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What You Need to Know Before Living in Ibadan

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

When most conversations about Nigerian cities revolve around Lagos or Abuja, Ibadan often remains an afterthought. Yet, as Nigeria’s largest city by landmass and a rapidly evolving metropolitan hub, Ibadan is increasingly catching the attention of professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who want affordability without completely losing urban conveniences. But what is it really like to live in Ibadan?

To answer that, we need to go beyond surface-level rankings like those found on crowdsourced platforms such as Numbeo. While useful for quick comparisons, they can be misleading because of small sample sizes and subjective data. A more rounded picture emerges when we combine these snapshots with official reports, local insights, and lived experiences.

Healthcare: Progress Amid Persistent Challenges

Healthcare is often a top concern for those relocating, and Ibadan offers a mixed story. On one hand, the Oyo State Government has been proactive, refurbishing over 200 primary healthcare centers and expanding the number of general hospitals across local governments. Specialized facilities such as a World Health Organisation-supported neonatal and maternal intensive care unit place Ibadan ahead of many Nigerian cities in terms of infrastructure.

The state’s health insurance scheme is also gaining traction. Tens of thousands of residents can now access care at a fraction of previous out-of-pocket costs. This affordability is a game-changer for households who would otherwise spend disproportionately on medical expenses.

However, structural challenges remain. Frequent strikes by healthcare workers, staff shortages in rural clinics, and the proliferation of unregulated “quack” practices threaten to undercut these gains. Maternal and infant mortality rates, though improving, remain stubbornly high compared to neighbouring states. For new residents, this means quality healthcare is available, but navigating the system requires careful planning, awareness of facility differences, and possibly private insurance as a supplement.

Transportation: A City of Movement

If Lagos is synonymous with gridlock, Ibadan offers a reprieve. Its extensive road network, including the Lagos to Ibadan Expressway, the Mokola Flyover, and the iconic Ring Road, connects major districts efficiently. Recent efforts by the state’s traffic management agency to extend operations into night hours show responsiveness to rising congestion as the city grows.

Public feedback suggests that while traffic does occur, particularly on commercial corridors, it rarely reaches the paralyzing levels seen in Lagos. For daily commuters, this can mean significant time savings and less stress, making Ibadan an appealing base for professionals working remotely or traveling occasionally to Lagos by road or train.

Cost of Living: Affordable but Rising

One of Ibadan’s strongest draws is affordability. Housing remains far cheaper than in Lagos, with rents ranging from ?250,000 for modest flats to over ?1 million in high-demand neighborhoods. Daily essentials are also comparatively accessible. A loaf of bread costs about ?1,500, a 5kg bag of rice ?7,000, and cooking gas around ?20,000. For families, this translates into a lifestyle that is financially sustainable without constant sacrifice.

Affordability, however, is relative. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, and salary levels in Ibadan often lag behind Lagos or Abuja. For expatriates or Nigerians relocating from abroad, this may feel like an advantage. For locals, the squeeze is real. Anyone considering a move should weigh both the lower cost of goods and the potential trade-offs in income opportunities.

The Intangibles: Why Ibadan Matters

Beyond data, Ibadan holds an intangible appeal. It is a city of firsts, the site of Nigeria’s first university, the nation’s first television station, and a cultural melting pot rich with history. Its slower pace compared to Lagos offers breathing room, while its proximity to the commercial capital, less than two hours by road or train, keeps it strategically connected.

For entrepreneurs, academics, or young families, Ibadan provides modern infrastructure, affordable living, and a growing sense of opportunity without the chaos of Nigeria’s larger cities. Yet it also demands realism. Healthcare reform is still a work in progress, job markets are narrower, and infrastructure expansion is catching up with population growth.

FCMB to Launch Fresh Equity Offer as Part of Expansion Strategy, After Raising N147.5bn in Oversubscribed Public Offer

By
Samuel Nwite
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1

First City Monument Bank Group Plc (FCMB) has announced plans to raise fresh equity capital through an Offer for Subscription, following shareholder approval at its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on December 19, 2024.

In a statement released to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the company said the move is part of its strategy to strengthen its capital base in anticipation of both regional and international expansion.

