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Sterling HoldCo Delivers 157% Profit Growth In Half-Year 2025

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… Discloses Plans to Launch a Public Offer

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc (“Sterling HoldCo” or “the Group”) has reported a 157% year-on-year surge in profit-after-tax (PAT) in its unaudited results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025, demonstrating continued momentum in revenue growth, operational efficiency, and capital position.

The Group’s PAT reached ₦41.78 billion, up from ₦16.26 billion in the same period last year.

Earnings per share rose significantly to 89 Kobo from 56 Kobo, reflecting a consistent increment in value to shareholders.

Gross earnings climbed by 39.7% to
₦212.61 billion, compared to ₦152.20 billion for H1 2024, while interest income rose by 38.3% to ₦167.16 billion, and non-interest income increased by 45% to ₦45.45 billion, attesting to the Group’s strategic focus on revenue diversification.

Additionally, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 64.5% from 75.7%,
underscoring the benefits of ongoing cost optimisation measures.

Total assets stood at ₦4.08 trillion at the end of June, representing a 15.3% increase from ₦3.54 trillion in December 2024.

Shareholders’ funds were up 22.9% for the period, reflecting the impact of recent recapitalisation and healthy retained earnings.

Asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loan ratio declining to 5.1% from 5.4% at the close of the 2024 financial year.

The Group’s strong showing in the first half of the year followed a successful private placement and rights issue, through which approximately ₦100 billion was raised.

The proceeds enabled the full recapitalisation of Alternative Bank and further strengthened the capital base of Sterling Bank, the Group’s flagship subsidiary.

The Group is set to enter the public phase of its capital raising programme in the coming weeks, aiming to close the ₦53 billion recapitalisation gap of Sterling Bank and further strengthen the institution’s capacity for sustained growth across its diversified income streams.

This public offer is the first phase of the US$400m capital raising programme
approved by Sterling Holdco’s shareholders at its Annual General Meeting which held on the 30th of June 2025.

Commenting on the Group’s feat and long-term vision, Yemi Odubiyi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, said:
“Our outstanding half-year results are the product of clear strategic focus and a
relentless drive to create lasting value for our stakeholders.

Our performance reflects not just robust growth in core income lines, but also our success in building a resilient and agile business model, capable of delivering superior returns even in a dynamic macroeconomic environment.

As we continue to diversify our income streams and invest in operational efficiency, we remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible growth, prudent risk management, and sustainable impact.

Looking ahead to the next phase of our
capital programme, we see tremendous opportunity to deepen our footprint in
Nigeria’s growth sectors and to catalyse meaningful progress for our customers,
communities, and the broader economy.”

Sterling HoldCo’s ongoing investments in renewable energy, healthcare, and
community development highlight its role as a catalyst for positive change across Nigeria’s critical sectors.

As the Group forges ahead with its plans for the second half of the year, it remains resolute in its pursuit of sustainable growth, continuous innovation, and the creation of enduring value for all stakeholders.

 

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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