…Hails Security Operatives For Swift Action

…As Police Appreciate Collective Support, Cooperation Received During The Operation

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has lauded the security operatives for rescuing 9 children kidnapped from Saint John Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area of the state during a midnight prayer session.

In a statement issued by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev says Governor praised security personnel for what he described as their prompt and coordinated action.

Alia emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies, community leaders, traditional institutions, and local security to ensure peace, justice, and harmonious coexistence.

He further appealed to citizens to support security efforts by volunteering credible and timely intelligence that could aid in apprehending criminal elements.

He reassures the people of adequate security to protect the people, advising residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command appreciated the collective support and cooperation received during the operation, particularly the support of the Benue State Government, the leadership of the Catholic Diocese who championed the non-kinetic approach, the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, and the effective collaboration of sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Benue Civil Protection Guard, and other security stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured the people of Benue State that the Command remains fully mobilized, strategically positioned, and resolute in its determination to eliminate kidnapping, banditry, cultism and all forms of violent crime across the state.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has unveiled a diaspora banking and investment platform designed to serve Africans living and working across the world and within the continent.

The platform, launched in collaboration with leading ecosystem partners including United Capital, Africa Prudential, UBA Pensions, Afriland Properties, Heirs Insurance Group, and Avon Healthcare Limited — represents a major step in redefining diaspora banking beyond remittances toward structured wealth creation and long-term investment.

At the unveiling, which took place at UBA’s global headquarters in Lagos under the theme: “Beyond Banking: Powering the Global African Lifestyle, all the company representatives were on hand to showcase a seamless platform that goes beyond remittances, wealth creation, protection, and long-term prosperity.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Head of Diaspora Banking, Anant Rao, described the initiative as a strategic shift in how Africa engages its global citizens.

“For decades, Africa’s engagement with its diaspora has focused largely on remittances. Today, we are moving beyond that. This platform represents a transition from simple money transfers to a financial ecosystem where Africans globally can bank, make payments, invest, protect their families, and build long-term wealth seamlessly,” he said.

Rao noted that African diaspora remittance flows exceed $100 billion annually, making them one of the most resilient and consistent sources of capital into the continent.

“Diaspora capital is not just a flow of funds — it is a strategic growth partner for Africa.

Our role is to provide a trusted platform that converts capital into structured investment and shared prosperity across the continent.”

The objective is to provide a platform that brings together offerings across the numerous needs of the Global African, including Banking and payments, Investments, securities services, asset management, Insurance, Pensions, real estate and Pensions.

Through this coordinated ecosystem, diaspora customers can access financial solutions across multiple sectors through a single trusted platform, enabling them to manage their financial lives and family commitments across borders with ease and transparency.

UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering a seamless diaspora experience.

“The modern African is a global citizen — mobile, ambitious, and deeply connected to home. Whether living in Africa, Europe, the Americas, or the Middle East, there must be a structured and secure financial connection back home. This platform ensures that Africans everywhere can remain economically connected to the continent with confidence and transparency.”

Partners within the ecosystem highlighted growing demand among diaspora Africans for structured investment opportunities, secure property ownership, insurance protection, and long-term financial planning.

United Capital showcased globally accessible investment products designed to deliver professionally managed and transparent wealth creation opportunities.

Afriland Properties emphasised structured and well-governed real estate investment pathways for diaspora clients.

Heirs Insurance highlighted protection solutions for life, and assets, while Avon Healthcare Limited demonstrated healthcare access and insurance solutions for families across borders.

Africa Prudential and UBA Pension reinforced digital investment management and long-term pension savings solutions designed to support diaspora participation in African capital markets.

Together, the partners underscored a shared commitment to providing diaspora Africans with credible, transparent, and professionally managed financial pathways. Rao also reiterated the guiding philosophy of Africapitalism, championed by UBA’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR.

He explained that Africapitalism is the belief that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the continent’s development by making long-term investments that generate both economic returns and social impact.

As Africa continues to position itself as one of the world’s most dynamic growth frontiers, UBA believes mobilising diaspora capital through trusted financial institutions will be central to shaping the continent’s next phase of development.

“Africa will increasingly be financed by Africans themselves, including Africans abroad,” Rao added. Our responsibility is to build the trusted financial infrastructure that makes this possible.”


“When Africa’s global citizens invest back into Africa, growth becomes inevitable,” he concluded.

President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, applauded the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi.

Bayo Onanuga, presidential Spokesman, said in a statement, that the President also described the MoU as a significant industrial and trade breakthrough arising from renewed Nigeria–UAE engagement under his administration.

The MoU will see BUA, one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial giants advancing interest in sugar refining, value addition and development in the agricultural sector.

Tinubu said the agreement represents a tangible dividend of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation following his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, which prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.

The MoU will explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions, with sugar refining and advanced logistics infrastructure to be developed in the UAE.

The initiative is expected to enhance value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.

President Tinubu noted that the partnership demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and reinforces the country’s commitment to export-led industrialisation.

The President said the agreement reflects the strength and maturity of Nigerian enterprises capable of competing globally and forming strategic alliances with leading international partners.

“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” President Tinubu said. “This partnership reflects the renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and our determination to position Nigeria as a competitive industrial and trading nation, while empowering Nigerian businesses to operate confidently on the global stage.”

The President also observed that BUA Group’s established industrial base in Nigeria, including its integrated food processing operations and substantial investments in port infrastructure upgrades, provides a strong foundation for expanded international trade integration.

“I must also commend the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who continues to believe and invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and has shown the world that Nigerian companies are capable of playing on the global stage.”

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic partnerships that attract investment, expand exports, strengthen Nigerian enterprise, and deliver sustainable prosperity for the country.