Jessica Care Moore, Nicki Minaj

Jessica Care Moore Pens A Poem About The ‘Disgrace’ That Is Nicki Minaj

As Nicki Minaj continues to fangirl for Trump many observers, like Care Moore, are confused.


Detroit Poet Laureate Jessica Care Moore is using her craft to send a pointed message to Nicki Minaj as she embraces her new role as MAGA Barb. 

In recent weeks, Minaj has jumped headfirst into the political arena as a hype woman for President Donald Trump and his administration. Her last appearance seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Care Moore. In an Instagram post, Care Moore posted a video of Minaj during her latest visit to the White House in support of Trump Accounts.

In the video, Minaj waxed poetic about her love and admiration for Trump. She made it clear that she is unbothered by criticism stemming from her political alignment. In Care Moore’s caption for the post, she too waxed poetic. The “Motor City” laureate spoke to what troubles many when observing Minaj kowtow to the Trump and MAGA establishments. She questions the rapper’s “self-worth” and states that as Minaj holds hands with the “dictator,” she is a “disgrace.”

On a stage holding this dictator’s

hand & smiling when

nothing is funny about

whatever you

sacrificed, gave up,

swallowed

your dignity

evaporating with every forced smile

what a waste of

good weave & acrylic nails

what a disgrace to women

emcees.  every where

what a wild distorted fraud

of a scene,

millions of mics  at half mast

mourning the lost of

the heart, the beat, the core

that makes black art

the voice

of the people.

for the people.

not a  black barbie standing with

a saggy nut pedophile Ken

at her side.

We are the prize, not capitalisms

side chick.

Our backs already built this

country’s economy.

Go write a rhyme bout how you

turned the devil down.

Write poems that show our girls

our true wealth.

Go read

Nikki Giovanni or Nikky Finney.

I promise you will find your self worth

inside their pages.

Nicki, Don’t you know?!!

We are worth more than

what they could ever afford to

pay any of us.

-Jessica Care Moore

As Minaj continues to fangirl for an administration that has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement into major American cities to round up and deport immigrants, many observers, like Care Moore, are confused. The Trinidadian rapper is also an immigrant. Though she has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, the rapper had not sought to gain citizenship until a Change.org petition to deport her received nearly 100,000 signatures.

After one of her appearances, Minaj took to X to show off her newly acquired “Gold Card,” given to her by the Trump administration. According to the official government website, the Gold Card is a pay-to-play path to permanent residency. Minaj denies that her immigration path is the reason for her unexpected public political appearances and rhetoric. 

“Finalizing that citizenship paperwork as we speak, as per MY wonderful, gracious, charming President,” and “Gold Trump card free of charge.”

Whatever Minaj’s motives, many Black people cannot help but give the rapper a stern scoff and side-eye, Care Moore included. Long gone are the days when Americans avoided speaking about politics in favor of getting along. Many perceive the changes to the American landscape as a shredding of the Constitution, as death, detainment, and denial of civil rights are being captured on video and dismissed by the federal government. Minaj’s alignment with these actions leaves many public figures no choice but to denounce her as the “Queen of Rap”; her time as a cultural icon seems to have come and gone. She is now Queen of the MAGA Barbz.

RELATED CONTENT: Nicki Minaj Posts Pic Of ‘Trump Gold Card’ As President Helps Her Expedite U.S. Residency

Lauryn Hill, the miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Lauryn Hill, music, Apple Music, Jazz in the Gardens Festival

Lauryn Hill Will Perform Grammy Tribute For Roberta Flack And D’Angelo

Recording Academy confirmed Hill’s participation as part of the tribute honoring late music figures.


Lauryn Hill, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and former member of the Fugees, will perform during the “In Memoriam” segment of the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Hill is set to honor late music icons D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. The Recording Academy confirmed Hill’s participation as part of the tribute honoring the late music figures. The segment is scheduled to air during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, which will be held Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena.

For some, the choice is somewhat confusing given Hill’s reputation. The trailblazing creative is known for arriving late and canceling shows often. So much so that it has become a running joke amongst her fans. However, the Recording Academy’s choice seems fitting once considered. 

