In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the bank said the videos urged unsuspecting individuals to enter into a business relationship with the entity, falsely claiming that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had approved or endorsed the scheme.

The bank described the videos and accompanying promotional materials as fraudulent, stressing that they have no connection whatsoever with Zenith Bank, its Group Chairman, or any of its affiliates.

According to the statement, the videos, circulated via a Facebook account named “Greece Island,” promised up to ₦2 million in weekly returns on a ₦380,000 investment contribution.

“The video redirects unsuspecting members of the public to an alleged Arise News webpage containing details of the scheme and an embedded registration portal for sign-ups.

“This claim is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank, or any of its affiliate companies,” the bank stated.

Zenith Bank urged the general public to disregard the fraudulent communications.

It further warned that anyone who engages with the “Greece Island” handle, Wealth Bridge, Delicious site, AfriQuantumX, Stock Market Analyst 1, or any other entity based on the fake videos and images circulated by impostors, does so strictly at his or her own risk.

The post Zenith Bank Warns Public Against Fake Investment Endorsement appeared first on Business Today NG.

The intervention programme is in line with the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in the THEMES+ Developmental Agenda of the State Government, which includes capacity building, employment generation, and promotion of food security, among others.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the four-week training of the 26th cohort of Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) held at the Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, Lagos, the Director of the Institute, Ms Folake Ogunlana-Lawal, said LAP emerges as a cornerstone, focusing on youth training and capacity building in modern agricultural practices.

The Director of the Agricultural Training Institute said the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme has trained over 5,000 people, with each trainee or beneficiary empowering and creating jobs for an average of an additional two to three people.

She disclosed that the next batch of trainees for LAP will resume on February 22, 2026.

Speaking further, Ogunlana-Lawal said the objective of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme is to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Lagos State by equipping youths with modern agripreneurial skills, fostering food security, reducing unemployment, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and positioning Lagos as a proactive leader in addressing global economic and food system challenges.

“LAP, which is modelled after Israel’s Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT) programme, with the fundamental principle of learning by doing, was conceptualised in the year 2020. The programme has trained over 5,000 youths in a four-month period that involved one month of intensive on-site demonstration training phase at the Lagos State Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurial Centre in Araga–Epe and three-month internship/mentorship phase.

“During the programme, the participants were trained, accommodated, fed and provided with training materials and safety kits for free by the Lagos State Government followed by a three-month internship phase with reputable agro-allied companies/farms with the final phase at the enterprise activation, where successful participants undergo an incubation period at Lagos Food Production and Entrepreneurial Centre, Songhai, Badagry,” she said.

Ogunlana-Lawal, while speaking on the success of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, which has empowered and produced thousands of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, appreciated the steadfast commitment of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to LAP and other development programmes in the State.

She also commended stakeholders and other partners for their support, saying their involvement is crucial to the success of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme.

“I want to extend my gratitude to our esteemed principals and leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, particularly the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu; and the Directors of the Ministry for their unwavering support to Lagos Agripreneurship Programme. Their commitment to transforming agriculture in Lagos is truly inspiring,” she said.

The Director of the Agricultural Training Institute also commended the dedication and enthusiasm of the trainees, saying they have shown great potential in embracing the world of agribusiness. She implored them to keep pushing boundaries and stay committed to transforming agriculture in Lagos, Nigeria, and even the world at large.

She said: “Over the past month, you have learnt about the fundamentals of agripreneurship, innovative farming practices, and the importance of market linkages. Now, it is time to put theory into practice. We are excited to see your progress and innovations in the months to come. As you start your own businesses, consider joining the Lagos Agrinnovation Club – it is a great platform to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and drive innovation in the agricultural space.”

Speaking at the event, two beneficiaries, Ayodeji Oyindamola John and Balogun Saheed Ololade, appreciated the Lagos State Government and the leadership of the Agricultural Training Institute for the opportunity given to them and promised to be good ambassadors of the Institute.

Ayodeji, who is a graduate of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development from the University of Ilorin, said the programme has exposed him more to the practical aspects of agriculture.

He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu and other Lagos State Government officials for the opportunity they presented to the youths in Lagos State and for investing in the agricultural sector of the State for food security.

Balogun said he obtained a lot of experience and knowledge in aquaculture and pig production through the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, thereby making him a professional in the agricultural sector.

He praised the Lagos State Government for the programme, promising that he will set up an agribusiness after the training to empower himself and also contribute to meat production in the country.

