FG Introduces USSD Code for Loans Covering Food, Solar and Other Needs

The Federal Government has introduced a new USSD based consumer credit service that will allow Nigerians to access loans using basic mobile phones without requiring internet access or smartphones.

The service, known as SPARK, was unveiled by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) to expand access to consumer loans, particularly for Nigerians who have little or no formal credit history.

CREDICORP announced *347*333# as the USSD code for accessing the service, with wider availability expected before the end of 2026. However, nationwide availability has not yet been confirmed.

The initiative is designed to make consumer credit more accessible to Nigerians, including first-time borrowers. PUNCH

CREDICORP's broader consumer credit programmes cover five major areas:

Food and essential needs: Food, beverages and other household necessities.

Energy solutions: Solar panels and generators.

Digital devices: Smartphones, laptops and tablets.

Transportation: Compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

Home improvement: Furniture, household appliances and building materials.

The programme also covers healthcare and other essential needs. However, CREDICORP has not confirmed that all these categories are currently available through the SPARK USSD service.

The initiative is part of the government's efforts to improve access to consumer credit and help Nigerians finance essential purchases without paying the full cost upfront.

Many Nigerians struggle to obtain loans from traditional financial institutions due to strict requirements, limited credit histories and collateral demands.

Through SPARK, eligible borrowers will have an opportunity to access credit and build formal repayment records, which could improve their credit profiles and make it easier to access other financial services in the future.

The service was unveiled at CREDICORP's CREDICORP for All showcase in Aba, Abia State, where different credit opportunities for traders, young Nigerians and transport operators were presented.

CREDICORP disclosed that as of October 31, 2026, it had facilitated more than 61.4 billion naira in consumer credit for 353,561 Nigerians. Premium Times

Although SPARK is designed to simplify access to loans, Nigerians should understand that it is a credit facility, not a government grant.

Borrowers will be expected to repay according to the agreed terms and conditions. CREDICORP has not yet provided comprehensive public details about the service's loan limits, interest rates, repayment periods and full eligibility requirements.

Applicants should also be cautious of unofficial agents or websites demanding upfront payments in exchange for guaranteed loan approval.

With rising food prices, transportation costs and household expenses putting pressure on many Nigerian families, easier access to consumer credit could provide some financial relief.

However, access to loans alone may not solve the problem if interest rates and repayment conditions remain difficult for low-income earners.

The bigger question is whether SPARK will make borrowing genuinely affordable and accessible to ordinary Nigerians or create another financial obligation for households already struggling with rising expenses.

Will the new SPARK loan service make borrowing easier for Nigerians?

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Senegal Makes Olympic History as Africa Hosts Its First Olympic Games

HISTORY HAS ARRIVED IN AFRICA: SENEGAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE OLYMPIC WORLD

For the First Time, Africa Is Hosting the Olympic Games. And Senegal Is Leading the Way 

For years, Africa has produced world-class athletes, football stars, boxing champions and sporting legends who have represented the continent on the biggest international stages. But on October 31, 2026, something changed. The world turned its attention to Senegal.

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games officially opened in Diamniadio, Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event has ever been hosted on African soil and this wasn't just another opening ceremony. It was a statement. At the 55,000-capacity Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, thousands of spectators witnessed a celebration of African culture, music, creativity and sporting ambition. More than 1,100 performers brought the ceremony to life, with traditional dances, music and performances celebrating the continent's identity. Senegal wasn't simply welcoming athletes. It was welcoming the world.

One of the most interesting things about the opening ceremony was how deeply it embraced African identity. The production, titled The Rise of Sitoé, explored Africa's past, present and future through three symbolic characters: Alkebulan, Keb and Sitoé. Traditional Senegalese dance, wrestling, percussion and contemporary music came together to tell a story about heritage and the next generation.

The performances also featured Senegalese artists Baaba Maal, Kiné Lam and Daara J Family, alongside Nigerian slamming artist IB Quake and Gambian musician Sona Jobarteh. It was a reminder that African culture is not something to be introduced to the world as an afterthought. It deserves the biggest stages.

The Games run from October 31 to November 13, featuring approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world. There are 25 competition sports, 10 engagement sports and 153 medal events. 

Some of the Sports to watch includes Athletics where young sprinters and distance runners will compete for glory, Basketball 3x3 fast paced, intense and entertaining, Boxing which gives a chance for us to discover out next generation of fighting talent, Swimming, Rugby, Beach wrestling and beach handball bringing a different sporting atmosphere to the competition and Nigeria has a reason to pay attention.

Nigeria's delegation includes 19 athletes, competing in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. That gives Nigerian sports fans plenty of reasons to follow the competition closely.

Which country will make the biggest impression? that is the big Question. The opening ceremony may have captured the world's attention, but the real competition has only just begun.

Will African athletes use home-continent momentum to deliver outstanding performances? Which countries will dominate the medal table? Could Nigeria produce an unexpected sporting breakthrough?

These are the questions that make international sporting competitions exciting and this is where following the action becomes even more interesting.

At OpinionMarketNG, sports fans don't have to limit themselves to watching the action unfold. 

Follow the Predictions on OpinionMarketNG You can explore the available sports markets, follow the questions surrounding the competition and take a position based on what you think will happen.

Will your prediction turn out to be right?

From sporting performances to major international events, there is always something worth following.

The Games have begun. The athletes are ready. The world is watching. What is your prediction?

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From Government House to the Runway: Sanwo-Olu Gives Lagos Fashion Week an Unexpected Moment

 From Government House to the Runway: Sanwo-Olu Gives Lagos Fashion Week an Unexpected Moment

Who said governors cannot have a runway moment?

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surprised fashion enthusiasts when he stepped away from his usual political environment and joined professional models on the runway at Lagos Fashion Week 2026.

Dressed by Nigerian designer Ugo Monye, the governor appeared in a regal off-white outfit combining traditional Nigerian styling with a kimono-inspired design, completed with a beige hat.

And honestly, he did not look like someone who was just passing through!

The governor walked confidently, acknowledged the cheering audience and even flashed a few peace signs. His appearance quickly became one of the talking points from this year’s fashion event.

But this is not Sanwo-Olu’s first runway experience. He previously walked for designer Emmy Kasbit in 2023.

Beyond the pictures and social media reactions, the appearance raises an interesting conversation about the relationship between government and the creative industry.

Nigeria’s fashion industry is more than beautiful outfits and expensive runway shows. It represents designers, tailors, photographers, models, small businesses and thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on creativity.

Sanwo-Olu’s appearance also puts the spotlight on Lagos and its creative economy. But as the state looks towards another governorship election, conversations about leadership, governance and the future of Lagos are becoming increasingly relevant.

Speaking of Lagos, there is another conversation worth following.

The Lagos governorship election is already up on OpinionMarketNG!

Who Will Win The Lagos State Governorship Election 2027?

With the political landscape gradually attracting attention, Lagos residents and political observers have plenty to discuss: leadership, infrastructure, transportation, the economy, security and what the next chapter of Lagos should look like.

Who will eventually emerge as Lagos’ next governor? What issues will shape the conversation? And how will public opinion evolve as the election approaches?

These are the kinds of questions that make politics interesting beyond headlines.

Your Opinion Matters

You can debate Sanwo-Olu’s runway appearance today and explore the political questions surrounding Lagos tomorrow.

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Lagos fashion is making headlines. Lagos politics is making moves. Are you following both?