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A parent-managed WhatsApp account for a pre-teen is a supervised digital communication arrangement in which a parent or legal guardian registers, owns, and actively oversees a WhatsApp account used by a child under the age of 13 years old.

Zedcrest Group, a leading financial services firm in Africa, continues to accelerate its growth and solidify its position as a provider of comprehensive, institutional-grade financial services.

Zedcrest’s evolving platform offers clients a broad range of services across its core business areas, including Asset Management, Investment Banking, Securities, and Financing.

These services are delivered through its subsidiaries: Zedcrest Securities (formerly RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers), Zedcrest Global Markets (formerly Zedcap Partners), Zedcrest Capital, Zedvance Finance, and Zedcrest Investment Managers (Zedcrest Wealth).

With more than a decade of delivering financial solutions, Zedcrest is entering a new phase of growth, driven by strategic acquisitions, expanded product offerings, enhanced regulatory capabilities, and the appointment of new leadership across its core businesses.

 

In 2024, Zedcrest successfully completed the acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers. The firm, a member of Rand Merchant Bank, the Corporate and Investment Banking arm of FirstRand Group, has since been rebranded as Zedcrest Securities, strengthening the Group’s stockbroking capabilities and expanding its portfolio of financial products and services.
In growing its institutional offering, Zedcrest also acquired its Issuing House license, enabling it to deliver end-to-end investment banking solutions, including capital raising, structured finance, and advisory services. This further cements its position as a capable and dependable financial partner to individuals and institutions.

As part of its next phase of growth, Zedcrest has strengthened its leadership across its core businesses. The company recently announced the appointment of Simbiat Bada as Managing Director of its Stockbroking business, in line with its strategic focus on deepening market capabilities. Similarly, Ademola Akogun has been appointed Managing Director of its Investment Banking business where he will drive the expansion of the Group’s corporate finance and advisory capabilities.

To further reinforce its investment management capabilities, Zedcrest appointed Luke Ofojebe, CFA, as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) in line with its commitment to delivering expert, research-driven investment advisory services. Ofojebe steps into the role following a successful tenure as Head of Research & Portfolio Management at Zedcrest Wealth, where he designed and executed strategies that significantly grew the company’s Assets Under Management (AUM). These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to build a strong, forward-thinking leadership team capable of steering Zedcrest through its next phase of institutional expansion.

Zedcrest’s growing reputation and recognition as a market leader is built on its consistent track record of strong performance. Its Money Market Fund consistently ranks among the top-performing funds in its category, alongside solid returns across its equity funds and other investment offerings, reflecting a disciplined investment philosophy and robust risk management framework. Across its broader investment portfolio, the Group continues to deliver competitive returns, reinforcing client confidence and value creation.

The firm’s journey has equally been marked by a consistent focus on innovation and long-term value creation. In 2023, Zedcrest celebrated its 10th anniversary themed: “A Future Redefined” and officially launched the Zedcrest Wealth app, a digital investment platform that provides easy access to a range of innovative investment solutions. This milestone underscored Zedcrest’s ambition to redefine the delivery of financial services in Africa over the next decade.

Beyond its and investment businesses, Zedcrest’s consumer and business financing arm, Zedvance Finance, continues to play a key role in supporting economic growth. Zedvance plans to disburse ₦250 billion in commercial funding in 2026 alone, following strong performance from its Commercial Solutions business, which has already deployed over ₦96 billion since 2025. Central to this strategy is its flagship product, Liquidity Solutions, designed to address the credit gap facing local enterprises.

L-R: Joseph Adegunwa, Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Zedcrest Group and Adedayo Amzat, CFA, Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group

Commenting on Zedcrest’s strengthened institutional positioning, the Group Managing Director, Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, CFA notes that “Zedcrest’s long-term strategic mission extends beyond Nigeria, as we aim to elevate capital flows across Africa. We envision a comprehensive financial services institution with robust offerings in asset management, banking, lending, securities markets, investment banking, insurance, and pensions. Our goal is to be the driving force that enables seamless capital movement within the economy, ensuring that we contribute significantly to the financial landscape as we achieve these objectives.”

As financial markets become increasingly complex and interconnected, the need for institutions that can provide integrated, efficient, and scalable financial solutions continues to grow. Zedcrest is playing a long-term game by reinforcing its institutional capabilities, leveraging data and research for informed decision-making, and enhancing its market presence, not only to drive its next phase of growth, but also to contribute to the continued development of Nigeria’s financial services industry.

