Unity Bank Plc has announced a strategic partnership with AfriGo, a domestic card scheme, to enhance electronic payment adoption and deepen financial inclusion across Nigeria. The collaboration aims to increase the use of AfriGo cards among Unity Bank’s retail customers, positioning the card as a key local payment solution. Speaking at a recent meeting in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Ebenezer Kolawole, emphasized the bank’s commitment to making the AfriGo Card a primary delivery channel. “As a national domestic card scheme, AfriGo deserves to be promoted as a local solution with significant potential to redefine Nigeria’s card payment landscape,” Kolawole said. He also pledged ongoing support for the card’s adoption and encouraged AfriGo to intensify awareness campaigns to boost market acceptance. AfriGo’s Managing Director, Ebehijie Momoh, praised Unity Bank as one of the top five adopters of the AfriGo card, highlighting the partnership’s role in expanding financial inclusion and improving access to electronic payments. Momoh noted AfriGo’s innovations, including instant payment technologies and offline capabilities, which enable broader access to e-payment services, especially in underserved communities. He also cited the success of contactless payment solutions like Tap & Go in enhancing convenience for users. This partnership builds on Unity Bank’s strong track record of digital innovation. The bank pioneered USSD banking (*7799#) in local languages to reach rural and semi-urban populations, launched Unifi, a youth-focused digital banking platform, and recently introduced GenFi, a gamified mobile banking app designed to teach children and teenagers smart money habits. AfriGo itself is a homegrown card scheme developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). It offers Nigerians an affordable, secure, and locally tailored alternative to international card schemes, with features such as chip-and-PIN security, seamless ATM and POS payments, 24/7 fund access, and reward programs. The card targets a broad demographic, including students, market traders, artisans, and small business owners, supporting the nation’s drive toward a cashless economy. Together, Unity Bank and AfriGo aim to leverage their combined networks and innovations to accelerate the adoption of electronic payments, promote financial inclusion, and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy growth.
Nigerian military jet mistakenly strikes, kills 20 vigilantes in Zamfara State
A tragic friendly-fire incident has claimed the lives of approximately 20 vigilante group members in Garin Mani village, Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The fatalities occurred when a Nigerian military fighter jet mistakenly launched airstrikes on the vigilantes during an operation targeting armed bandits. Earlier on Monday, armed bandits launched a brutal attack on Garin Mani village. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived on motorcycles around midday, indiscriminately shooting and causing chaos. Several residents were killed, and over 50 people, mostly farmers working in their fields, were abducted. In response, local vigilante groups mobilized quickly to pursue the fleeing bandits. However, during the pursuit, a Nigerian military jet deployed to the area misidentified the vigilantes as hostile forces and carried out airstrikes against them. One of the surviving vigilantes recounted the harrowing experience to BBC Hausa:“We were chasing the bandits when the fighter jet suddenly appeared, flying very low. It started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending to be hit. When the jet left, we got up and fled to safety.” Residents expressed deep disappointment over the incident and the military’s silence. A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, urged the military to acknowledge the mistake and reach out to the families of the victims. He also called on the government to deploy more troops to the area, warning that bandits had threatened to return. “We understand it was an unfortunate error, but the military must take responsibility and support the affected families,” he said. This is not the first time such a tragic error has occurred in Zamfara State. In January 2025, a similar airstrike mistakenly killed 16 people, including vigilantes, in Tungar Kara. In December 2024, 10 residents of Gidan Bisa in Sokoto State lost their lives due to a misdirected airstrike. As of the time of this report, the Nigerian military has not issued an official statement regarding the latest incident.
Nigerian innovator from Bayelsa harnesses borehole water to generate over 1MW of electricity
A Nigerian inventor from Bayelsa State has developed a novel method to generate electricity using borehole water to power turbines, achieving a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) and above. This breakthrough offers a promising alternative energy source amid Nigeria’s ongoing power supply challenges. The innovation involves utilizing water stored in borehole tanks to drive turbines that produce electricity, a technique that could complement existing power generation efforts in Bayelsa and beyond. According to Stanley Dide, the source of this information, the system harnesses readily available water resources to generate sustainable power. Bayelsa State has been actively pursuing various power projects to address its electricity deficits, including plans for large-scale gas-fired power plants. For instance, the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd recently began an Environmental Impact Assessment for a 60MW gas turbine power plant near Yenagoa, aiming to reduce reliance on the national grid and ensure stable power supply across the state. This new water-driven turbine technology aligns with the ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources in Nigeria, where hydropower is recognized as the most economical electricity source, offering tariffs significantly lower than other generation plants. While traditional hydropower plants face challenges such as seasonal water variability, the borehole water turbine system could provide a more controllable and scalable solution. Experts emphasize that Nigeria’s electricity sector faces multiple challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high transmission losses, and over-dependence on gas-fired plants. Innovative, locally adaptable solutions like this borehole turbine could play a vital role in overcoming these hurdles and advancing Nigeria’s power sufficiency goals. Further development and scaling of this technology could complement Bayelsa’s ongoing power projects, potentially providing off-grid communities with reliable electricity. Collaboration with government agencies and private investors will be crucial to realize its full potential and integrate it into the state’s energy mix.
