Economy
2025: FCMB, FMO Unveil N20m AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme For Nigerian Startups
2025: FCMB, FMO Unveil N20m AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme For Nigerian Startups
2025: FCMB, FMO unveil N20m AgriTech investment readiness programme for Nigerian startups. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) have announced the launch of the FCMB–FMO AgriTech Investment Readiness Programme 2025.
According to the financial institutions, the initiative aspires to identify, support, and finance Nigeria’s most promising agritech startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In collaboration with Heave Ventures, the programme, the banks said, is designed to enhance access to capital while fostering the scalability of innovative agritech businesses.
“It will feature a competitive grant prize pool of ₦20 million, awarded to ventures recognised as best positioned for investment.
The programme will also include digital learning and fundability scoring through Zimara. This proprietary platform leverages alternative data and established readiness benchmarks to identify bankable ventures.
Applications for the programme are now open and will remain accessible from August 8 to September 12, 2025. Following this period, the top twenty startups will participate in an intensive six-week investment readiness programme, culminating in a pitch presentation to a panel of esteemed funders in October 2025,” a statement jointly signed by the banks read.
Mr. Kudzai Gumunyu, Divisional Head of Agribusiness & Non-Oil Exports at First City Monument Bank, said: “This programme is more than providing traditional funding; it is a commitment to nurturing and empowering agritech startups to contribute to the agribusiness landscape and unlock its full potential.
It reflects our mission to drive inclusive and sustainable growth through an African-rooted ecosystem that connects people, capital, and markets.
This initiative will help nurture and prepare these startups for investment opportunities, enhancing their potential to contribute to the agritech landscape in Nigeria.”

FCMB, FMO Unveil N20m AgriTech Investment
The CEO of Heave Ventures, Abiodun Lawal, expressed his thoughts on the programme’s impact, stating: “Scaling agribusiness innovation has the potential to revitalise entire value chains — from production to processing to export — creating millions of decent jobs, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and positioning Africa not merely as a consumer but as a vital global food and agricultural technology supplier.
Agriculture is a powerful lever in the fight against poverty and unemployment and in achieving food sovereignty. Investing in agribusiness is an investment in the continent’s economic independence, resilience against global challenges, and the dignity of its people.
We are delighted by the commitment shown by FCMB and FMO in supporting agritech startups and assisting them in their developmental journey.”
Economy
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.
He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.
“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party
Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.
He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
Crime
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
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