Proceeds from the equity raise will be injected as additional capital into its flagship subsidiary, First City Monument Bank Limited.

The board disclosed that the pricing of the offer will be based on the prevailing market price, with a discount structure to make the offer attractive to investors. However, full details—including the size, structure, and timeline of the capital raise—will be made public once regulatory approval is secured from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Backstory

On December 30, 2024, FCMB announced the successful completion of its landmark public offer, raising N147.5 billion with a 33% oversubscription.

According to the company, a total of N147,508,464,568.60 was raised and verified by regulators, while N144,559,788,701.30 was absorbed through the issuance of 19.8 billion ordinary shares at N7.30 per share. This brought the company’s post-offer issued shares to 39.6 billion.

Regulatory approvals were also received to downstream the net proceeds from the holding company to the banking subsidiary, boosting First City Monument Bank’s paid-up share capital and share premium—recognized as eligible capital under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalization framework—to more than N240 billion. This exceeded the minimum requirement for a national banking license.

The Group noted that subsequent phases (2 and 3) of its capital program are already underway to ensure First City Monument Bank Limited meets the higher minimum capital requirement needed to retain its international banking license. This aligns with FCMB’s long-term vision to become a global financial services group of African origin, renowned for leadership in its chosen markets.

Growing appetite for Nigerian bank equities

The fresh equity plan comes at a time when investor appetite for Nigerian banks’ shares is witnessing a remarkable upswing. FCMB’s 33% oversubscription mirrors similar outcomes across the sector, where multiple banks have recorded strong demand in their recent equity offers. This has been fueled by both institutional and retail investors seeking to take positions in lenders they perceive as resilient despite Nigeria’s economic headwinds.

In the last year, several Nigerian banks—including tier-1 giants and mid-tier players—have returned to the capital market in quick succession, either through rights issues, private placements, or public offers. Market analysts attribute this surge in fundraising activity to the Central Bank’s recapitalization directive, which has set higher capital thresholds for banks depending on the scope of their licenses.

However, beyond regulatory pressure, the frequency of these equity raises also signals renewed investor confidence in the sector. Oversubscriptions, such as those seen with FCMB’s offer, highlight the perception that well-capitalized banks are better positioned to weather currency volatility, inflationary pressure, and the evolving global economic environment.

By returning to the market once again, FCMB is not only strengthening its balance sheet but also tapping into a wave of momentum that has made banking stocks some of the most attractive on the Nigerian Exchange in recent months.

The Physics of Pricing [video]

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

The act of setting a price for a product or service is often viewed as a complex art, but a closer examination reveals a set of fundamental principles that behave with the predictability of physical laws. Just as physics governs the forces of motion and energy, a “Physics of Pricing” dictates how products are valued, monetized, and distributed in the marketplace. Based on the accompanying Tekedia lecture (in Blucera), this framework is defined by the interplay of two primary forces: the gravitational pull of value and the immutable law of marginal cost, all harnessed by different business mechanisms.

The first and most powerful force in this physics is value. As the lecture explains, value-based pricing is the principle that a product’s price is determined not by production expenses, but by the perceived worth it holds for the customer. This operates like a gravitational field; a product’s price is pulled toward the solution it provides. The greater the problem it solves, the stronger the pull, and the higher the price can be. This concept detaches pricing from a simple arithmetic of cost-plus, instead linking it to the emotional and practical impact a product has on a user’s life. The price of an item is therefore not a reflection of its material cost, but a measure of the solution’s perceived benefit, which can be a key differentiator in a crowded market.

Complementing the force of value is the law of marginal cost, which dictates the energy required to produce one additional unit of a product. In the realm of physical goods, this energy is substantial, including raw materials and labor. However, for digital products, the marginal cost is remarkably low, primarily comprising transaction fees and distribution expenses. This low energy requirement creates a unique dynamic. As the lecture notes, it provides an opportunity to build a “moat” by lowering prices and increasing value, effectively making the product more accessible and attractive. This minimal cost per unit is the foundation upon which digital empires are built, allowing for near-infinite reproduction without a corresponding increase in production expense.