Both Flack and D’Angelo contributed to the rise of Hill’s star, ultimately making her the first Black woman and hip-hop artist to win the coveted Album of the Year Award. During her time as a member of the hip-hop group The Fugees, the band covered Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song. The single was the first off their debut album, The Score. The group turned Flack’s serene and whimsical R&B tune into a coming-out party for Ms. Hill’s talent. 

As with Flack, D’Angelo also played a role in the rise of Hill. While the two would be deemed contemporaries in the neo-soul era, D’Angelo debuted as a solo act nearly five years before. A master pianist and sultry singer. His duet on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’s Nothing Even Matters, showed that Hill could hang with the best that musical genius D’Angelo had to offer.

Black artists receiving nominations this year include SZA, Clipse, Doechii, and Leon Thomas. The Recording Academy has also confirmed that all nominees in the Best New Artist category will perform during the broadcast. The lineup includes Leon Thomas, whose nomination makes him among the youngest Black artists to appear on the Grammy stage this year. 

RELATED CONTENT: Recording Academy Honors Brandy With Prestigious Black Music Icon Award Ahead Of 2026 Grammys

Sonya Massey, father

Ex-Deputy Sean Grayson Gets 20-Year Maximum Sentence For Sonya Massey’s Murder

He was looking at 45 years originally.


The former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed under a second-degree murder conviction.

Sean Grayson, 31, appeared handcuffed in a Seventh Judicial Circuit courtroom as Judge Ryan Cadagin handed down the sentence. Under Illinois law, Grayson is required to serve 50% of the term, resulting in a 10-year prison sentence once credit for time already served is applied. Following his release, he will undergo two years of mandatory supervised release.

The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case that ignited national outrage and localized protests in the Cabbage Patch neighborhood, where Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, was killed in July 2024.

The hearing was defined by emotional testimony from Massey’s family. Her mother, Donna Massey, faced Grayson directly, echoing her daughter’s final moments by telling the court, “Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” She later expressed gratitude that the judge applied the maximum possible sentence.

Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, told the court his “soul is ripped” by the loss. At the same time, his sister, Jeanette “Summer” Massey, described the death as a traumatic experience that had fundamentally altered her life.

Grayson, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer that has spread to his liver and lungs, spoke briefly before the sentence was read. He asked the family for forgiveness, stating there were “no words I can say to take back the anger and hurt I caused.”

Grayson was initially charged with first-degree murder by Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser, a conviction that would have carried a minimum of 45 years. However, jurors were provided with a second-degree murder instruction and returned that lesser verdict on Oct. 29 after 12 hours of deliberation.

Despite the lower conviction, Massey’s father, James Wilburn, noted that Grayson remained unrepentant until his courtroom apology. Wilburn added that while he is satisfied with the state’s sentence, he is calling for federal authorities to charge Grayson with civil rights violations.

Attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, who represent the Massey family, called the sentence a step toward accountability.

“Accountability has begun, and we now hope the court will impose a meaningful sentence that reflects the severity of these crimes and the life that was lost,” the attorneys said in a joint statement. “We will continue to fight for Sonya’s family and for reforms that protect everyone from unlawful use of force.”

Outside the courthouse, protesters who braved sub-freezing temperatures erupted in cheers as the news of the 20-year sentence reached the street.

Grayson has remained in custody since his arrest. Before sentencing, Judge Cadagin denied the defense’s motion for a new trial.

RELATED CONTENT: Op-Ed: Coded In Red, White, And Blue; The Dept. Of Labor Posts A Confederate-Like Flag On ‘X’ And The Nation Stayed Silent

Diezani K. Alison-Madueke

Ex-Nigeria Oil Minister, Accused Of Corruption, Lived ‘A Life of Luxury’ In The UK

The trial began Jan. 26 at London’s Southwark Crown Court.


A high-profile trial began Jan. 26 at London’s Southwark Crown Court involving former Nigerian oil minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, who faces charges of bribery and conspiracy during her 2010–2015 tenure, BBC reports.

Prosecutors allege she enjoyed “a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” including multimillion-dollar homes, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel, and £100,000 in cash, all funded by businessmen seeking contracts with Nigerian state-owned oil and gas companies.

