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Digital Economy: Stakeholders advocate for adequate inclusion of vulnerable groups

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The policy innovation Centre, an initiative of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group NESG, is advocating for a regulatory framework that would ensure digital connectivity expansion to unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria.

Stakeholders’ from both public and private sector have therefore gathered at a roundtable in Lagos to discuss how to bring everybody on board towards achieving this much needed policy landscape for sustainable digital Economy in the country.

Those who spoke at the second edition of the formative dialogue for the digital transformation programme expressed worry that Nigeria’s broadband connectivity expansion still stands at about 40% implying that millions of people particularly the vulnerable groups and communities are still left behind.

The digital inclusion Programme seeks to bridge the gap in digital access for disadvantaged people and ensure that those who need digital tools to improve their businesses have access to the tools they need. The UK government is also offering support for Nigeria’s digital Economy growth.

Tagged “Inclusive Digital Transformation through the Digital Access Programme”, the Lagos edition supported by the foreign commonwealth and development office brought together government officials, ICT professionals, digital inclusion startups as well as Corporate organisations on the digital space.

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First Asset Management Announces Ratings Upgrade

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Big news — our investment management rating just got an upgrade to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-’ by DataPro and affirmation of A+(IM) by Agusto & Co. This reflects how we are continuously improving to serve our investors better. Our funds levelled up too as Agusto & Co upgraded our First Asset Money Market Fund rating to A+ (f) (up from Aa (f)).So, what does that mean for YOU?It means you are investing with a firm that is getting stronger, smarter, and more disciplined. Our upgraded rating recognizes our solid performance track record, the strength of our parent financial group, and the systems we have put in place to manage investments responsibly.We have also improved our governance and decision-making structure, with experienced professionals leading well-defined investment and risk committees. Behind the scenes, our team of seasoned investment experts constantly monitor markets, manage risks, and position portfolios to navigate volatility and capture opportunities.At the same time, we have strengthened our risk management and compliance framework to ensure that everything we do meets global best practices. In simple terms, it means your money is being managed with discipline, transparency, and strong oversight.Independent rating agencies — Agusto & Co and DataPro Limited — recognize these improvements. Their ratings highlight our commitment to responsible asset management, strong governance, and operational systems designed to support stable long-term performance.But beyond the ratings, what really matters is helping you build wealth over time.That is why we offer a range of investment plans designed for different goals — whether you are just starting your investment journey, looking to grow your portfolio, or aiming to build long-term financial security.If you are part of the next generation of investors, this is your moment to start early and stay ahead. The earlier you begin investing, the more time your money has to grow.Jump on the First Asset investment journey. Explore our investment plans and start building your future with a firm that is getting stronger.Let us build wealth together.

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First Trustees Advocates Stronger Frameworks in Advancing Structured Islamic Inheritance Practices

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Rotimi Obende, Head of Private Trust at First Trustees, presenting at the recently held Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja.

Abuja, Nigeria – February, 2026 – First Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., and a leading provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporates, and government institutions, partners with The Metropolitan Law Firm and Al-Ameen Trustees to host the 8th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja, bringing together leading Islamic legal, financial, and policy experts.With the theme “From Informality to Legacy: Structuring Islamic Wealth Transfer,” the highly anticipated forum underscored the urgent need for Nigerian families to transition from informal inheritance practices to professionally structured, Sharia-compliant estate planning frameworks as a tool to seamlessly transfer and protect wealth, prevent family conflicts, and ensure legacies endure for future generations Speakers emphasized the need to adopt a structured Islamic estate planning framework to ensure wealth preservation, reduces legal disputes, and ensures compliance with both Shari’ah principles and the Nigerian statutory law.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, One17 Financial Services, Ismail Rufai; Professor of Islamic Banking and Finance, Yobe State University, Prof. Adam Abubakar, Esq.; Managing Partner, The Metropolitan Law Firm, Ummahani Amin, Partner, The Metropolitan Law Firm, Barr. Mohammed Yunusa; and Head, Private Trust, First Trustees Limited, Rotimi Obende at the Islamic Estate Planning Clinic recently held in Abuja.

Stating that the transition from informalarrangements to a structured legacy is not merely a financial decision; it is a profound act of stewardship. By documenting and formalising intentions today, we replace potential family discord with clarity and peace of mind.Rotimi Obende, representing the Managing Director of First Trustees Limited, highlighted estate planning as a sacred duty. “Estate planning is more than documentation—it is stewardship. Informal arrangements expose families to avoidable risks. Structured, Sharia-compliant plans provide clarity, transparency, and true generational protection,” he said.He noted that regulated trustees play a crucial role in ensuring proper execution of wills and trusts, reinforcing public trust and accountability.Delivering the keynote address, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, cautioned against relying on verbal inheritance promises, which frequently lead to conflict and asset loss. He also urged the integration of modern technology, including blockchain, to securely store and have seamless access to wills and estate documents and also bridging traditional Islamic principles with cutting-edge innovation.Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner at The Metropolitan Law Firm, added that Islamic inheritance law offers both structure and flexibility.“Individuals can allocate up to one-third of their estate through properly documented wills and trusts. Too many families suffer because intentions were never formally recorded,” she explained. As discussions progressed, a consistent message resonated clearly: with today’s increasingly complex and diverse assets, from digital holdings, cross-border investments and complex business interest, informal inheritance practices are no longer sufficient.Participants agreed that structured Islamic estate planning delivers clear advantages, including legal certainty, tax efficiency, family unity, and long-term wealth preservation.

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FBNQuest Merchant Bank Confirms New Ownership Structure, Sets Stage for Future Growth

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Lagos, Nigeria – December 2025 – FBNQuest Merchant Bank has confirmed the successful completion of its ownership transition, following its divestment from First HoldCo Plc and acquisition by EverQuest Acquisition LLP, a new investor consortium led by Custodian Investment Plc.The Acting Managing Director, Afolabi Olorode, stated:“This marks a defining milestone in the Bank’s journey, one that reflects our consistent performance, institutional strength, and long-term potential. As we move forward under new ownership, our focus remains unchanged: delivering exceptional value to stakeholders, deepening market leadership, and building a sustainable institution for the future. We are grateful to all who have been part of this journey and remain focused on creating long-term value for our clients and stakeholders. The Bank remains fully operational, and all client relationships, services, and leadership structures continue uninterrupted.We thank our stakeholders for their continued trust and look forward to the next chapter of growth.

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