The Halal economy seems to offer many benefits for Nigeria, and Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the country is ready to reap these numerous advantages.

However, Nigerians will need to be patient until 2027.

According to Shettima, Nigeria hopes to leverage the opportunities presented by the Halal economy to add $1.5 billion to the country’s GDP by 2027.

Shettima, who attended the Nigeria Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Program in Abuja, said the program will open up Nigeria to more investments in the Halal market.

The program, themed “Building A Vibrant Halal Economy: Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential,” took place on Wednesday, September 18.

These investments are expected to help stimulate the country’s economy.

At the event, Shettima outlined the many benefits of the Halal economy.

As he took the podium, the Vice President informed Nigerians that the federal government would capitalize on every opportunity the Halal market offers.

He believes the Halal economy holds vast potential that aligns with the economic agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Also, Shettima assured Nigerians that the country would develop a comprehensive Halal strategy.

He clarified that Halal has no connection to any religious agenda.

For those unfamiliar with the term, Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful, permitted, or permissible.

Currently, over one hundred Halal-certified products are being sold in Nigeria.

According to available records, the global Halal economy has reached $7 trillion and is projected to grow to $7.7 trillion by 2025.

It is the dawn of a new era for Keystone Bank, a top player in the Nigerian banking sector.

As part of a broader strategy to ensure sustained growth for Keystone Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a new chairman and board of directors for the financial institution.

The new board consists of a new board chairman, five non-executive directors, and two new directors, all carefully selected to take the bank to new heights.

The apex bank confirmed the latest development via a statement on Wednesday.

Steering the ship of leadership is Lady Ada Chukwudozie, as the new board chairman.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie, brings with her a truckload of experience.

A prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sector, Ada has nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.

Her expertise cuts across multiple industries, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

Indeed, to whom much is given, much is expected.

With her extensive background and experience, Ada will now shoulder the responsibility of guiding the bank toward achieving its long-term goals.

The good news is that she is not alone. Joining her on the board are five non-executive directors, each bringing their unique skills to the table.

The five non-executive directors are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.

Together, they will play a critical role in shaping the future of the bank.

Furthermore, two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello were also confirmed by the CBN.

Meanwhile, Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, bragged about his confidence in the new team.

To him, he was certain they would drive the bank’s growth and ensure reliable service for customers.

Imam noted that their wealth of experience would play a crucial role in the bank’s continued repositioning and growth.

His words: “We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the board of Keystone Bank.

We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” Imam concluded.

Recall that in January, the CBN dissolved the board and management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank.

Dangote Refinery has cleared the air on the deal it had with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), countering the alleged N898 per litter deal. The company disclosed that it sold Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in dollars.

Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Office of Dangote clarified the acclaimed N898 per liter deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Dangote Refinery said, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to NNPCL spokesperson, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, that we sell our PMS at N898 per liter to the NNPCL.

“This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years.

“We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars.

“It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing. With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature.

“We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”