About Zedcrest Group
Founded in 2013, Zedcrest Group offers its diverse clientele a broad range of financial solutions, which include Asset Management, Investment Banking, Securities, and Financing. These services are provided through its subsidiaries: Zedcrest Investment Managers (Zedcrest Wealth), Zedcrest Global Markets, Zedcrest Securities, Zedcrest Capital, and Zedvance Finance. For more information, visit www.zedcrest.com.

Zedcrest Strengthens Institutional Play with Expanded Offerings, New Leadership

…demand construction of motor park, pedestrian bridge Residents and motorists have cried out over recent constant road accidents on the Soka end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Recently, there have been reports of different fatal accidents on the road, which have claimed the lives of many motorists and passengers. The most recent incident occurred about two […]

Nigeria striker Gift Orban clashed with a fan following Hellas Verona’s 1-0 home defeat to AC Milan on Saturday, DAILY POST reports.

The incident according to Corriere dello Sport, occurred outside the Stadio Bentegodi.

According to witnesses present at the scene, Orban was unhappy after the defeat, and declined to have an autograph with the supporter.

A heated confrontation ensued after another supporter struck the striker’s car.

The footage of the incident is now being reviewed by police authorities in Italy.

Orban, who is on loan at Hellas Verona from Bundesliga club, Hoffenheim has registered seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances for the Flying Donkeys.

Serie A: Orban clashes with Verona supporter after Milan defeat

The National Assembly Liaison Officer to Abia State Governor, Iheanyi Frank Chinasa, has dumped the Labour Party, LP, and joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Chinasa, who is popularly known as Dogo, was until his latest move, a close ally to Governor Alex Otti and a top member of the Labour Party in Bende LGA and Abia North Senatorial District.

The politician who is aspiring for the Bende Federal constituency, joined the the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in attending a meeting of APC stakeholders in Owerri, Imo State, convened by the Governor Hope Uzodinma on Sunday.

It will be recalled that Chinasa contested the 2023 election for the seat of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State but lost to Kalu.

Confirming the defection on Sunday, Benjamin Kalu said, “Dogo (Chinasa) ran election with me in Bende for House of Representatives and was later appointed by the governor as National Assembly Liaison Officer.

“He is from Bende and from Ikwu Isii, my own section of the constituency and today, he has come to join our party (APC). I am sure he will feel welcome.”

2027: Gov Otti’s aide, Chinasa dumps LP, joins APC

“Except I am not sent, in the next seven days, I declare judgment upon those responsible for…”

A former member of the House of Representatives and senatorial aspirant for Ondo South Senatorial District, Hon. Engr. Janet Febisola Adeyemi, has outlined her vision to reposition the district as a thriving hub of industrial growth, maritime development, and agricultural prosperity through deliberate policies and strategic leadership, if given the ticket. The All Progressives Congress […]

Abakaliki FC have described their performance in the 2025-26 Nigeria National League, NNL, season as disappointing.

The Rice Boys have accepted responsibility for not delivering on their target for the season.

Abakaliki FC have apologised to the club’s faithful for their shortfall in the campaign.

“We are not unaware of your disappointment that we fell short of our ultimate target of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) this season,” Abakaliki FC wrote in an address to the supporters.

“We know how much this dream means to you, the entire Ebonyians, and to all of us in Abakaliki Football club.

“We accept responsibility for not delivering the result we all worked for, and we sincerely apologize to every fan who invested their strength, hope, time and resources in this journey- Head up!.”

NNL: Abakaliki apologise to fans for missing out on NPFL promotion

The Centre for Information Technology and Development has condemned a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to broadcasters across Nigeria, warning that it could shrink press freedom and civic space in the country.

In a statement on Sunday signed by Y. Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD, the organisation described the directive as a dangerous escalation in what it called the ongoing erosion of freedom of expression and media independence.

According to the organisation, although the directive is presented as a regulatory move, it raises serious concerns about its wider impact on democratic accountability and digital rights.

“This directive represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing erosion of press freedom and civic space in the country,” the statement said.

CITAD noted that at a time when Nigeria is facing complex socio-political challenges, the media remains one of the few platforms where citizens can question those in power and demand accountability.