In conclusion, the lecture’s insights reveal that pricing is far from random; it is a system governed by a set of predictable forces and laws. The price of a product is a direct result of the interaction between the perceived value it offers and the marginal cost of its production. A solid understanding of these foundational elements—the “Physics of Pricing”—is therefore essential for any successful business, allowing it to navigate the marketplace with purpose and strategic foresight.

Podcast Video: Sign-up at Blucera and check Tekedia Daily podcast category under Training module.

4 High-Potential Tokens: Why Experts Say the Top New Meme Coin to Invest in Now Could 17x Soon

By
TI Partners
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0

Which meme coin is set to deliver the next life-changing return in 2025? From Shiba Inu’s shocking rise to newcomers that dominate Telegram and X conversations, the meme coin market has become a hotbed for high-stakes investments. Whales and retail traders alike are circling projects that promise more than just internet hype — they’re looking for real wealth-generation potential.

One project stands out from the crowd: Arctic Pablo Coin (APC). Unlike standard meme coins, APC has built its entire presale around an adventurous narrative, high staking rewards, referral incentives, and a 100% token bonus offer that doubles holdings instantly. With analysts predicting up to 11,263% returns, APC has become the top new meme coin to invest in now, even as whales quietly scoop millions of tokens at bargain prices. The hype escalates: Coinstore confirms APC will debut on PancakeSwap and Coinstore right after the presale ends!

Alongside APC, other names such as Artificial Liquid Intelligence (ALI), Mr. Miggles (MIGGLES), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT), and Zerebro (ZEREBRO) round out this list of must-watch top new meme coins to invest in now.

1. Arctic Pablo Coin ($APC) – The Meme Coin Presale Whales Are Rushing Into

What happens when a mythical explorer discovers shimmering tokens hidden in icy caves? The answer is Arctic Pablo Coin, a meme token with a storyline that feels like a cartoon adventure and a financial model that feels engineered for outsized gains. The project blends myth with blockchain utility, featuring staking rewards of 66% APY, referral bonuses, and competitions where community members can earn extra APC and USD. Investors aren’t just buying into a token — they’re joining a global story that turns each presale stage into a discovery. This potent mix of narrative and real-world features explains why whales are pouring in before the presale wraps up.

Moreover, Coinstore’s X announcement proves APC is serious about visibility and liquidity. By launching on both a major DEX and CEX, Arctic Pablo Coin taps into the best of both worlds—community-driven trading on PancakeSwap and institutional reach on Coinstore. This two-pronged debut could drive early FOMO.

Right now, the APC presale is in Stage 37, priced at $0.00088. Over $3.55 million has already been raised, with whales making large buys as the stage nears sell-out. Here’s the math: a $6,000 investment at $0.00088 nets 6.81 million APC tokens. With the BONUS100 offer, that instantly doubles to 13.63 million APC. If APC hits its listing price of $0.008, those tokens would be worth $109,040 — a gain of 1718%. And if it reaches analysts’ projections of $0.1, that same stash jumps to $1.36 million. This is why APC is considered the top new meme coin to invest in now — every stage completed drives the token closer to scarcity and price discovery.

Massive Alert: Grab BONUS100 Offer Before It’s Gone

For those still on the sidelines, the 37th stage is offering the BONUS100 code, which doubles every purchase instantly. That means a buyer’s APC bag is worth twice as much on day one. Whales are scooping these deals like kids grabbing candy at a parade, and retail buyers are following fast. With unsold tokens burned weekly, scarcity is baked into the project. 

The presale is nearly 98% complete, and once it ends, the price won’t ever be this low again. This combination of a bonus, deflationary burns, and a fast-closing presale makes APC not just another entry — but the ultimate meme coin presale of 2025.

2. Artificial Liquid Intelligence ($ALI) – The AI-Backed Meme Narrative

Artificial Liquid Intelligence has fused the meme trend with AI-driven storytelling. ALI focuses on machine learning-based digital personalities, giving it more than just social media hype. Its recent integrations with decentralized AI platforms have positioned it as a hybrid between tech and meme culture. This dual identity has caught the attention of U.S.-based retail investors who view it as a bet on both AI growth and crypto. That’s why ALI remains on this list — its blend of AI and memes gives it staying power.

