NEWS
RMAFC Boss Pledges Continued Support for Oil, Gas Host Communities
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing areas receive fair and transparent benefits in line with constitutional provisions.
Dr. Shehu stated this when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 11th November 2025. Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Shehu commended HOSCON for its peaceful and consultative approach toward addressing issues of resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas. He emphasized that, “Without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible.”The Chairman assured the delegation that the Commission would study their detailed position paper and engage other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable frameworks that guarantee transparency and fairness in the disbursement and utilization of the 13% derivation fund. “The issue involves a delicate balance between constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management,” he added.In his remarks, Prince Michael Emuh, National Chairman of HOSCON, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception, describing the engagement as, “A new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg.” He lamented that despite the fact that their communities provide the bulk of the resources in the country, they are often marginalized.During the interactive session, Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, commended HOSCON’s presentation, describing it as timely and insightful. He called for closer collaboration between host communities and key institutions to develop practical monitoring mechanisms for the 13% derivation fund. Also speaking, Hon. Nkechi Otti, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State, charged the host communities to protect the projects executed by the state government from the fund so as to safeguard them from vandalisation.Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, encouraged HOSCON to pursue its advocacy through dialogue and legal instruments, stating that “Achieving results requires engaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and State Governments, not confrontation.”Also speaking, Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello, Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State, underscored the need for a defined constitutional framework to ensure that funds meant for host communities reach the grassroots.In his contribution, Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong, Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, appreciated the HOSCON delegation for their visit and constructive engagement. He assured that the Commission would carefully review their submissions and take every necessary step to ensure a lasting framework for host community inclusion.The Secretary to the Commission, Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and transparency while giving the assurance that the advocacy efforts of the host communities will not be in vain.The Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Idris commended HOSCON for engaging with RMAFC through the right institutional channel. He advised the group to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional management framework for the 13% derivation, noting that once such a framework is embedded in the Constitution, it becomes mandatory for all state governments to comply.
FairMoney Pays N7bn Interest, Loan Disbursements Hit N150bn
FairMoney Microfinance Bank has said it paid over N7bn in interest to savings customers, while loan disbursements exceeded N150bn in 2025.
The Managing Director, Henry Obiekea, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday.
Obiekea said the milestones reflected the bank’s commitment to expanding access to finance and strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
He said FairMoney began operations in 2021 as a digital lending platform before evolving into a fully licensed microfinance bank.
According to him, the bank now offers savings, fixed deposit and current accounts, debit cards and Point of Sale solutions for businesses.
“FairMoney’s operations are focused on driving financial inclusion through technology and competitive pricing,” Obiekea said.
He said the bank leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse financial data and generate credit scores for fast, collateral-free loans.
According to him, this approach enables FairMoney to assess creditworthiness beyond traditional banking models.
Obiekea said the bank operates under Central Bank of Nigeria regulation, with customer deposits insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
He added that FairMoney also complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
Obiekea said the bank supported Nigeria’s digital payments growth in 2025, aligned with the CBN’s Payment Systems Vision 2025.
He said this was achieved by facilitating loan disbursements and savings interest payments through electronic channels.
“As we move into 2026, we remain committed to financial inclusion, consumer confidence and supporting Nigeria’s financial sector,” Obiekea said. (NAN)
NEWS
Senator Araraume Backs Tinubu for Second Term
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Araraume, who spoke to newsmen at his Isiebu country home in Okigwe LGA, said Tinubu has the constitutional right to seek a second term, insisting that the president has performed well and deserves another four years to consolidate ongoing reforms.
He cautioned against what he described as inaccurate narratives about the ruling party and the nation’s political structure, stressing that Nigeria is not a one-party state.
According to him, Nigeria operates a multiparty democracy with more than 40 registered political parties, a development he said clearly reflects democratic freedom and political plurality.
Araraume said every Nigerian has the freedom to join any political party of choice, noting that members who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) were neither forced nor coerced.
He explained that political realignments are not new in the country, recalling that similar movements occurred during the era of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Araraume said the APC functions as one family, with collaboration across the federal, state, and local government levels, adding that the party remains united behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He disclosed that the APC has commenced an electronic registration exercise, urging existing members to validate their membership while encouraging new entrants to register.
Speaking on Imo State, Araraume said Governor Hope Uzodimma is currently serving his final tenure, expressing confidence that whoever the party presents would be competent and acceptable.
He said the party would support its eventual candidates across all levels in the state, adding that while there is always room for improvement in governance, issues identified would be constructively addressed.
Araraume also recalled his role in Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023, saying the president appointed him then as national director of trade and economy for Southern Nigeria, covering the South East, South South, and South West, noting that if given another opportunity, Tinubu would deliver even stronger performance.
NEWS
DAILY ASSET Holds 9th Annual Awards February 5
By David Torough, Editor
The 9th edition of DAILY ASSET Annual Awards will be held February 5, in Abuja, management of Asset Newspapers Limited, Publishers of the Abuja-based daily announced yesterday.
Since its inception in 2017, the Daily Asset Annual Awards has become a frontline event on the social calendar of media houses in the country as it brings together top government functionaries, leading professionals, captains of industry, traditional rulers, politicians and philanthropists across the length and breadth of the country.
In a statement signed by Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Newspaper, Dr Cletus Akwaya, the Newspaper said the event will hold at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Central Business District Abuja and will be attended by state Governors, Ministers, National Assembly Members, Business leaders, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, professionals from different fields and others who have been invited to the event.
“At the 9th edition of our Annual Awards, we wish to make a bold statement that DAILY ASSET has become a leading brand in Newspaper Journalism to be reckoned with,” the statement said.
It invited members of the public desiring to participate in the programme in any way including corporate sponsorship to approach the management for more detailed information on participation procedures.
On the list of 2025 award nominees published last December 22, Governors of Adamawa State, Rt Hon. Ahmadu Fintiri; Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah and Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo were listed as Governors of the Year in different sectors while Executive Chairman, National Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji was named Man of the Year and Vice President (Oil and Gas), Dangote Industries Plc, Edwin Devakumar was named Corporate Leader of the year.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Hon Mukhtar Idi Maiha and his Counterpart in the Ministry of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa were named as Ministers of the Year for National Peace and Transformation of the Livestock Sector and Educational Transformation respectively.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi and former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steven Lawani and National Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF) and legal luminary, Chief Mike Mamman Osuman(SAN) were named for Life Time Achievement Awards.
Similarly, the Editorial Board named Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong(Cross River South-APC) and Abdulrahman Sumaila Kawu(Kano South – APC and Hon Aliyu Wakili Boya(Fufore/Song Federal Constituency, Adamawa State) as Legislators of the year, while a frontline Businessman, Chief Peter Adole was nominated by the Editors as Philanthropist of the year.
National Vice Chairman(North East), All Progressives Congress, Dr Salihu Mustapha was nominated for the award of Politician of the year and the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Prof Yusuf Bara Jibrin was found worthy for Professional Excellence of the Year Award category and Group Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company(BIPC), Dr Raymond Asemakaha emerged Chief Executive of Officer(CEO) of the Year with Dr Kanyitor Chira Shakaa, Auditor General for the Federation(AuGF) as Public Servant of the Year.
On the corporate side, Fintech giants, Opay Digital Services Limited emerged as Brand of the Year, while Fidelity Bank Plc was named by the Editors as Bank of the Year and the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas(Pi-CNG) won the award of Government Agency of the year. In the same vein, Zinox Computers was named ICT Company of the Year by the Awards panel.
The statement said arrangements were in top gear towards a successful event for public presentation of the awards.
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