Prosecutors allege that Alison-Madueke, first charged in 2023, received additional perks, including £4.6 million for property refurbishments in London and Buckinghamshire and over £2 million ($2.75 million) on luxury goods at Harrods, courtesy of businessman Kolawole Aluko.

Aluko, head of his company Tenka Limited, also bought a mansion outside London for her family, covering bills, staff salaries, and renovations. Prosecutors say these benefits were given in expectation that Alison-Madueke would use her official influence to favor the givers, though there is no evidence she directly awarded contracts improperly.

Jurors were told that Alison-Madueke, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, spent part of her time in the U.K., where she was provided with a housekeeper, nanny, gardener, and window cleaner. The salaries and other household expenses were reportedly covered by owners of energy companies holding lucrative contracts with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria during the period 2011 to 2015,” said prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC. “During that time, those who were interested in the award and retention of lucrative oil and gas contracts with the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation or its subsidiaries, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company and the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, provided significant financial or other advantages to Alison-Madueke.”

Alison-Madueke is on trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, accused of bribing her and the former NNPC managing director, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who is not facing trial. Her brother, Doye Agama, charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, is attending via video link for medical reasons. All three have pleaded not guilty in the trial expected to last 12 weeks.

Oil is a major part of Nigeria’s economy, yet the broader population often sees little benefit. During the trial, Healy explained why the case is being heard in the U.K., despite alleged bribery connected to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“We live in a global society. Bribery and corruption undermine the proper functioning of the global market,” Healy said. “There is an important public interest in ensuring that conduct in our country does not further corruption in another country.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ghanaian Authorities Dismantle Nigerian-Led Cybercrime Syndicate

Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis To Step Down As Artistic Director At Jazz at Lincoln Center

The end of an era.


Wynton Marsalis, founder of Jazz at Lincoln Center, announced that he is stepping down as artistic director of the organization he founded nearly 40 years ago. 

What started as a summer concert series in 1987 started by then then-26-year-old Marsalis grew into a full-scale organization dedicated to performing, educating, and promoting jazz music.

“Our goal was to build an enduring jazz institution that would both entertain and educate by exposing multi-generational audiences to an often-overlooked aspect of American culture. I am proud of the tremendous progress we’ve made,” Marsalis said in a statement on his website. “JALC and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra have always been my main artistic priority as a musician and a citizen. As JALC approaches its 40th anniversary, there couldn’t be a better time for this transition.”

To support the transition, JALC’s board of directors has formed two committees. The first will work with Marsalis to identify candidates as a replacement. The second will oversee the search for JALC’s next executive director.

Greg Scholl, who currently holds the position, will step down in June 2026. The organization plans to fill these roles by spring 2026.

In a career spanning nearly five decades, Marsalis has recorded over 100 jazz and classical albums. The nine-time Grammy winner has collaborated with jazz legends such as Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1997, he became the first jazz artist to receive the Pulitzer Prize for music. The musician has also received the National Medal of Arts and holds numerous honorary doctorates.

Located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, JALC has been a stepping stone in the early careers of many notable jazz greats, including Jon Batiste, Samara Joy, and Roy Hargrove.

Jazz At Lincoln Center will dedicate its 2026-27 season to celebrating Marsalis’ career. The organization plans to announce the full season lineup next month.

RELATED CONTENT: Jazz Master Branford Marsalis Is Wake Forest University’s 2025 Artist-In-Residence

little rock, business, Black-Owned Businesses

6 Tactics Black Businesses Can Apply To Spur Revenue Growth In A Post-DEI World

Black small business have been forced to explore new revenue streams due to cuts in DEI initiatives.


Here’s a breathtaking statistic: Black-owned small businesses are among the firms that have lost $217 million in federal contracts since the DEI rollbacks started around a year ago.

The staggering number is according to a new analysis of federal government data provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE by the online community business platform Orisunn. The figures are from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Business Development 8(a) federal contracting program.

Many Black small businesses are among the largest groups that rely on the program. When the funding flow drops, those firms typically experience large revenue declines. These businesses are now being forced to explore new revenue streams, no longer just relying on Fortune 500 DEI firms for growth as they have for decades.

