Islamic Banking: 20 Bold Innovative Startups Compete for ₦5m in AICIF Pitch Challenge

The 2025 African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF) Pitch Competition has highlighted 20 innovative startups competing for ₦5 million in grants, as Africa accelerates its efforts to nurture ethical, impact-driven enterprises.

Held in Abuja on Saturday as a precursor to the 7th AICIF scheduled for November, the competition drew over 200 applications from across the continent before narrowing down to 20 finalists—10 focused on tech innovations and 10 on social impact.

Speaking at the event, Hajia Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Convener of AICIF Nigeria and Managing Partner at Metropolitan Law Firm, described the initiative as more than just a contest.

 “Today, we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the power of ideas. These young entrepreneurs are not just pitching businesses; they are presenting Africa’s future. Their solutions can create jobs, reshape industries, and drive social impact,” she said.

The startups—ranging from halal-tech platforms to ethical investment solutions—were assessed by a panel of judges on innovation, scalability, and alignment with Islamic finance principles.

Mr Abdulkadir Abbas, Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), praised the quality of entries, noting:

 “The passion, commitment, and innovation displayed are remarkable. It will be a tough task for the judges to choose winners. What we are witnessing here is the essence of ethical entrepreneurship.”

Abbas added that the SEC has already created frameworks for small businesses to access funding through crowdfunding and other Sharia-compliant instruments, underscoring the regulator’s commitment to the non-interest finance sector.

For Ms Yinlaifa Edolo, Managing Director of Metropolitan Skills Ltd, the competition provides breathing space for startups to scale responsibly.

 “This grant is not about loans or debts. It is about giving entrepreneurs room to innovate, grow, and build businesses grounded in fairness and social responsibility,” she explained.

Mr Abimbola Ajinibi, Associate Director at First Trustees, emphasised the importance of focusing on SMEs:

 “Small businesses are Africa’s economic backbone, but often lack access to affordable capital. By leveraging halal finance instruments like Waqf, Sukuk, and ethical crowdfunding, we can help them expand without exploitative interest rates.”

One finalist, reflecting on the opportunity, called the experience “life-changing”:

 “Access to funding is the biggest barrier for startups like ours. This competition doesn’t just provide money—it gives us visibility, mentorship, and credibility.”

Since its inception in 2018, AICIF has grown into Africa’s leading Islamic finance platform, uniting policymakers, regulators, academics, and entrepreneurs. The pitch competition, now in its 7th edition, reinforces its mission of mainstreaming ethical finance while fueling innovation that serves communities.

As judges deliberate and finalists await the announcement of winners, the atmosphere is charged with hope that some of Africa’s boldest innovators will soon transform their ideas into enterprises capable of reshaping the continent’s economic and social future.

Nigeria Urged to Build Locally-Owned Solutions as Global Funding for PCVE Declines

 

By Our Reporter

– With global funding for preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) shrinking, Nigeria must invest in sustainable, locally-owned solutions that can outlive donor support, ActionAid Nigeria and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) have said.

Speaking at the maiden National Summit on PCVE in Abuja, GCERF National Coordinator, Yetunde Adegoke, said Nigeria could no longer rely on donor-dependent interventions. She stressed the need to strengthen agricultural value chains and cooperatives by linking communities with private-sector opportunities.

She cited the case of Fulani women cooperatives whose daily incomes increased from less than ₦100 to over ₦600 after being integrated into dairy production for major food companies. Adegoke said the approach had not only improved livelihoods but also fostered peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders while sustaining PCVE networks across states.

“Global PCVE funding is shrinking, so Nigeria must begin to build resilient structures that will remain long after donors exit. Our goal is to support state and local action plans, scale up successful models, and ensure that communities themselves lead the way,” she said.

On his part, ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, identified unemployment, poverty, climate change, and social media manipulation as major drivers of radicalisation. He noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad by 90 per cent had deepened insecurity in the region, while joblessness continued to make young people vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

“For us in ActionAid, preventing violent extremism has been a priority since 2016 through our SARVE programmes. We believe building community resilience, promoting accountability, and strengthening partnerships are critical to curbing radicalisation,” Mamedu said.

The summit, organised by the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub in partnership with the PAVE Network, and supported by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), ActionAid, and GCERF, brought together government officials, security agencies, civil society, and private sector representatives to explore sustainable responses to violent extremism.

Gov. Idris says Military Operation Base 'll be established in Augie LGA

The Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu says a Military Operation Base for special forces will be established in Augie Local Government Area of the state to beef up security of lives and properly in the area.

The governor stated this at a special Walima and commissioning ceremony of All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat for Augie Local Government, named: "Kauran Gwandu House".

Dr Idris reiterated total commitment of his administration to continue to support security agencies deployed to the state towards ensuring safety and security of lives and property of people across the state.

He observed that establishment of a Military Operation Base would go a long way in facilitating the restoration of peace and stability in the area and its neighbourhood.

Speaking on projects, the governor announced that the state government would give approval for the total renovation of Augie General Hospital to enhance grassroots' access to quality healthcare services.

