized three priorities: supporting youth innovation, equipping them with growth tools, and safeguarding millions of Nigerian youths under the Ministry’s mandate.
Speaking at the launch, Sebastien Sicre, Chief Operating Officer of Investonaire Academy, said the programme was crafted to revolutionize the way Nigerian youths learn and apply financial knowledge. He highlighted the Academy’s gamified Learning Management System (LMS), which offers interactive learning tools, community forums, and real-time mentorship to make financial education engaging and accessible.
Complementing the digital platform is a new 200-square-metre physical training centre in Abuja, opposite the NNPC Towers, where in-person workshops and mentorship sessions will take place.
The curriculum covers key global asset classes — including equities, commodities, forex, and indices — ensuring participants gain a broad understanding of financial markets.
Sicre added that with Federal Government backing, the programme seeks to unlock new opportunities, strengthen youth participation in the digital economy, and reward outstanding participants through a $1 million funding pool to support new and existing ventures.
International Programme Director of Investonaire Academy, Dr. Enefola Odiba, explained that the initiative aims to bridge long-standing gaps in financial education among Nigerian youths. While schools teach many subjects, he said, essential financial skills are often missing.
“Many people can earn money — earning money can be easy. The real challenge is retaining, managing, and growing that money,” he noted.
Referencing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s definition of financial literacy, Odiba stated that implementation remains a major national challenge. He said the initiative brings together government agencies, youth groups, academic institutions, and private-sector partners to translate strategy into measurable impact.
The programme’s curriculum covers budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning — areas where many young people struggle. By offering practical training, real-world insights, and guided mentorship, the initiative aims to build a generation of financially empowered youth capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
With this partnership, the Federal Government and Investonaire Academy share a common goal: to empower young Nigerians with the financial intelligence and digital tools needed to build wealth, grow businesses, and transform the nation’s economic future.
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