Further, the $217 million does not include needed aid from areas like SBA loans, corporate supplier diversity programs, state and local contracts, or the private sector.

The fresh focus is being driven largely by anti-DEI attacks by the Trump administration, which has changed how the federal government, federal contractors, and many companies engage in DEI. The DEI bans have cost small businesses megabucks, created uncertainty, and choked their growth.

Orisunn founder and CEO Bek Sunuu said the 8(a) program is the federal government’s main channel for routing contract dollars to disadvantaged and disproportionately Black firms. When the channel is cut, he explained, it can create dire setbacks for Black firms such as fewer new awards with anchor customers, reduced access to credit, and less commercial growth.

“In Trump’s first two months of controlling federal contracting, hundreds of millions of dollars that would have flowed through the 8(a) pipeline did not,” Sunuu said. 

Sunuu’s firm helps Black-owned businesses with access to capital, mentorship, and growth opportunities. It also connects Black entrepreneurs with new clients, mentors, and investors in a growing post-DEI world.

Before starting Orisuun in late 2024, Sunnu worked in corporate law and finance for 10 years. He is a former product leader at financial intelligence firm S&P Global. By launching his firm, he shifted his focus to building long-term infrastructure for Black-owned enterprises.

 To counter the scale back from DEI, Sunuu offered some tactics Black business owners can pursue:

  • Target mid-sized businesses that still have budgets, growth incentives, and are not government-influenced or -dependent.
  • Join regional and national Black chambers of commerce to revitalize them and grow their influence. Also, enter referral programs and discount networks to boost revenue, lower costs, and increase exposure.
  • Reframe language in your proposal that mentions minority- or Black-owned as that may trigger increased legal scrutiny. Use other options like “local” or “U.S.-based.” For consumer brands, propose the specific customer base you reach.
  • Focus your efforts on such areas as procurement and community investment. ESG and innovative partnerships when dealing with companies. That will help you shift from referencing DEI, a traditional business infrastructure that is essentially dead.
  • If your product/service can be adapted to be customer-facing, then seek out and cultivate direct-to-consumer channels and let go of traditional thinking when considering and evaluating potential partners. The bottom line: Black-owned businesses should be doing more business with each other, intentionally. Do more business with other minority-owned firms.
  • Be mindful that not all companies have rolled back their supplier diversity programs. These corporations still have needs that your business may be able to supply and support. If your business has a product or service that fits their needs, or if you have an existing relationship with the corporation, you should keep pursuing those corporate partnerships.

RELATED CONTENT: How To Master The Art Of The Follow-Up

Black history, classrooms, Florida

School Counselor Found Dead After Accusations of Messaging A Minor

Court records show Dixon had been placed on administrative leave about two weeks earlier after allegations.


A counselor at Westdale Middle Magnet School, who was accused of inappropriately messaging a minor, was found dead. 

Quinton Dixon’s body was found at the abandoned school, formerly Glen Oaks Middle School, hours after an arrest warrant was issued in the case. Police identified the counselor on Jan. 27 inside an unused building on the campus. The Baton Rouge Police Department said investigators believe Dixon died by suicide. The official cause of death remains under investigation pending autopsy results.

The former Glen Oaks Middle School campus, where Dixon was found, has been closed for years and is no longer used for instruction. Neighbors in the area told WBRZ they were shocked by the discovery and by the circumstances surrounding the case. One resident described the situation as “tragic all the way around, something that you really can’t explain about.”

Police said no foul play is suspected and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with Dixon’s death. Authorities declined to release additional details about the scene or the timeline leading up to the discovery.

Court records show Dixon had been placed on administrative leave about two weeks earlier after allegations were made that he was inappropriately messaging a minor, one of his students, on Instagram. According to reports, the messages were sent between early November 2025 and early January 2026. The communications allegedly included comments about the student’s appearance and offers to give her rides home from school. The arrest warrants charged Dixon with four counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, according to WBRZ

Though the investigation was newly underway, a man, who goes by @lionhearted__ on Instagram, has identified himself as the victim’s brother. In a post discussing the crime’s nefarious nature, he expressed hope that justice and “karma” were served.