The post LASG Creates Over 15,000 Jobs Through Lagos Agripreneurship Programme appeared first on Business Today NG.

The decision was reached after discussions convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi, leading to an agreement that guarantees no victimisation of workers and an immediate return to work.

According to statement was jointly signed by Nuru Toro, TUC secretary-general, and Benson Upah, acting NLC general secretary, that “the Honourable Minister assured Organised Labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward,” the statement reads.”It was agreed that, arising from the strike action, no worker shall be victimised in any manner.

“All outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) shall be withdrawn immediately.

“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

“All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in good faith.”

It would be recalled that January 19, FCTA workers began an indefinite strike over “authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands”

The post FCT Strike Called Off as Labour, Wike Reach Agreement appeared first on Business Today NG.

Wike stated this while handing over 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals in Abuja on Thursday.

The comment was in response to the action of the union leaders of the FCT workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

Wike argued that “the mere fact that I file notice of appeal does not automatically mean there is a stay of execution.

“It’s unfortunate when people say they will not obey court orders. That means we’re in a lawless society.

“You go and block the gates and say you will not obey court order. Let me advise you. It depends on who you are dealing with.

“By the time we go for contempt of court against those who are blocking our gates or those who wrote letter that they will not obey the court order, then you will see the difference.

“We did not take laws into our hands, all we said is, let’s go and see who is wrong and who is right.

“We are still open for dialogue but nobody should threaten the existence of anybody.”

The Minister said that the workers’ concerns were being addressed, adding that the majority of the issues have been resolved.

“If you make a request or a demand of five items, for example, and the government says okay, we can take up these three items, after this we take up the other two items.

“If you are really sincere, if there is no objective behind it, there is no way you will not accept.

“But when you leave dialogue and begin to join us as politicians, we will first treat you as politicians. I can’t treat you as a worker but as a political opponent, trying to run the administration down, using some people.

“Of course, no government will shut its eyes and allow that to happen,” he said.

He assured the workers that the problems affecting the FCT Administration were being addressed one after the other, stressing that no one could solve all the problems at once.

“The whole essence is to have dialogue where there are problems, and say these problems, I can solve this now, leave this for me tomorrow, I’ll be able to solve that tomorrow.

“Nobody can solve all our problems and as long as we are living, problems will come up.

”What is important is that you are focused and you are doing the best you can do. When you leave the office, another person will come and continue from where you stopped,” he added.

He recalled that before President Bola Tinubu’s administration, workers in the FCTA retired as directors, but now could reach the position of a permanent secretary and become Head of Service.

He added that another reform was the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission by the Tinubu administration.

The post Wike Warns JUAC: Defying Court Orders Will Have Consequences appeared first on Business Today NG.

JUAC had in a statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, the Union’s Secretary, issued to the staff on Wednesday, directed the staff to stay at home.

The statement read: “The Joint Union Action Committee therefore directs as follows: That the strike continues as earlier declared by the JUAC. That staff are encouraged to stay at home to continuously participate in daily prayers for the success of the strike.”

However, Staff of FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were seen doing their work and carrying out their duties on Thursday defying the directive in the process.

Visit to FCTA and FCDA offices showed that workers were at work, carrying out their duties.

Some of the workers, who spoke to our reporter under the condition of anonymity said they opted to come to work in obedience to the ruling of the court.

One of the FCTA said; “The court has said we should come to work and we have no option than to come to work. Also, this is the last week of the month of January and we are expecting salary to be paid. If we don’t come to work, how are we going to get our salary?”

The JUAC directive that the strike should continue came just a day after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, compelling workers under the aegis of the union to suspend their ongoing strike.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the matter before the court amounted to a trade dispute and had met the required legal conditions, the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.

The judge ruled that workers were prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute had been referred to the National Industrial Court, adding that where such a strike was already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives… from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant. The order shall remain in force, pending the determination of this suit,” Justice Subilim said.

Recall that the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, had issued a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) to open and strictly maintain staff attendance registers to ensure compliance with the court order.

The circular, dated January 27, 2026, instructed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals and Agencies to enforce immediate resumption of duties by workers, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to staff welfare in the process.

The post Strike: FCTA Workers shun JUAC’s Directive, Resume Work appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the labour centres expressed solidarity with the striking workers, assuring them of full support as the industrial action continues.

The statement read in part: “We, the NLC and TUC, find it necessary to issue this joint statement in solidarity with the workers of the Federal Capital Territory who have been shabbily treated by the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, and rubber-stamped by the National Industrial Court, Abuja, in a one-sided ruling intended to break the strike and reduce workers to perpetual servitude.