   

Dr idris commended the people of the area for the support and cooperation being extended to his administration and urged them to maintain the tempo.

While describing the edifice as the first of such projects to be commissioned, the governor urged other local government areas to emulate the good spirit.

Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, commended the party leaders in the area for constructing  a befitting secretariat for Augie LGA and urged APC leaders in other local government areas to borrow a leave from the good work.

  

Earlier, the APC chairman, Augie local government, Alhaji Bashir Isah Mera said the essence of organising the occasion was to offer special prayers for Gov. Nasir Idris for Allah's guidance and protection.

He disclosed that an APC leader in the area, Barrister Bello Abubakar Bayawa had donated a Peugeot 406, ten motorcycles and ten grinding machines to support the people of the area.

KEBBI IS NOT ON THE BRINK: EXPOSING THE LIES AND HYPOCRISY OF BELLO ABDULLAHI

By Ahmed Baba CPS

When lies are dressed in the garb of victimhood and propaganda is paraded as truth, silence is no longer golden. The recent outburst by Bello Abdullahi titled “Kebbi on the Brink: APC’s Desperation Threatens Peace” is nothing more than a tired script of misinformation, selective memory, and deliberate distortion of facts aimed at painting black what is, in fact, white.

First, let us set the record straight. Kebbi State remains one of the most peaceful and stable states in Nigeria. There is no “brink,” no collapse, and certainly no descent into chaos. What happened in Birnin Kebbi was not a government-orchestrated attack but the spontaneous rejection by ordinary people who have long seen through the theatrics of Abubakar Malami’s politics of entitlement. Abdullahi may want to canonize Malami as a saint, but Kebbi people remember his role in Abuja power games, the arrogance that trailed his office, and the distance he created from the very people he now claims to care about.

To describe this as an “attack engineered by APC” is not only false but laughable. APC does not need to hire thugs to remind Malami that politics is local. The people themselves, without prompting, express their frustrations at those who only remember them when cameras are rolling or when political calculations demand it. That is democracy in its rawest form—people speaking truth to power, not thuggery.

Bello Abdullahi further betrays his ignorance by making wild claims against Kebbi’s leadership. His cheap swipe at the Governor’s academic qualifications exposes desperation, not reason. The same Governor he seeks to denigrate has records of service, tangible projects, and visible impact that far outweigh the hollow rhetoric of Malami’s hangers-on. While APC leaders are commissioning roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, Abdullahi and his cohorts are commissioning conspiracy theories and exporting lies to the media.

As for the melodrama about Kebbi being “on the brink,” this is textbook scaremongering. The National Security Adviser and security agencies do not take instructions from alarmists who manufacture crises to stay politically relevant. Kebbi is safe, governance is stable, and the people are more focused on development than on the pity-parties of politicians who feel sidelined.

The attempt to dress Malami’s visit as an act of “humility” is perhaps the biggest joke of all. Where was this humility when he wielded enormous influence in Abuja? Where was this humility when he was too distant from the grassroots? The people of Kebbi are neither blind nor forgetful, and they will not be lectured on morality by those who only discover their love for the masses after falling out of power.

To Abdullahi’s ADC, this is a caution: stop mistaking propaganda for strategy. Kebbi is not your “stronghold.” The people know where progress lies, and they will continue to reject divisive narratives aimed at destabilizing a state that has remained peaceful against all odds.

Finally, the greatest fallacy in Abdullahi’s diatribe is the claim that APC has offered nothing but “fear, hunger, and shame.” The truth is clear: from agricultural empowerment to educational reforms, from infrastructure to healthcare expansion, APC has lifted Kebbi steadily. Abdullahi can choose not to see it, but Kebbi people live it daily.

In the end, Bello Abdullahi’s article is not a warning; it is a wail—a wail of frustration from those who have lost relevance and now seek to recycle old lies in new bottles. Kebbi is not on the brink. Kebbi is on the move. And no amount of noise can drown the truth.

Signed 

Ahmed Idris 

Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor

Kebbi police battle-ready to decisively deal with thugs instigating trouble - CP

The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Sani Bello, has warned all political parties against taking the law into their hands by employing thugs to cause disunity in the state.

He stated this while briefing journalists shortly after an emergency State Security Council Meeting held at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

The CP insisted that political campaigns has not yet stated, while urging all politicians to strictly abide by rules and regulations governing political activities as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Ban on campaign has not been lifted, therefore, there is no reason whatsoever, some political parties will create confusion in the state," he said.

Bello further stated that the emergency security meeting was summoned by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, with a view to finding lasting solution to the menace, indicating that the governor has the interest of masses at heart.

He stressed the need for people, especially politicians to be educated about premature campaigns in the state to further promote peace and harmony in the society.

"We received a report of violation by some political parties, who are organising large political gathering which goes contrary to INEC guidelines.

"This is not acceptable, the police will not tolerate such violation of the law, we will make sure that any one found guilty faces the wrath of the law," the CP warned.

Bello, who also expressed dismay over the unauthorsed use of sirens by some people, said: "It is illegal for any person not authorised by law to do so. Some political parties are violating this law.