Why it made the list of the top new meme coins to invest in now: ALI is riding the AI wave while keeping its meme roots strong.

3. Mr. Miggles ($MIGGLES) – The Mischief Meme Project

Mr. Miggles (MIGGLES) leans into internet humor, positioning itself as a mischievous, cat-inspired token. What sets MIGGLES apart is its community-driven campaigns, where holders vote on pranks, stunts, and viral content. In a year when meme culture dominates X and TikTok, MIGGLES has cracked the formula for staying relevant. Backed by strong whale support early in 2025, it’s being talked about as one of the breakout tokens among the top new meme coins to invest in now.

Why it made the list: MIGGLES thrives by keeping crypto fun, unpredictable, and viral.

4. Shiba Inu ($SHIB) – The Meme Veteran with Utility Additions

No meme coin list is complete without Shiba Inu. SHIB, once thought of as just a Dogecoin rival, has evolved into a multi-layered ecosystem with Shibarium (its L2 scaling solution) and an expanding DeFi suite. This gives SHIB more than nostalgia — it’s backed by active development and whale support. U.S. trading communities still call SHIB the “entry point” into meme investing, which helps it keep relevance even in crowded markets and the top new meme coins to invest in now.

Why it made the list: SHIB continues to innovate while staying iconic in the meme coin space.

5. Peanut the Squirrel ($PNUT) – The Quirky Meme Coin with Charm

Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT) has one of the quirkiest themes on the market. Centered around a playful squirrel mascot, PNUT leans into cuteness and relatability, which has made it particularly appealing to Gen Z investors. PNUT has introduced gamified staking that lets holders “feed the squirrel” to earn rewards, and its viral artwork keeps it trending on TikTok and Instagram.

Why it’s among the top new meme coins to invest in now: PNUT taps into quirky humor and gamification, making it stand out.

6. Zerebro ($ZEREBRO) – The Mind-Bending Concept Token

Zerebro (ZEREBRO) markets itself as the “neural meme coin,” combining meme culture with brain-inspired branding. While the token doesn’t have deep utility yet, it has attracted investors by promising future integrations with neural network tech. Its strong branding has already secured listings on multiple mid-tier exchanges, making it a coin that continues to gain traction.

Why it made the list: ZEREBRO combines strong branding with early adoption, making it a standout.

The Final Word: Don’t Miss Arctic Pablo Coin’s Presale

Here’s the truth: meme coins are more than internet jokes. In 2025, they’ve turned into a full-fledged investment trend that whales can’t ignore. The five projects above bring excitement, but Arctic Pablo Coin (APC) is in another league. With a presale that’s almost sold out, a 100% bonus for buyers, and analysts predicting up to 11,263% upside, APC has secured its spot as the top new meme coin to invest in now. From presale to PancakeSwap to Coinstore, APC is charging full speed into the crypto spotlight!

Those who hesitate may look back at this moment, wishing they had acted sooner. The APC presale is closing fast, and with whales already securing millions of tokens, the chance to enter at $0.00088 won’t last. Join the Arctic Pablo adventure today and lock in potential returns before the presale ends.

For More Information:

Arctic Pablo Coin: https://www.arcticpablo.com/ 

Telegram: https://t.me/ArcticPabloOfficial 

Twitter: https://x.com/arcticpabloHQ

FAQs

What’s the next big meme coin?
 Arctic Pablo Coin (APC) is widely being discussed as the next major breakout due to its presale stage momentum, high ROI projections, and strong community backing.

Which meme coin to buy right now?
 APC stands out for 2025 thanks to its ongoing presale bonus, staking rewards, and scarcity-driven tokenomics. Other projects include SHIB, ALI, and MIGGLES.

How to find a meme coin presale?
 APC’s presale is live and closing fast. Investors can participate directly via its official site, with payment accepted in BTC, ETH, BNB, USDT, and more.

Do meme coins have a future?
 Yes. Meme coins like SHIB and DOGE have already proven staying power. New entrants like APC add utility and community-driven narratives, which keeps the sector thriving.

What is the best crypto presale to invest in 2025?
 Arctic Pablo Coin (APC) is being ranked among analysts as the most lucrative presale due to its 1718% ROI potential from listing price, with even higher upside possible.