“As patently skewed as the ruling was, we had hoped that Mr Wike would seize the opportunity to reach out to organised labour for an amicable resolution of the issues. Instead, he has resorted boastfully to threats against workers.

“The offences committed against FCT workers are serious enough. Adding intimidation, humiliation, insults and harassment is something we cannot watch from the sidelines.

“Workers cannot be made slaves in their own country. We stand firmly for the rule of law and its strict observance, irrespective of the status of the parties involved in this dispute.”

The labour centres urged the workers to remain resolute, noting that the court order obtained by the FCT minister was directed at two individual union leaders and not against the striking unions.

“Accordingly, we not only support the workers in this action, we urge them to maintain high morale in the face of relentless threats. Happily, the order of interlocutory injunction obtained by Mr Wike was against two individual union leaders and not the trade unions. Therefore, the strike continues.

“Defend your rights with courage and dignity, not with fear.”

The NLC and TUC also cautioned the judiciary against actions capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.

“While we commend honest judges who strive to give hope to the weak and the poor and protect the rights of citizens, we put on notice those judges whose conduct imperils our society that they cannot be insulated from the consequences of their actions.”

They insisted that the strike would continue until meaningful dialogue is initiated.

“Finally, this strike will continue until the Minister of the FCT comes down from his high horse and negotiates with the workers.

“Workers, keep fighting for your rights. It is safer to die on your feet than live on your knees.”

FCTA workers began an indefinite strike last week over the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands. The action has resulted in the shutdown of activities across major government offices in Abuja.

The post NLC, TUC Back FCTA Workers, Say Strike Continues appeared first on Business Today NG.

The Minister stated this while addressing journalists in his office after the court ruling.

Wike insisted that the government has largely met workers’ legitimate demands despite the ongoing strike.

He added that the strike had been hijacked by political interests, forcing the administration to seek legal intervention to prevent a breakdown of order.

“I just signed January salaries amounting to over ₦12 billion,” the minister said.

“Yet the FCT is entitled to only one per cent of federal revenue. If the Federal Government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT gets about ₦10 billion. That allocation alone cannot even cover salaries, not to talk of running the administration.”

He explained that the government initially chose dialogue and engagement when the strike began, noting that it did not rush to court.

“When the strike started, we believed in dialogue. We felt the issues could be resolved through discussion. But when it became clear that politicians have hijacked the strike, we had no choice but to go to court and allow the law to decide,” Wike stated.

The minister acknowledged workers’ rights in a democracy but insisted that strike action should always be a last resort.

“This is a democracy. Everyone has the right to protest. But if workers made 14 demands and government addressed like 10, there should be room for understanding and patience,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor and local government chairman, Wike said he understood labour struggles but warned against unrealistic demands.

“When demands are legitimate, government should acknowledge them. But it is not always possible to implement everything at once. Government does not deny legitimate entitlements, especially wages,” he added.

Wike also dismissed claims that he was chased out of office during the strike, describing such reports as false and politically motivated.

“I was in my office, went to the airport to see Mr President, travelled to Turkey, and returned. These stories are deliberate misinformation,” he said.

On revenue challenges, the minister disclosed that the administration has significantly improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), increasing it from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office to ₦30 billion.

“When we take steps to improve IGR, people complain. But that progress is what sustains salaries, reforms, and development,” he said.

He highlighted key reforms under the current administration, including the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of permanent secretaries, and establishment of the Office of the Head of Service.

“Before now, workers retired at director level, but they can now rise to Permanent Secretary. This was made possible by the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“You cannot expect government to spend all available revenue on wages alone while neglecting massive infrastructure development,” Wike noted.

Following the court order suspending the strike, the minister issued a stern warning to workers.

“Disobeying the law has consequences. From tomorrow, any worker who refuses to resume work will face disciplinary action. Anyone who attempts to block government facilities will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Wike rejected claims that dialogue had broken down, insisting that engagement with unions has always been ongoing with his approval.

“No amount of blackmail or political games will intimidate this administration. We will obey the court, and everyone else must do the same,” he declared.

The post Strike: Wike Approves Over N12bn January Salaries of FCTA Workers, Dismisses Blackmail appeared first on Business Today NG.

The ruling followed an application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.

In the suit, the FCT Minister named the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.

Justice Subilim held that industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.

Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, the court noted that the suspension ensures the dispute is properly resolved, and that ongoing strikes must halt upon the commencement of a suit by originating summons, which constitutes a referral.