"It is pertinent to also note that premature politicking is inimical to public peace and order."

The CP promised to convene a meeting of all political party leaders to formally remind them of the legal provisions governing campaigns and the use of sirens.

Bello then admonished all political parties in the state to remain calm and focus attention on the current PVC registration while awaiting INEC to formally lift ban on campaigns.

"For now, nobody is allowed to commence any political rally or gathering across the state," the CP strongly warned.

NAN Slams ADC Over 'Baseless' Allegations on Voter Registration Figures

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has strongly criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its recent comments questioning the credibility of voter registration figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). NAN described the ADC's statements as unfounded, misleading, and indicative of a party grappling with political irrelevance.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Salihu Sulaiman, NAN expressed concern over what it called the ADC’s “public disputes” regarding registration statistics in Osun State and the South West region. According to NAN, the figures reported by INEC are consistent with ongoing nationwide efforts to expand voter participation and reflect the electoral engagement of the citizens, not any form of manipulation.

"It is both irresponsible and dishonest for any political party to interpret voter registration numbers through the lens of their own electoral ambitions," the statement read. NAN cited the 2022 Osun Governorship election, in which the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC), as proof that high registration figures do not necessarily favor any one party. NAN said it was perplexing that the PDP, now aligned with the ADC in their criticism, would dispute data from a state they had recently won.

The group further accused the ADC of selective outrage, pointing out the party's silence on figures from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NAN argued that such cherry-picking calls into question the sincerity of the ADC’s concerns and suggests that their allegations may be politically motivated rather than rooted in a genuine interest in electoral transparency.

“Why the focus on Osun and the South West while ignoring voter numbers from other parts of the country, including the FCT? The ADC’s silence on other data suggests they are more interested in discrediting the process than in strengthening democracy,” NAN stated. The group said the ADC's posture amounted to an intentional undermining of INEC and its critical mandate.

Rather than stirring controversy, NAN urged the ADC to take up the responsibility of educating and mobilizing Nigerians to register and participate in elections. It emphasized that all political parties share in the burden of building a robust democratic process, and that distracting the public with unsubstantiated claims was counterproductive and dangerous.

According to NAN, parties should work with INEC and other democratic institutions to encourage voter participation. “Political energy should be directed towards positive engagement, not divisive rhetoric. The focus should be on inclusion and participation, not paranoia,” the group said, adding that constant political quarrels only serve to discourage potential voters.

The organization went further to accuse the ADC of trying to set the stage for rejecting future election results. NAN stated that baseless allegations are often the hallmark of struggling political outfits preparing excuses for poor electoral performance. “This is a textbook case of a party preparing to blame everyone but itself for a defeat it already anticipates,” NAN noted.

Salihu Sulaiman called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what he described as the antics of political actors who invent conspiracies to mask their own failings. He emphasized that sustaining democracy requires political maturity and a commitment to facts, not propaganda and manufactured outrage.

In conclusion, NAN reiterated its support for INEC and all efforts aimed at expanding voter registration across the country. The group urged Nigerians to register, participate, and reject divisive politics. “We must all protect the sanctity of our democracy from those who would tear it down just to make a headline,” the statement concluded.

Yoruba youths caution ADC, PDP over allegation against INEC Registration exercise

The Yoruba Youth Council, YYC, an umbrella organisation of Yoruba youths nationwide, has cautioned against anything likely to disrupt the incoming governorship election in Osun State, or discredit the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

In a statement at the weekend by its spokesman Saheed Adeola, quoting its YYC National President, Comrade Eric, YYC particularly faulted what it described as unnecessary alarm raised by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC over the number of registered voters credited to Osun State in the latest nationwide pre-registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

According to INEC’s figures, Osun State recorded 393,269 pre-registrations, the highest in the country.

But some of the stakeholders including the PDP and ADC criticised the figures as unrealistic alleging fraud.

Responding, INEC had  in a statement on Thursday by its chairman's spokesman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, debunked the allegations, explaining that the current figures are consistent with data from INEC’s 2021 online registration exercise, contrary to allegations.

Describing the alarm raised by the PDP and ADC as needless, the YYC said, “The figures for Osun State are not unusual.

“In any case, in the 2022 Governorship election in Osun State, PDP defeated the APC. It is therefore surprising that the PDP will now query the statistics.

 “In fact, contrary to their claims, the number of registrants recorded in Osun State in the latest exercise aligned with the pattern recorded in 2021.

“For instance, Osun recorded 232,880 registrants in a similar exercise conducted by the same INEC in 2021. There is no significant difference in the data recorded for Osun State in 2021 and the figures of 393,289  2025 for the 2025 online pre-registration.

“Even at that, the Commission will still clean up the data, and publish the register for claims and objections by citizens before the exercise is finalised.”

YYC said, “Interestingly, they are querying the figures for Osun and the South West in the latest exercise but not those of  the FCT.

“Rather than busy themselves in raisin an unnecessary alarm that amounts to storm in a tea cup, the PDP and ADC  should participate in mobilising our people to register in the Continuous Voter Registration, instead of querying figures,vand heating up the polity unnecessarily”