New releases by Kulthum Asha, Aminat Sanni-Kamal, Jessica Ferguson and Foluso Agbaje explore love, family and ambition

Five Nigerian romance novels are set to hit bookshelves in 2026, offering readers across Lagos, Abuja and other cities a blend of love stories set in universities, corporate offices and elite Lagos society. The titles, written by Kulthum Asha, Aminat Sanni-Kamal, Jessica Ferguson and Foluso Agbaje, reflect a growing appetite for contemporary romance fiction with relatable Nigerian settings.

The new releases include ‘Heart Analytics’ by Kulthum Asha, which follows Renike Bello, a driven student whose academic rivalry with popular baseball player Rotimi Jacobs leads to unexpected romance on a university campus. The novel explores themes of vulnerability and academic pressure as the pair navigate family expectations and personal insecurities.

Aminat Sanni-Kamal contributes two titles: ‘Rebound’, where protagonist Eriife Williams is forced to confront past feelings when she ends up working under billionaire Jayeola Abayomi-Young in the heart of Lagos’ corporate world; and ‘The Man I Collided Into’, which centres on Nahima’s journey of self-discovery after heartbreak as she meets the calm but mysterious Odetona Olutosin. Both stories mix workplace drama with emotional introspection familiar to many young Nigerians balancing ambition with relationships.

Jessica Ferguson’s ‘A Cosmic Match’ dives into the world of DNA-based matchmaking technology and the pressures faced by women navigating modern love and societal expectations in Lagos. Rounding out the list is Foluso Agbaje’s contribution (title not detailed), which reportedly delves into family secrets beneath the surface of Lagos luxury.

Publishers say these novels reflect shifting trends among Nigerian readers seeking authentic stories about love, ambition and identity. Bookshops in Victoria Island and Surulere are already preparing for increased demand. Speaking on the trend, literary critic Tunde Odukoya said: “These authors are capturing what it means to fall in love while dealing with real pressures unique to our society.”

With more local voices telling nuanced romance stories set against recognisable backdrops, stakeholders expect Nigeria’s fiction market to attract new readers both at home and abroad.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/5-nigerian-romance-books-to-add-to-your-reading-list-this-year-2026061811052480179

Anti-graft agency says suspect used fake miracles to swindle congregation; investigation ongoing as victims recount losses

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a man claiming to be a prophet in Delta State for allegedly defrauding church members of about ₦70 million through staged miracles. The agency disclosed the development on Thursday, 18 June, stating that the suspect orchestrated the scheme within a popular church in the state.

According to the EFCC, the accused lured unsuspecting worshippers by performing fake miracles and promising supernatural breakthroughs in exchange for large sums of money. Victims reportedly paid various amounts, believing their spiritual and financial challenges would be resolved through the so-called prophet’s intervention.

The commission noted that this type of religiously-motivated fraud has become a growing concern, with criminals exploiting faith communities for financial gain. Many Nigerians rely heavily on religious leaders for guidance, making them vulnerable to such deceptive practices. The EFCC urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities within their congregations.

An EFCC spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of preliminary inquiries. “We are committed to protecting Nigerians from fraudsters who hide under religion to perpetrate crime,” the spokesperson stated.

Several affected church members have come forward to assist with the investigation, while others recounted how they lost significant savings in hopes of miraculous solutions. The EFCC reiterated its commitment to recovering stolen funds and cautioned against blind trust in self-proclaimed spiritual leaders.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888598-how-prophet-defrauded-church-members-of-n70m-via-fake-miracles-efcc.html

UK Deputy High Commissioner, ANDE, and ETK leadership partner to strengthen SMEs’ access to finance and global markets

Enterprise Trade and Knowledge (ETK) on Tuesday officially launched its Momentum technology platform at a high-level event in Ikoyi, Lagos, aiming to help Nigerian organisations strengthen capacity, access finance, and build climate resilience. The unveiling brought together stakeholders from the private sector, government, and development agencies, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).

The Lagos launch marks the first phase of Momentum’s global rollout. According to ETK, the platform offers a data-driven approach for organisations—especially MSMEs and high-growth companies—to assess their performance in finance and growth, trade and market access, as well as climate risk management. The tool is designed to help businesses identify operational gaps, improve governance structures, comply with regulations, and develop transformation plans that align with international standards.

The move comes at a time when Nigerian businesses face increasing challenges around governance systems, compliance requirements, and climate-related risks. Weak internal controls have limited access to capital for many SMEs, while changing weather patterns threaten operational stability across multiple sectors. By offering tailored diagnostics and action plans through Momentum, ETK aims to position Nigerian enterprises for greater competitiveness both locally and internationally.

Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, Managing Director of ETK Group, said during her address at the event: “At ETK, we believe resilience is the new competitive advantage. In a world shaped by global uncertainty, climate governance enables organisations to build capacity, manage risk and drive sustainable growth.” She added that the launch aligns with ongoing UK-Nigeria partnerships focused on strengthening private sector development.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter noted that the initiative highlights UK innovation in supporting economic development. “The launch of Momentum reflects the strength of UK innovation in delivering practical solutions to global development challenges… The platform brings a highly adaptable capability for strengthening small and growing businesses,” Baxter said at the launch.

Karina Karunwi, West Africa Regional Head for ANDE, also welcomed the partnership: “Momentum brings a fresh perspective to access to finance and impact measurement… It will strengthen capacity of West African SMEs and those supporting them.”

Momentum’s introduction is expected to support more Nigerian businesses in demonstrating reliability to lenders and investors while enhancing their participation in global value chains. The phased rollout will extend beyond Lagos in coming months.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/etk-announces-global-launch-of-momentum-technology-enabled-platform-strengthening-organisational-capability-competitiveness-and-climate-resilience-2026061810390882192