The organisation expressed concern that the directive contains vague and unclear standards that could easily be misused.
“It introduces vague and subjective standards that could be weaponised to silence critical voices,” it said.

The organisation warned that attempts to control how broadcasters host guests, analyse issues, or present discussions could create fear and self-censorship in the media space.

“By attempting to restrict how broadcasters engage with guests, express analysis, or frame public discourse, the government risks creating an environment of fear,” it added.

CITAD also criticised the NBC for failing to clearly define the concerns raised in the directive, saying the lack of clarity leaves room for arbitrary interpretation.

“These concepts are left at the level of mere ideas without a shared understanding, opening the door for arbitrary application,” the statement noted.

It stressed that such rules should not be imposed unilaterally, but developed through consultations with stakeholders.

“Such an important notice should be the outcome of a consultative process involving relevant stakeholders, not a unilateral decision from a regulatory body,” it said.

The group further warned that the directive could signal a broader attempt to control the flow of information, not just in traditional media but also across digital platforms.

“Any attempt to stifle media freedom inevitably affects the broader digital civic space,” CITAD said, adding that journalists, activists, young people, and marginalised groups could be affected.

The organisation emphasised that democracy depends on open debate and the free exchange of ideas, warning against efforts to suppress critical engagement.

“Democratic societies thrive on plurality of opinions and robust debate. Efforts to impose artificial neutrality weaken public discourse,” it said.

CITAD called on the federal government to immediately withdraw the directive and engage in open dialogue with media professionals, civil society groups, and digital rights organisations.

“NBC cannot sit in its boardroom and unilaterally decide what should be allowed on the airwaves,” the statement said.

It also urged regulatory agencies to align their actions with Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, especially on freedom of expression.

As the country approaches another election cycle, CITAD warned that protecting media independence is critical to the democratic process.

“Any attempt to curtail press freedom at this critical moment risks compromising the integrity of the democratic process,” it added.

CITAD condemns NBC directive on broadcasters

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government over reported plans to reintegrate nearly 800 former insurgents into communities.

The party described the move as a sign of “dangerous softness on terror” and a lack of strategic clarity in addressing insecurity.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party expressed concern over what it called a growing pattern of official rhetoric and policy direction that downplays the severity of terrorism.

The ADC said references by some government officials to insurgents as “brothers” or “prodigal sons,” alongside the proposed reintegration initiative, suggest a “troubling misunderstanding of terrorism as an existential threat.”

“Terrorism is not a family dispute or a moral metaphor,” the statement read. “It is a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its people, which has claimed lives, destroyed communities, displaced millions, and weakened national stability.”

The party argued that prioritising rehabilitation without first ensuring justice and accountability for victims risks emboldening violent actors and undermining public confidence in the government’s counterterrorism efforts.

“To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that appear to prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion; it is weakness,” Abdullahi stated.

The ADC further described the government’s approach as inconsistent, noting that while authorities claim to be prosecuting a war against terrorism, they also appear willing to reintroduce former fighters into society without transparent processes.

“There are no clearly defined standards for determining genuine repentance, no visible framework for justice, and no credible safeguards for the communities expected to receive these individuals,” the party said. “This is not balance; it is a dangerous failure of judgment.”

The statement warned that reintegration without due process and justice for victims could send the wrong message.
“Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It risks signalling to victims that their suffering is secondary, and to potential perpetrators that the consequences of violence may ultimately be negotiable,” it added.

The ADC also faulted the government for what it described as a lack of transparency, stating that Nigerians have not been adequately informed about investigations, prosecutions, or monitoring mechanisms for those slated for reintegration.

“In the absence of clear answers, what is being presented as a strategy begins to look like abdication,” the party said.

Reiterating its position, the ADC maintained that terrorism must be treated as a grave national security threat requiring firm and decisive action.

“Those who have committed serious crimes must face the full weight of the law. Justice is not optional,” the statement noted, adding that the safety of communities and the rights of victims must remain central to any response.

The party urged the government to demonstrate greater clarity and resolve, warning that “national security is not a space for sentiment to override judgment, but one that demands discipline, accountability, and strong leadership.”

Reintegration Of ‘Repentant’ Terrorists Dangerous, Says ADC is first published on The Whistler Newspaper