The judge further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Act may attract sanctions.

He emphasized that the public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs any inconvenience caused by suspending the strike.

The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for hearing.

On January 19, workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority, commenced an industrial action, shutting down activities across Abuja, over what they described as “unmet demands” by the Federal Government.

The strike affected all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.

Source Channels Television

The post Court Orders FCTA Workers To Suspend Ongoing Strike appeared first on Business Today NG.

Some contractors had earlier besieged and barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly over unpaid debts for executed projects, vowing to sustain their protest for seven days until their demands were met.

The blockade disrupted accessALSO to the premises, delaying the day’s plenary and creating tension among lawmakers.

Speaking during plenary, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that the upper chamber had already approved domestic borrowing to enable the Federal Government clear the backlog of payments. He urged the contractors to be patient as government takes steps to address their grievances.

“We have just approved domestic borrowing to settle the indebtedness of contractors. I appeal for calm and urge them to give the Federal government time to resolve the issue,” he said.

Also during plenary, the Senate announced plans to debate recent comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Akpabio said he would await the Federal Government’s official response before making any comment on the issue.

Akpabio clarified that he was not in a position to respond to President Trump, underlining that the matter involves sensitive diplomatic considerations.

According to him, “Who am I to respond to President Trump?”

Akpabio’s rhetorical question was geared towards clarifying that he never made such comments. He revealed that he has already petitioned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) and taken legal action against the blogger behind the false report.

The Senate President also called for caution in public discourse, urging Nigerians and the media to avoid spreading misinformation or inflammatory narratives that could jeopardize national unity.

He, however, assured lawmakers that the Senate would formally discuss the development at a later legislative date.

The Senate President also called on the Cybercrime Unit to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading fake news about the Senate and its leadership.

Akpabio further noted that Nigeria’s internal challenges must be viewed from all perspectives, underscoring the need for peace and unity in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s problems must be weighed from all sides. What we need is peace,” he said.

Meanwhile the Deputy Senate President retorted by asking the Senate President if he is afraid of Trump. He reminded that Nigeria is a sovereign country and that he is not afraid of Trump.

Source Channels Television 

The post We Will Approve ₦1.1trn For Debt Settlement, Akpabio Assures Protesting Contractors appeared first on Business Today NG.

Speaking with journalists during the protest at the Ministry of Finance, AICAN President, Mr Jackson Nwosu, warned that the association might be forced to take drastic action if the outstanding payments were not settled.

Nwosu said the funds used to execute the 2024 capital projects were largely sourced from commercial banks, placing contractors under severe financial pressure.

According to him, only about 40 per cent of the outstanding amount was paid after the association’s protest in December 2025, adding that members would not vacate the ministry’s premises until the balance was released.

”We are talking about over N4 trillion in unpaid capital projects executed for the Federal Government in 2024. These projects have been completed, yet contractors are still unpaid.

Nwosu explained that many contractors had defaulted on bank loans, leading to the seizure of properties, while some members had reportedly died as a result of the financial strain.

“Most of our members borrowed from banks to execute these projects and are now unable to repay. Some banks have seized their properties, and some contractors have even died.

“We are ready for the worst, but we will continue to be law-abiding and peaceful in our protest until every contractor is paid,” he added.

He said the Federal Government had yet to fully implement agreements reached with the association, adding that AICAN had submitted a list of contractors who completed their projects without any payment so far.

Nwosu also quoted the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, as promising that warrants would be released once the list of eligible contractors was provided, but said no payment had followed the submission.

He further stated that members were yet to receive any payment alerts, in spite President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the settlement of the debt.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the association, Mr Ode Agada, appealed to the Federal Government to honour its agreement with the contractors.

Agada said indigenous contractors had contributed greatly to the country’s economic growth, describing their current treatment as unfortunate.

“We have contributed to the growth of the economy of this country. We are indigenous people who supported the government, yet we are being treated this way,” he said.

He added that although President Tinubu had directed that contractors be paid, relevant authorities had yet to act on the directive.

Agada also called on the international community to intervene, describing the contractors’ situation as dire since June 2025.

In a related development, the FCT Chairman of Indigenous Contractors, Mr Adebola Benson, appealed to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to clear outstanding payments owed to contractors in the territory.

Benson said many FCT contractors also relied on bank loans to execute projects and were now facing threats of arrest over unpaid debts.

He urged the minister to discount allegations that FCT administration civil servants executed the contracts.

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