Summary

Meme coins have turned into high-stakes investments in 2025, with whales focusing on projects that combine strong communities with unique branding. This article highlighted six tokens attracting attention: Arctic Pablo Coin (APC), Artificial Liquid Intelligence (ALI), Mr. Miggles (MIGGLES), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Peanut the Squirrel (PNUT), and Zerebro (ZEREBRO). Out of all of them, APC dominates thanks to its narrative-driven presale, staking rewards, deflationary burns, and the BONUS100 offer, which doubles tokens instantly. Stage 37 is nearly complete, priced at $0.00088, and early buyers stand to gain up to 1718% ROI at listing — with projections as high as 11,263%. With whales already buying in bulk, APC is considered the top new meme coin to invest in now.

DBS Launches Tokenized Structured Notes on Ethereum Targeting Institutional Investors

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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6

Singapore’s largest bank, DBS, has launched tokenized structured notes on the Ethereum public blockchain, targeting accredited and institutional investors.

These notes, distributed through platforms like ADDX, DigiFT, and HydraX, are crypto-linked participation notes that pay cash returns when cryptocurrency prices rise while incorporating safeguards to limit losses during market downturns. By tokenizing the notes into $1,000 units—down from the traditional $100,000 minimum—DBS enhances liquidity and accessibility, making them more fungible and easier to trade.

The bank reported over $1 billion in trading volume for these instruments in the first half of 2025, with a 60% increase from Q1 to Q2. This move aligns with Singapore’s push to become a global hub for tokenized finance, supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian and Global Layer One initiatives.

DBS plans to expand tokenization to equity- and credit-linked notes, reflecting growing institutional demand for digital assets. By lowering the minimum investment from $100,000 to $1,000, tokenization makes structured notes accessible to a broader range of accredited and institutional investors.

This could expand the investor pool, increase market participation, and drive demand for tokenized financial products in Singapore and beyond. Tokenized notes are more fungible and easier to trade on digital platforms like ADDX, DigiFT, and HydraX.

This improves liquidity compared to traditional structured notes, which often have limited secondary market trading, enabling faster and more efficient transactions. DBS’s initiative aligns with Singapore’s ambition to lead in digital asset innovation, supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) Project Guardian and Global Layer One.

This strengthens Singapore’s position as a global hub for tokenized finance, potentially attracting more fintech and blockchain firms.  The issuance of tokenized notes on the Ethereum blockchain signals growing institutional confidence in public blockchains for financial applications.

Portfolio Diversification and Risk Management

The crypto-linked participation notes offer returns tied to cryptocurrency price increases while incorporating safeguards to limit losses. This appeals to investors seeking exposure to digital assets with controlled risk, potentially diversifying portfolios in a volatile market.

The success of DBS’s tokenized notes could prompt regulators to further refine frameworks for digital assets, balancing innovation with investor protection. Singapore’s proactive regulatory approach may set a global standard for tokenized securities.

DBS’s plans to tokenize equity- and credit-linked notes suggest a broader shift toward tokenizing diverse asset classes. This could reshape capital markets, enabling fractional ownership and new investment opportunities across asset types.

Benefits of Tokenization

Tokenization divides high-value assets into smaller, affordable units (e.g., $1,000 vs. $100,000), lowering barriers to entry and enabling more investors to participate. Digital tokens are easily tradable on blockchain-based platforms, reducing friction and enhancing liquidity compared to traditional securities.

Blockchain’s immutable ledger ensures transparent, tamper-proof records of ownership and transactions, reducing counterparty risk and enhancing trust. Tokenization streamlines processes like issuance, settlement, and custody by leveraging smart contracts, reducing intermediaries and operational costs.

Tokenized assets can be traded on digital platforms accessible worldwide, expanding market reach and enabling 24/7 trading without geographic restrictions. Smart contracts embedded in tokenized assets enable automated features like dividend payments or risk safeguards, improving efficiency and customization.

DBS’s tokenized structured notes demonstrate how tokenization can transform traditional finance, offering scalability, efficiency, and inclusivity while positioning Singapore as a leader in the global digital asset landscape.

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