In a landmark effort to democratise access to credit for young Nigerians, the Federal Government has officially launched YouthCred, a bold new initiative under the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP). The programme kicks off with members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as the first beneficiaries, setting the stage for what is being described as Nigeria’s largest youth-focused credit intervention.

The launch follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address on June 12, where he promised that the initiative would commence in July 2025 and impact at least 400,000 Nigerians, including youth corps members.

Credit as a Tool for Transformation

“YouthCred is more than a loan program; it is a deliberate act of cultural re-orientation,” CREDICORP stated. “For decades, credit in Nigeria has been misunderstood, misused, or completely out of reach for young people. This initiative changes that.”

Designed to combine access to credit with financial literacy, YouthCred provides participants—starting with corps members—with digital credit education before they can apply for personalised and affordable loans. These loans cover a wide range of needs, from relocation and device purchase to training and small business funding.

“For the first time, young Nigerians will not only be able to access credit—they’ll understand how to manage it, repay it, and build trust with the financial system,” the agency added.

Institutional Collaboration: NYSC and CREDICORP Align

The rollout follows a successful strategic debriefing session with NYSC State Coordinators, during which CREDICORP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NYSC. Officers across all 36 states were trained on the YouthCred platform, enabling seamless implementation.

This collaboration reflects a shared national vision to deliver credit not merely as a financial service but as a transformative socio-economic tool.

The platform is now live at www.youthcred.com.

Structured Financial Inclusion Begins

To access the YouthCred facility, corps members must complete a short, digital credit education module. Upon successful completion, they can apply for loans that suit their personal and productive needs.

The broader goal, according to CREDICORP, is to empower Nigerian youth to “begin building a credit history from an early age,” a vital step in achieving long-term financial health and inclusion.

What Comes Next?

With NYSC members as the pilot beneficiaries, the initiative will next expand to cover employed youth and young professionals in entry-level roles. This phase will offer credit products tailored to the realities and aspirations of working youth.

Subsequently, the initiative will target youth-led enterprises, providing capital for startups and small businesses run by young Nigerians.

“YouthCred signals the beginning of a generational shift—one that recognizes that financial trust must be earned early and that the Nigerian youth deserve the tools to thrive,” CREDICORP said.

A National Movement for Financial Empowerment

Beyond policy and platforms, YouthCred is being framed as a national movement—a response to the call for dignity, economic inclusion, and generational empowerment.

“In line with CREDICORP’s mandate to democratize credit and deepen access, YouthCred is setting the stage for a lifetime of financial empowerment for millions of young Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

Nigeria’s ambition to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix has taken a giant leap forward as BL Practice Hub and Opus Racing Promotions announce a strategic partnership to bring the world’s most prestigious motorsport to West Africa for the first time.

The landmark collaboration, unveiled in Abuja, seeks to position Nigeria as the next African host of a Formula 1 Grand Prix, a feat not achieved on the continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.

At the forefront of this initiative is Oyebiyi Ladapo, a legal and government relations expert and Principal Partner at BL Practice Hub. His legal expertise and strategic connections are instrumental in aligning local ambitions with the global standards required by Formula One Management (FOM).

“This is not just about racing,” Ladapo said. “It’s about using Formula 1 as a tool to drive tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and economic revitalization. Nigeria deserves a seat at the global motorsport table, and we’re ready to earn it.”

The move is officially backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC). Its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that formal invitations have already been extended to key F1 figures, including:

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1

Sir Lewis Hamilton, seven-time F1 World Champion and advocate for African inclusion in motorsport

Tilke Engineers & Architects, the premier circuit designers for the F1 calendar

The proposed host city is Abuja, which is being positioned as the ideal African capital to accommodate the logistics, security, and spectacle associated with Formula 1.

According to the organisers, Abuja’s road networks, government backing, and growing hospitality industry offer a compelling case to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which governs the sport.

“We’re not just bidding for a race; we’re bidding for a legacy,” said a representative from Opus Racing Promotions. “This will spotlight Nigeria’s growing influence, not just in sport, but in entertainment, innovation, and global culture.”

The Nigerian bid faces stiff competition from South Africa, which previously hosted F1 at the Kyalami Circuit, and Rwanda, another strong contender using sport to boost international visibility.

If successful, Nigeria would become only the second African nation to host a Grand Prix in F1’s history. It would also be a major boost for young African talents interested in motorsport engineering, racing, and event management.

Motorsport analysts believe a Nigerian Grand Prix could draw millions in tourism revenue and open up new partnerships in sports broadcasting, technology, and logistics.

As the campaign gears up, stakeholders and fans alike are being encouraged to follow developments closely.

“This project is not just a dream; it’s a strategy,” Ladapo added. “And it’s time the world saw Nigeria from the fast lane.”

Lagos is currently playing host to high-profile dignitaries, sports stakeholders, foreign envoys, and business leaders who have stormed the city to pay their respects to the family of Reverend Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), in honour of his late mother and in remembrance of his late father.

The funeral of Mrs. Alice Ikpea, who passed away on November 2, 2024, and the remembrance of Mr. Patrick Agbadamasi Ikpea, who died in January 1990, will be jointly celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

The combined ceremony will be held at Nebo Hall, Nigeria Army Ordnance Corps, beside Albati Barracks, Ojuelegba, Surulere, Lagos, with events expected to commence promptly at 12 noon.

Legacy of Service and Faith

Late Mrs. Alice Ikpea, born on June 7, 1940, hailed from Igata, Iddo of Okpella, Edo State. She passed away after a brief illness and was laid to rest 24 hours later, in accordance with her personal wish.

Her husband, Mr. Patrick Agbadamasi Ikpea, who was born on March 14, 1935, was a respected medical practitioner. He served meritoriously at Sapele and the General Hospital in Agbede, Edo State. Known for his deep commitment to humanitarian service and Christian values, he left an enduring legacy in his community.

The late Patrick was born into the illustrious Ikpea dynasty of Ehanlen, Ewu, Edo State, and was widely celebrated for his acts of philanthropy and devotion to faith.

A Son’s Tribute

Speaking ahead of the event, Reverend Samuel Ikpea, the organiser and one of the surviving children, expressed heartfelt gratitude and admiration for his parents.

“My parents lived a good life and served God according to the teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.

“I have no regrets having both of them as my parents. If I come to this world again, I will want to come through them, if God permits,” the NFSC National Chairman stated.

Community and Global Recognition

The event has attracted significant attention not just because of the family’s legacy, but also due to Reverend Samuel Ikpea’s prominent role in Nigerian football and national development. His position as National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club has earned him goodwill and admiration within the sports community and beyond.

Several sports stakeholders, including former athletes and administrative figures, are expected at the event, alongside international guests and prominent family members.

About the Ikpea Dynasty

The Ikpea family is widely known across Edo State and Nigeria for its contributions to public service, healthcare, and sports. The upcoming event is both a celebration of life and a moment of reflection for a lineage that continues to impact lives across generations.