By Our Correspondent 

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Chapter, marked the end of 2024 with a grand celebration, reflecting on a year of challenges and triumphs.

The event, held at Glisten International Academy, Jahi – Abuja, brought together school owners, stakeholders, and supporters for a moment of relaxation, gratitude, and unity.
Speaking at the gathering, the FCT NAPPS Chairperson, Chief Mrs Rukayat Ruth Agboola acknowledged 2024 as one of the most turbulent years for private schools, citing financial burdens from accumulated debts, contentious levies, and operational pressures.
Despite these obstacles, she praised school proprietors for their resilience and dedication.
“This year tested our limits, but we stood strong together. With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we navigated the storm,” she stated.
The event featured support from area council chairmen and generous donors, whose contributions ensured the success of the celebration.
The President also commended Glisten International Academy, Jahi, for hosting the event at a reduced cost, emphasizing that the gathering symbolized hope and renewed strength for the education sector.
As attendees enjoyed the festivities, the President encouraged continued collaboration to overcome future challenges, declaring, “This celebration is a testament to our resilience and commitment to building a better future for education in Nigeria.”

By Alexis Uchendu

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has issued a clarion call to Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), to ensure the seamless availability of cash, emphasizing its critical role in advancing financial inclusion across the country.
Speaking on Friday at the 2024 Bankers’ Committee Retreat in Abuja, Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, highlighted the pressing need to address cash scarcity and exploitative practices by some Point of Sale (PoS), agents.
“Millions of Nigerians struggle to access even minimal cash for essential needs, a situation compounded by rogue PoS operators imposing arbitrary charges,” Shettima stated.
He urged banks to intensify efforts to clear these bottlenecks, which undermine the government’s push for economic inclusion.
The Vice-President also spotlighted the dominance of Nigerian banks in West Africa and beyond, lauding recent achievements such as the establishment of Nigerian bank branches in France.
He urged the banking sector to build on this success by embracing innovative capabilities and leveraging technology to enhance global competitiveness.
Amid discussions on cash shortages, Shettima commended the sector’s role in strengthening the economy, citing significant gains in non-oil exports.
He noted that Nigeria recorded a $4.5 billion trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, driven by a weakened Naira spurring export growth.
“The economic impact of the currency unification policy is clear.
“Exports have surged, foreign education dependency is waning, and local institutions are witnessing unprecedented growth,” Shettima said.
He called on banks to embrace the rise of FINTECHs, Neobanks, and decentralized finance while developing robust strategies to remain at the forefront of risk management in the evolving financial landscape.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s banking industry to consolidate its leadership, not just locally but globally, while ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the journey toward financial inclusion,” Shettima concluded.

By Our Correspondent 

In a way to celebrate education and inspire academic excellence, the Abuja City Journal (ACJ), has once again captured the nation’s attention with its National Essay Competition.

Speaking during an interview, the CEO and Publisher of ACJ, Mr. Ojo Sylvanus Foluso, revealed the vision behind the initiative, highlighting its role in promoting literacy and offering hope to young Nigerians.

“This competition is our way of celebrating education and encouraging students who believe in its transformative power. Education is the bedrock of society, and this initiative is a testament to that belief,” said Mr. Foluso.

Launched two years ago, the competition returned for its second edition, attracting over 700,000 entries nationwide.

Through a rigorous process involving AI screenings and independent examiners, 25 finalists emerged, representing the brightest minds across Nigeria.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service played a pivotal role in the event’s success, sponsoring the transportation and accommodation of participants in Abuja.

The finalists will undergo a final writing challenge to determine the winners, with prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦2.5 million and the prestigious title of PCNGI Brand Ambassador.

Mr. Foluso expressed optimism about the future: “This initiative gives Nigerians hope. We are celebrating education instead of abnormality, and we pray it grows bigger by God’s grace.”

ACJ’s dedication to empowering youth and celebrating excellence sets a high standard for educational initiatives in Nigeria.