Nigeria News (Standard)
Monica.Cash Launches New Digital Asset Conversion Service in Lagos, Targets Faster Naira Access
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Fintech firm responds to rising user demand as Nigeria’s digital economy outpaces supporting infrastructure, says CEO Mbah Casmir
Monica.Cash, a Lagos-based fintech company, has launched a new platform enabling users to convert digital assets into naira more efficiently, addressing longstanding delays in accessing funds after online transactions. The rollout was announced on Thursday by Founder and CEO Mbah Casmir amid growing calls for improvements to Nigeria’s digital financial infrastructure.
The company’s new service comes as more Nigerians participate in the digital economy through online commerce, cross-border payments and cryptocurrency transactions. While adoption of digital payments and assets continues to rise sharply, many users still face difficulties retrieving their earnings or moving funds between systems. Monica.Cash said its solution will help close these gaps by providing faster and more reliable naira payouts following digital transactions.
This development is significant for Nigeria, which remains Africa’s largest digital economy by user base. Many businesses and independent professionals have leveraged online platforms for income generation and access to global markets. However, experts warn that the underlying financial infrastructure has not kept pace with the sector’s rapid growth. Delays in settlement, lack of interoperability between payment systems and friction in converting crypto assets to local currency have been persistent challenges for millions of users across the country.
Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, CEO Mbah Casmir stated that “long-term success within Africa’s digital economy will depend not only on innovation but also on the strength of the systems supporting innovation.” He noted that while consumer-facing products attract attention, sustainable growth relies on robust infrastructure capable of handling increasing transaction volumes. Industry analysts echoed these concerns, highlighting that unreliable settlement processes can undermine trust and limit participation in emerging sectors such as fintech and cryptocurrency.
With Nigeria’s fintech landscape evolving rapidly and cryptocurrency adoption accelerating—especially among younger demographics—stakeholders say greater investment in operational efficiency is now critical. Monica.Cash’s new offering seeks to ensure users can seamlessly move between digital assets and naira without unnecessary delays or uncertainty. The company said it plans further expansion into other Nigerian cities over the coming months as part of efforts to improve nationwide access to digital financial services.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abacha’s Ex-Security Chief Says He Has Nothing to Apologise For
Former military regime official insists on his record, declines calls for apology over past actions
Former military regime official insists on his record, declines calls for apology over past actions
A former security chief who served under late General Sani Abacha has stated that he has nothing to apologise for regarding his role in the former military regime. The ex-official made this assertion while addressing renewed public scrutiny in Abuja on Saturday, 27 June 2026, following ongoing debates about Nigeria’s history during the Abacha era.
The statement comes amid fresh calls from some Nigerians for former military officials to publicly acknowledge or apologise for alleged human rights abuses and controversial policies implemented during Abacha’s rule from 1993 to 1998. The ex-security chief, whose tenure coincided with some of the most repressive years in Nigeria’s political history, maintained that he acted within the scope of his duties at the time and stands by his decisions.
The period under General Abacha is widely remembered for widespread detentions, clampdowns on opposition voices, and restrictions on civil liberties. While some stakeholders have called for reconciliation processes and formal apologies from key actors of that era, others argue that any such demands should be based on proven wrongdoing rather than general sentiment.
In his comments on Saturday, the former security chief insisted there was no wrongdoing on his part requiring an apology. He said, “I have nothing to apologise for,” adding that all actions taken were in line with official directives then in force. No official statement has yet been issued by government authorities or human rights bodies in response to his remarks.
It remains to be seen whether this stance will influence ongoing discussions about national healing and accountability regarding Nigeria’s military past. Civil society groups continue to press for greater transparency and acknowledgment of abuses allegedly committed during military regimes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abia’s Don Media Group Celebrates One Year of Expanding Radio Broadcasting Across South-East
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Media group marks anniversary of Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM, highlighting innovation in urban and indigenous programming
Don Media Group (DMG) commemorated the first anniversary of its radio operations in Abia State on Thursday, spotlighting twelve months of broadcasting through Don 103.7 FM and Ikoro 93.3 FM. The event took place in Umuahia, drawing staff, stakeholders, and community representatives to reflect on the group’s achievements since launching both stations in June last year.
According to DMG, Don 103.7 FM was established as a vibrant urban lifestyle station targeting youth and city dwellers in Abia and neighbouring states, while Ikoro 93.3 FM focuses on indigenous content to strengthen cultural identity and grassroots communication within the region. The two stations have provided local news coverage, music, talk shows, and public affairs programming tailored to diverse audiences across the South-East.
The media group said its expansion has boosted access to reliable information, created jobs for young media professionals in Abia State, and given a platform to community voices often excluded from national conversations. Listeners have responded positively to the stations’ blend of entertainment and informative content.
While DMG did not provide specific audience figures or revenue data at the anniversary event, management reaffirmed commitment to further growth and digital innovation. The group said it plans to invest in technology upgrades and training for staff to maintain competitive edge within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Industry observers note that DMG’s dual-station strategy reflects rising demand for both contemporary urban programming and preservation of local languages on airwaves. The group is expected to announce new partnerships with educational institutions and civil society groups later this year as part of efforts to deepen community engagement.
