Business
Ooni Of Ife Lauds TAJBank’s Partnership With AIFC
Ibrahim Lawal
His Royal Majesty Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has commended TAJBank Nigeria for its partnership with Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Kazakhstan, to promote non-interest banking, boost Nigeria’s merchandize trade with Asian countries, and improve the country’s foreign exchange (FX) earnings.
The foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland lauded the TAJBank’s management on the collaboration during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, which formalizes the framework between the two partners to leverage the opportunities of non-interest banking for the benefits of Nigerians, Asians and their businesses.
The royal father, who recalled TAJBank’s remarkable efforts to deepen financial inclusion through the non-interest banking model in the country over the past few years, said:
“I believe this MoU between TAJBank and AIFC is another initiative that I strongly feel will foster export ties between Nigeria and Kazakhstan.
“We look forward to better international trade involving cocoa and other commodities as I hear that you have the best chocolates in Kazakhstan”, Oba Ogunwusi added.
Specifically, the MOU aims to promote and develop non-interest banking products and services within Nigeria, adhering to Islamic financial principles, streamline and secure the management of export proceeds, particularly of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, exploring innovative financial instruments and mechanisms to strengthen trade finance and provide robust support to Nigerian exporters.
In addition, the deal seeks to fortify trade relationships between Nigeria and Kazakhstan, as well as other Central Asian nations, by identifying and pursuing opportunities for joint ventures, strategic investments, and enhanced trade financing to drive economic cooperation.
Commenting on the deal, TAJBank’s Founder/Managing Director, Hamid Joda, enthused: “This is another landmark deal in our sustained drive to demonstrate to Nigerians that TAJBank is totally committed to support their businesses irrespective of the location.
“We are excited to have our Royal Father, the Ooni of Ife here at this event, which is a clear demonstration of his endorsement of our partnership with the AIFC. I assure all our customers and potential ones that TAJbank will continue to do its best to support them with world-class non-interest banking products and services”, Joda added.
In his brief remarks on the pact, AIFC’s Director, Yernar Zhanadil, said: “Your Majesty, the Islamic market in Kazakhstan is untapped; the market has over eight million users. We can issue Ijara or Sukuk using Nigeria’s model. It has so much potential.
With the Ooni’s involvement and TAJBank, I am even surer of the immense benefits of the MoU for bank customers and the economies of the two countries.”
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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