Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Lender Launches Buy-Now-Pay-Later Scheme for Kitchen Appliances
Credit Direct introduces flexible payment option, easing burden on households amid rising costs of home upgrades
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many Nigerian families prioritise the sitting room and bedrooms for upgrades, often leaving kitchens reliant on outdated or worn appliances due to the high lump-sum costs of replacements.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/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Chaka Launches Hisa App to Simplify Stock Investing for Nigerians
New platform introduces flat 1% fee and auto-invest features as young professionals seek easier access to local, US stocks
New platform introduces flat 1% fee and auto-invest features as young professionals seek easier access to local, US stocks
Chaka, a fintech company headquartered in Lagos, officially launched its new investment app, Hisa, on Sunday, aiming to make stock trading simpler for Nigerians. The rollout replaces the previous Chaka platform, offering users a redesigned interface and fresh features targeting both beginners and experienced investors.
The transition to Hisa allows existing Chaka users in Nigeria to keep their portfolios and login details unchanged while accessing new capabilities. Among the main highlights is a streamlined design and an auto-invest function that enables customers to schedule investments automatically each month. Hisa also introduces Atlas, an in-app research tool designed to help users make informed investment choices by providing up-to-date market insights.
Chaka’s management stated that one of the biggest improvements with Hisa is greater transparency around fees. The company now charges a flat 1% commission per trade with no hidden costs—a move aimed at addressing complaints from Nigerian investors about unexpected charges on other platforms. With Hisa, users can buy Nigerian stocks, US stocks, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) within a single app, reducing the need to navigate multiple services.
According to Chaka, customer support has also been enhanced on the new app, with dedicated staff available to resolve issues more quickly. The name ‘Hisa’ comes from the Swahili word for ‘shares’, reflecting the company’s ambition to expand across Africa and make investing more accessible beyond Nigeria’s borders. As many young professionals and first-time investors have cited complex procedures as a barrier to entry, Hisa is positioning itself as an easy gateway into wealth creation through equities.
The Hisa app is now available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Chaka advised existing users in Nigeria to simply update their apps for seamless migration while new customers can register directly on the platform. Further information is available via www.hisa.co or through Hisa’s official social media channels.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Super Falcons’ Ashleigh Plumptre Denies Fake Social Media Claims Amid WAFCON Build-Up
Plumptre urges fans to ignore misleading posts as fake accounts spread false information ahead of tournament opener
Plumptre urges fans to ignore misleading posts as fake accounts spread false information ahead of tournament opener
Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has refuted claims circulating on social media attributed to her by fake accounts, warning fans in Nigeria and abroad to disregard misleading statements about her commitment to the national team. The incident occurred as preparations intensified for Nigeria’s campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The controversy began when multiple unauthorised accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram posted comments purportedly from Plumptre, casting doubts on her involvement with the Super Falcons. These posts quickly gained traction, sparking debate among football followers just days before Nigeria’s opening match in the continental competition.
Ashleigh Plumptre, who has played a key role in Nigeria’s defence since joining the squad, took to her verified social media page on Tuesday to set the record straight. She stated that she had not issued any of the controversial remarks and cautioned supporters to rely only on updates from her official channels. “Please do not believe any statements unless they come directly from me,” Plumptre wrote, emphasising her dedication to representing Nigeria at WAFCON.
The spread of misinformation comes at a critical time for the Super Falcons, who are seen as strong contenders for this year’s title. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also warned fans about fake accounts impersonating players and officials, urging vigilance online. “We are aware of several fraudulent profiles circulating false information. Supporters should verify sources before sharing,” an NFF official said.
With focus now shifting back to football, the Super Falcons are expected to finalise their preparations in Lagos ahead of their first fixture. Team officials say all players, including Plumptre, remain committed and that morale in camp is high despite recent distractions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Yobe Police Arrest Two in Damaturu Over Alleged Killing of Newborn Girl
Command condemns incident as violent crime, pledges to safeguard children’s rights across North-East state
Command condemns incident as violent crime, pledges to safeguard children’s rights across North-East state
The Yobe State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in Damaturu over the alleged killing and concealment of a newborn baby girl, following a distress call received by officers on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred in the state capital, prompted a swift response from operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit at about 4:10 p.m. on June 23, 2026.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command described the act as a heinous violation of an infant’s rights and reaffirmed its determination to protect vulnerable persons across Yobe State. Abdulkarim noted that security operatives were deeply concerned about recurring cases involving abandoned newborns in the area, warning that anyone found responsible for such crimes would face full prosecution under Nigerian law.
“This command is committed to ensuring that every child enjoys their inherent right to life, protection, care and dignity,” Abdulkarim said in the statement issued in Damaturu. He cautioned residents against acts endangering children and stressed that perpetrators would be made to face justice without exception.
The incident has heightened concern among local stakeholders about child welfare and security lapses in Yobe State and other parts of Nigeria’s North-East. While police investigations continue, community leaders have urged increased vigilance and support systems for vulnerable mothers and infants.
Police authorities have assured members of the public that the investigation is ongoing and called for timely reporting of suspicious activities. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding broader systemic issues or previous similar cases.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/yobe-police-arrest-two-over-alleged-killing-of-newborn-baby/