FG warns Abuja car dealer over viral video mocking civil servants
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a stern warning to Abuja-based automobile dealer Alamin Sarkinmota following a viral promotional video that mocked civil servants’ ability to afford luxury cars. In the video, which promotes a 2023 Mercedes Benz C300 equipped with Artificial Intelligence features, Sarkinmota asks, “Can civil servants afford you?” The AI responds, “No! Maybe in 2062.” This remark sparked widespread backlash for belittling the financial status of Nigerian civil servants. The National Orientation Agency (NOA), through its Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, condemned the video in a letter to Sarkinmota. The agency described the content as condescending and inappropriate, especially at a time when Nigerians face significant social and economic pressures. The NOA emphasized the crucial role civil servants play in sustaining government functions and enabling businesses to thrive, urging respect for their dignity and contributions. The letter urged Sarkinmota to exercise caution in his marketing language to avoid offending any segment of the Nigerian population. It also highlighted the need to value dignity of labor over material possessions, calling for unity in building a resilient nation where every citizen can prosper. Sarkinmota is known for his provocative style, often trolling civil servants over their inability to purchase the luxury vehicles he sells in the Federal Capital Territory. The government’s intervention signals a clear message against disparaging public servants in commercial promotions
Vice Principal assaulted by thugs hired by a student’s mother for preventing the student from cheating during WAEC in Ondo
Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, was brutally assaulted by suspected thugs allegedly hired by the mother of a student after he confiscated the student’s phone for attempting to cheat during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The incident began on May 26 when Mr. Rotifa discovered an Android phone with an SS3 student, Wisdom Elisa, during the exam, which is strictly against school rules. The Vice Principal seized the phone to prevent cheating, drawing the ire of the student’s mother. She reportedly threatened the school authorities, insisting her son be allowed to use the phone in the forthcoming mathematics exam. Despite the Vice Principal’s firm stance against cheating, the mother’s brother, a former student of the school, later harassed and threatened Mr. Rotifa. Following this, suspected thugs loitered around the school after hours. On the advice of the school proprietor, Mr. Rotifa went to the police station with officers to report the matter and search for the culprits. However, on their return, the thugs intercepted the police van, dragged Mr. Rotifa out, and violently beat him. Mr. Rotifa was rushed to St. John and Mary Hospital, Odokoyi, for treatment. Though discharged, he has not returned home due to fears for his safety. The school staff remain anxious about further attacks amid ongoing threats from the student’s family. The Ondo State Ministry of Education has condemned the attack and assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. The government has also promised enhanced security measures to protect staff and students for the remainder of the WASSCE period. The school principal confirmed the assault but declined further comments. Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Turkey, Buhari express condolences following Niger flood disaster and Kano auto crash
Turkey has extended heartfelt condolences to Nigeria following the devastating floods in Mokwa, Niger State, which have claimed more than 100 lives and left thousands displaced. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the devastating floods in the Mokwa region of Niger State, Nigeria. We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to the people of Nigeria.” Following the tragic road accident in Kano State that claimed the lives of 22 athletes, coaches, and officials returning from the National Sports Festival, as previously reported by Dailytech, former President Muhammadu Buhari also joined in mourning the victims of the Niger floods and the recent fatal auto crash in Kano State that killed 22 young athletes, coaches, and officials. In a message to the bereaved families and affected communities, Buhari said, “I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the floods in Niger State and the road accident in Kano State. The deaths are painful and devastating. Condolences to the families and friends of all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his condolences to the Kano State government and the families of the deceased athletes, describing the tragedy as a painful reminder of the fragility of life. Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the National Sports Festival closing ceremony in Ogun State, said, “We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for their swift healing and comfort during this difficult time.” The Mokwa flood disaster, which struck on the night of May 28 after hours of torrential rainfall, submerged homes, swept away vehicles, and destroyed critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The situation was further worsened by the collapse of a nearby dam. In response, the Niger State government has appealed for support from governmental and non-governmental organizations, opening a dedicated bank account for relief donations. Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba urged donors to channel all assistance through official state agencies to prevent fraud. Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East, announced a personal donation of N50 million and truckloads of food items to support ongoing relief efforts. “This tragic disaster has brought immense suffering – claiming lives, displacing families, and disrupting livelihoods across Mokwa and its surrounding communities. I mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and offer my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected,” Musa stated. Federal authorities, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), continue to assist with search and rescue operations, while the government has launched public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of living along flood plains as the rainy season intensifies. As the nation mourns, leaders have called for unity, compassion, and swift action to bring relief and hope to those affected by these successive tragedies.