Faith-based conferences, volunteer work and social gatherings emerge as new avenues for Christian women seeking partners

Christian women in Lagos and other major cities are increasingly turning to alternative avenues outside traditional church gatherings to meet God-fearing men, with faith-based conferences, volunteer programmes and social events gaining traction as preferred options. The trend, highlighted by recent activities on Sunday, reflects a shift in how young Christians approach relationships amid busy routines and changing social patterns.

Organisers of Christian singles’ retreats and ministry-backed networking nights across Lagos Mainland told reporters that attendance at these events has surged since early June, with many participants citing the desire for genuine connections rooted in shared values. Besides church services, believers now commonly meet potential partners at faith-based concerts, charity outreaches, study groups in cafés and even through mutual friends at weddings and receptions.

The move comes as many young Nigerians balance work demands with spiritual commitments. “Many couples did not actually meet during Sunday service,” said Blessing Adeyemi, a coordinator of a Christian singles mixer held in Ikeja. “We see people form lasting relationships through community service or at Christian music festivals because these settings allow them to show their real selves.” Adeyemi added that intentional small gatherings and prayer meetups hosted by individuals have also grown in popularity within the past year.

Experts say this development is partly driven by the rise of digital platforms and changing perceptions around traditional matchmaking. While online dating remains an option — with several faith-based apps reporting increased registrations — many Christians still prioritise environments where they can interact face-to-face. Relationship adviser Segun Adebayo noted that trusted introductions from friends or colleagues remain effective: “Word-of-mouth referrals help ensure people meet others with similar backgrounds and expectations,” he explained.

With more churches collaborating with non-profits for outreach projects and hosting public events like gospel concerts or book clubs, stakeholders expect the range of meeting points for single Christians to expand further. Organisers plan to continue leveraging both offline and online channels in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to foster meaningful relationships grounded in faith.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/where-christian-women-can-meet-god-fearing-men-aside-the-church-2026062314181967644

Police deploy rescue teams after attack in Yauri, with recent high-profile kidnappings sparking security concerns across Nigeria

Suspected gunmen abducted the wife and son of Alhaji Yusuf Alhassan, All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman for Yauri Local Government Area, Kebbi State, during an early-morning raid on Thursday. The attackers stormed the family residence in the Low-Cost area of Yauri and escaped with the victims into a nearby forest.

Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives have been mobilised to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of Alhassan’s family members. As at press time, efforts by Kebbi State Police Command to rescue the victims were ongoing.

This latest abduction adds to a worrying pattern of kidnappings targeting politicians and their relatives across Nigeria. In May, retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped with his wife in Katsina State while travelling for a wedding. Abubakar died in captivity after two weeks, while his wife was rescued following a gunshot injury sustained during operations by security agents.

Just last month in Ibadan, Oyo State, gunmen seized Bayo Adelabu’s sister and her 12-year-old twin sons while she was taking them to school. The family said they were distressed but hopeful for their release as police intensified search efforts. In Delta State, Hon. Okakuro Bright Afure Abeke, Sapele LGA chairman, was abducted at his hotel in April—a vigilante operative was injured during the incident.

In Anambra State, lawmaker Hon. Justice Azuka was kidnapped in December 2024 while distributing Christmas gifts to constituents. Weeks later, his decomposing body was discovered despite reported ransom payments.

These incidents highlight the growing insecurity faced by political figures and their loved ones as Nigeria grapples with widespread banditry and kidnapping. Security agencies continue to assure citizens that efforts are underway to tackle criminal gangs targeting high-profile individuals. Meanwhile, residents in affected communities have called for urgent government intervention to safeguard lives and property.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/politicians-family-kidnappings-nigeria-2026062314064519607

Credit Direct introduces flexible payment option, easing burden on households amid rising costs of home upgrades

Credit Direct, a CBN-licensed lender based in Lagos, has introduced a buy-now-pay-later platform that allows Nigerian households to furnish their kitchens without making full upfront payments. The new scheme, which became available nationwide on Monday, targets families seeking to upgrade kitchen appliances and utensils despite prevailing economic challenges.

Traditionally, many Nigerian families prioritise the sitting room and bedrooms for upgrades, often leaving kitchens reliant on outdated or worn appliances due to the high lump-sum costs of replacements. With inflation remaining high and disposable income under pressure, the introduction of flexible payment plans is expected to help more households access modern kitchen amenities.

The initiative by Credit Direct offers customers the option to spread payments over several months rather than paying the entire cost at once. According to company representatives, this approach aims to make essential home improvements more accessible while supporting financial planning for low- and middle-income earners. “We recognise the importance of a functional kitchen in every home and want to remove financial barriers for families,” a spokesperson for Credit Direct stated in a press release.

Industry analysts say the move could boost demand for household goods and stimulate local manufacturing. However, some consumer advocates urge households to fully understand repayment terms before committing to credit purchases. As at June 2026, rising interest rates and fluctuating naira value have made affordability a concern for many Nigerian consumers.

With the launch of this buy-now-pay-later platform, Credit Direct is positioning itself as a leading provider of consumer finance solutions in Nigeria’s fintech sector. The company said it will monitor adoption closely and may expand similar offerings to other household categories if demand remains strong.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigerians-can-now-furnish-their-kitchens-without-paying-everything-upfront/