“These kids need to be protected from Pedophiles like this weak a** ni**a @coachq220. . . . IM BIG BROTHER & I stand on that. My little sister will be dealt with the way a 14-year-old should, but as for this weak ass ni**a hopefully karma deal with him in the worst way. It be the ones you least expect. IDC if this ya friend, uncle, cousin, brother, daddy, we can handle it whatever way you see fit. I’m entertaining it behind the family.”

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System confirmed it was notified of Dixon’s death later that day. In a statement to WBRZ. The district said it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life” and extended condolences to the school community and Dixon’s family. District officials said they could not comment further on the ongoing investigation but emphasized that student safety is a top priority. Investigators said the criminal case related to the allegations will not proceed further due to Dixon’s death.

RELATED CONTENT: Teacher Arrested For Piss Poor Decision Of Urinating In A Classroom Full Of Students

ICE, immigrants, citizens, video, agents

Anti-ICE Strike Goes National As Protesters Stage Economic Blackout Across America

The National Shutdown will take place Jan. 30 as all against ICE prepare for the economic blackout.


A general strike against ICE, set for Jan. 30, is gaining momentum as organizers hope to expand the event.

The strike aims for all participants to skip work, school, and shopping in protest of ICE raids taking place across many U.S. cities, especially in Minneapolis. The economic blackout hopes to show opposition toward immigration law enforcement’s activities, some of which have led to the death of two demonstrators.

According to Business Insider, the general strike comes on the heels of Minnesota’s own ICE OUT protest, which took place Jan. 23. As ICE agents’ enforcement activities continue to spread fear across American cities, with the latest death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti causing even more outrage, those against the violence will now band together nationwide.

The movement has even garnered celebrity attention, with some star-studded supporters promoting the protest on their social media accounts. “The Last Of Us” star Pedro Pascal and “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbender have shared the flyer as anti-ICE advocates continue to spread the message.

The national shutdown’s official website also listed several endorsers of its cause, including various unions, student groups, and social justice organizations dedicated to stopping ICE’s reign in America.

“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” detailed the site. “On Friday, January 30, join a nationwide day of no school, no work, and no shopping.”

The website also asserted that the President’s “racist agenda” will continue to spark violence across communities. Thus, the protest aims to demonstrate a hard stance against this initiative, which it claims jeopardizing people’s lives, regardless of their legal status.

“Every day, ICE, Border Patrol, and other enforcers of Trump’s racist agenda are going into our communities to kidnap our neighbors and sow fear. It is time for us to all stand up together in a nationwide shutdown and say enough is enough,” it continued.

Its inspired protest in Minnesota saw multiple businesses shut down in support of the blackout, using the dip in the U.S. economy to prove their discontent with the Trump administration’s ICE rollout. For those wishing to participate, the National Shutdown has a list of actions across several cities to ensure anyone can take part.

RELATED CONTENT: Ilhan Omar Rejects Intimidation After Being Targeted In Town Hall Assault

Chase Bank, Trump

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo To Match $1,000 Contributions to Employee ‘Trump Accounts’

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America join a growing list of major U.S. corporations matching contributions to enroll employees in the new "Trump Accounts" program.


Major U.S. banks are supporting President Donald Trump’s newly announced “Trump Accounts” by contributing $1,000 for each of their employees.

On Jan. 28, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo announced they will match the U.S. government’s one-time $1,000 contribution to their employees who open a children’s retirement account, known as “Trump Accounts,” CNBC reports. The moves coincide with Trump’s promotion of his pilot program, which deposits $1,000 from the Treasury into tax-advantaged accounts for children born in the U.S. between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.

“JPMorgan Chase has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the financial health and well-being of all of our employees and their families around the world, including more than 190,000 here in the United States,” CEO Jamie Dimon said in a release. “By matching this contribution, we’re making it easier for them to start saving early, invest wisely, and plan for their family’s financial future.”

