Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tech Entrepreneur Olufemi Olaogun Launches FCA-Licensed SendOva, Targets Zero-Fees Remittance to Nigeria
New fintech platform promises better exchange rates for UK–Nigeria transfers as Nigerians abroad face rising remittance costs
New fintech platform promises better exchange rates for UK–Nigeria transfers as Nigerians abroad face rising remittance costs
Olufemi Olaogun, a tech entrepreneur who grew up in Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, has launched SendOva, a United Kingdom-based remittance platform licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), aiming to provide zero-fee money transfers and improved exchange rates for Nigerians sending funds home. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with Olaogun highlighting the personal motivation behind the initiative.
Olaogun, whose upbringing in Lagos instilled in him a strong sense of community and resilience, stated that his experience as an immigrant in the UK revealed the high costs and frustrations many Nigerians face when sending money to support families back home. According to him, SendOva was created to address these challenges by eliminating transfer fees and offering competitive naira rates for users sending money from the UK to Nigeria.
The remittance sector remains critical for many Nigerian households, with funds from abroad often used for school fees, medical bills, rent and daily upkeep. Industry analysts note that as at 2024, remittances contributed over $20 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy according to figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), but many transfer services still charge significant fees or offer unfavourable exchange rates. “Sending money should not be an additional burden for families already making sacrifices,” Olaogun said during a virtual launch event.
Fintech experts have welcomed the arrival of FCA-licensed SendOva into the market. According to Lagos-based financial analyst Chinedu Okafor, “The entry of platforms like SendOva increases competition and ultimately benefits ordinary Nigerians by reducing transaction costs.” Some stakeholders in the diaspora community also expressed optimism that zero-fee models could become standard practice if regulators maintain oversight on compliance and customer protection.
With its FCA licence in place, SendOva is expected to expand its services across more corridors within Europe in coming months. Analysts believe increased competition among remittance providers could push down fees further and drive innovation in cross-border payments. The company said it will continue engaging with Nigerian users for feedback as it scales operations.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Sultan, Catholic Bishops Demand Immediate Action on Worsening Insecurity Nationwide
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Religious leaders call on federal government to prioritise citizen safety as violent attacks rise across states
Prominent religious figures including the Sultan of Sokoto and senior Catholic bishops have called for urgent intervention by the federal government to address Nigeria’s escalating insecurity. The appeal was made on Wednesday, 17 June, amid increasing reports of kidnappings, attacks, and unrest in several states across the country.
The Sultan of Sokoto, who is the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims, joined voices with Catholic bishops to highlight the growing threat posed by armed groups and criminal gangs. Their joint statement emphasised that communities in both urban and rural areas are now living in fear as incidents of abduction, armed robbery, and violence continue unabated.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges over the past decade, including Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and separatist agitation in the South-East. Recent months have seen a surge in attacks targeting civilians, with many Nigerians criticising what they describe as a slow or inadequate response from authorities. The latest call from religious leaders reflects rising public anxiety and frustration over the government’s ability to ensure safety for all citizens.
While the federal government has repeatedly pledged to strengthen security operations and deploy more resources to affected regions, critics say progress remains slow. The Sultan and Catholic bishops urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take concrete steps beyond promises. “It is time for decisive action that will restore confidence among Nigerians,” they said in their statement.
Security analysts note that collaboration between religious leaders could add momentum to ongoing advocacy for reforms in policing and intelligence gathering. As pressure mounts on government officials, many Nigerians are looking towards concrete policy measures and improved coordination among security agencies to stem the tide of violence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Belgium, Japan Secure Surprise Wins as Volleyball Nations League Betting Odds Shift in Lagos
Early upsets force bookmakers to adjust odds, with mid-tier nations gaining ground and favourites facing fresh scrutiny
Early upsets force bookmakers to adjust odds, with mid-tier nations gaining ground and favourites facing fresh scrutiny
Unexpected results in the opening week of the Volleyball Nations League have seen betting markets in Lagos and across Nigeria recalibrate odds, after Belgium, Japan and Turkey delivered surprise victories against traditionally dominant teams. The early phase of the tournament, which began last week, has already disrupted pre-tournament predictions among volleyball enthusiasts and punters alike.
Belgium marked their return to the competition with a 3-1 win over Bulgaria—an outcome few analysts foresaw. The match took place on the first day of fixtures, immediately alerting bookmakers to potential shifts in team form. In another key encounter, France narrowly defeated Italy 3-2 after a challenging game that saw both sides struggle for dominance. Meanwhile, Japan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of this year’s league. Turkey also made headlines by defeating France 3-0, despite having lost earlier to the United States.
These unexpected results have led to swift reactions from betting agencies operating within Nigeria’s growing sports betting sector. According to market analysts, odds on mid-tier nations such as Belgium and Turkey have shortened considerably since the tournament began. Traditional favourites like France and Italy still receive strong backing from punters, but their inconsistent performances have raised questions about their prospects going forward.
Sports analyst Chinedu Okeke commented on Tuesday that “the early rounds are always unpredictable but this year has shown even more volatility than usual,” noting that many Nigerians are now placing bets on underdog teams in anticipation of further surprises. Betting operators have advised customers to monitor team performance closely before making further wagers.
The tournament continues this week with more fixtures expected to test the resilience of both established powers and emerging contenders. Observers say the evolving dynamics could see even more shifts in betting patterns as at next round, especially if upsets persist. Volleyball fans across Nigeria are watching closely as teams seek to build momentum amid a rapidly changing competitive landscape.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/volleyball-nations-league-teams-creating-early-betting-value-in-2026/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards for Katsina to Tackle Insecurity
Deployment targets rising bandit attacks in North-West state; local authorities welcome move, urge community cooperation
Deployment targets rising bandit attacks in North-West state; local authorities welcome move, urge community cooperation
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment and deployment of 1,000 forest guards in Katsina State to strengthen security operations amid ongoing attacks by armed groups. The initiative, announced on Wednesday, aims to curb banditry and restore safety in rural areas across the North-Western state.
The decision follows persistent incidents of kidnapping and violence in Katsina, which have displaced thousands and disrupted agricultural activities. According to local officials, the newly recruited forest guards will work alongside existing security agencies to monitor forests and difficult terrains often used as hideouts by criminal elements.
Katsina State has been at the centre of North-West security concerns, with frequent reports of villages being raided and communities living under threat. The deployment is expected to boost confidence among residents and support ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other agencies operating in the region.
A senior state government official welcomed the presidential approval and called on communities to cooperate fully with the new forest guard corps. “We believe this measure will help secure our forests and improve intelligence gathering,” he said during a briefing in Katsina on Wednesday.
No official timeline for the commencement of training or deployment was provided as at press time. Authorities say further details regarding selection criteria, operational command structure, and funding will be released soon. Security experts argue that sustained support and proper equipping of personnel will be crucial for the success of this intervention.
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