Partly conceived by hedge fund manager Brad Gerstner, the program reportedly seeks to narrow the U.S. wealth gap by promoting long-term saving and investing from birth. Since its unveiling, it has drawn commitments from high-profile figures, including billionaires Michael and Susan Dell, Ray Dalio, and, most recently, rapper Nicki Minaj.

Bank of America announced it will match the government’s $1,000 contribution for eligible employees and allow workers to make pre-tax contributions to their children’s Trump Accounts. In a memo to staff, the bank praised the government’s “innovative solutions” for employee savings.

“We applaud that the federal government is providing innovative solutions for employees and families to plan for their future, and we welcome the opportunity to participate,” Bank of America said.

JPMorgan and Bank of America, the nation’s two largest banks by assets, join other major financial firms—including BlackRock, BNY, Robinhood, SoFi, and Charles Schwab—in matching contributions for the new accounts. Other companies and individuals have made similar commitments to fund employees’ Trump Accounts.

Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and CEO of Turning Point USA, announced on social media that the organization will match the government’s $1,000 contribution for every eligible employee’s newborn. Visa said cardholders can use rewards from everyday purchases to contribute, while Intel pledged to help employees’ children get a head start with its own contributions.

“By matching the federal government’s contribution, Intel is reinforcing our longstanding commitment to investing in our people and expanding the ways we support employees’ families as they prepare for the future,” the company said in a statement.

At a Treasury Department event, Trump encouraged U.S. employers to fund employees’ Trump Accounts, saying they will bring “hope and prosperity to every community.” The accounts are reportedly designed to help families save for college, homes, retirement, and other financial needs. Contributions can begin July 4, with families able to deposit up to $5,000 per child annually (excluding the government’s $1,000). Employers can contribute up to $2,500 per year on a tax-free basis, and funds generally cannot be withdrawn before the child turns 18.

RELATED CONTENT: Compassion Vs. Contract: Florida Bride Battles Venue For Refund After Fiancé’s Unexpected Death

PayPal, Rice, grant,

After Two Decades, PayPal Returns to Nigeria

The move sparked mixed reactions within the Nigerian community.


PayPal is returning to Nigeria for the first time in more than 20 years.

Through its PayPal World Initiative, the company has allocated $100 million to work with Nigerian fintech companies, enabling users to conduct local and international transactions. 

The Nigerian launch, done in partnership with fintech firm Paga, enables users to link their PayPal accounts to Paga wallets, giving Paga users access to PayPal’s network. The partnership supports PayPal’s strategy to acquire or collaborate with Nigerian fintech startups and gradually gain market dominance over the next three to five years, Business Insider Africa reports. 

Paga CEO Tayo Oviosu announced the partnership in a LinkedIn post, revealing that he first approached the financial giant about a collaboration in 2013. Oviosu noted that PayPal initially declined his proposal, suggesting that Nigerian fintech companies were still relatively new at that time. But he kept communication open with PayPal.

“Partnerships like this don’t happen overnight. They are the result of years of conversations, trust-building, regulatory work, and showing up consistently. I’m proud of the Paga team for staying the course. I’m grateful to the PayPal team for believing in the long-term vision. And I’m excited about what this unlocks for Nigerians participating in the global digital economy,” Oviosu wrote.

PayPal suspended its services in Nigeria in 2004, blocking users from receiving funds due to a high fraud risk. The company reported a surge in stolen credit cards from North America and Europe, allegedly used from Nigerian IP addresses. PayPal also cited issues with the country’s identity verification process. 

Although the partnership with Paga will provide wider access to digital money transfers in Nigeria, some remain wary. The move could threaten competitors and smaller fintech companies in the country. Consumers took to social media to express their concerns. 

“PayPal locked Nigerians out of the global digital economy for 21 years. No receiving payments. No withdrawals. Just ‘send-only’ status while our freelancers and businesses struggled. Now that we’ve built a billion-dollar fintech ecosystem without them, they want back in. The audacity, X user, Mrbanks wrote. 

PayPal’s share price has declined, including a 37.7% drop over the past year and a 75.6% decline over five years. The decline is primarily driven by intensifying competition in the Western market, particularly in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. 

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Minding Our Own Business—’ A Spotlight On Diaspora Enterprise and Culture: Lu Smith

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