First Asset Management, a subsidiary of FirstHoldCo Plc has recorded a significant milestone as its rating was upgraded to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-’ by DataPro, reflecting the firm’s strong fundamentals and sustained resilience in Nigeria’s Asset management landscape.

The rating upgrade, issued in DataPro’s latest rating report, underscores First Asset Management’s diversified income base, high-quality investment portfolio, and experienced team, all of which continue to support the firm’s long-term stability, sound governance framework, and consistent performance.

The improved rating highlights the organisation’s ability to maintain strong operational fundamentals while effectively navigating market cycles. It further reflects First Asset Management’s disciplined investment philosophy, prudent risk management practices, and commitment to delivering value-driven solutions to its clients.

Speaking on the upgrade, Ike Onyia, Managing Director/CEO of First Asset Management, stated, “We are pleased with DataPro’s decision to upgrade our rating to ‘AA’. This recognition affirms the depth of our investment expertise, and the consistency of our governance and risk management processes. We remain focused on sustaining strong performance while delivering reliable investment outcomes for our clients.”

In a related development, Agusto & Co. has upgraded the rating of the First Asset Money Market Fund to ‘Aa-(f)’ from ‘A+(f)’, further reinforcing the strength of First Asset Management’s product offering.

According to Agusto & Co., the upgraded rating reflects the fund’s consistent low exposure to interest rates and liquidity risks, as well as the fund manager’s commendable professionalism and prudent investment approach. The rating affirms First Asset Money Market Fund’s position as a formidable investment vehicle for capital preservation and steady income generation.

First Asset Management continues to maintain a strong position within Nigeria’s asset management industry, supported by its disciplined investment framework, experienced investment professionals, and a growing suite of products designed to meet the evolving needs of retail and institutional investors.

DataPro and Agusto & Co. are both recognized leaders in ratings and investment research in Nigeria, with extensive experience providing independent assessments across multiple sectors. Their ratings are widely accepted as benchmarks for evaluating financial strength, risk management, and business sustainability.

First Asset Management is a leading Nigerian investment manager within the FirstHoldCo Group. The firm has evolved into a full service investment platform, offering integrated wealth and portfolio solutions across the Group.

First Asset Management manages diversified strategies spanning fixed income, equities, alternatives, passive and quantitative products, in multiple currencies for a variety of individual, intermediary and institutional clients.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has said the federal government considers religious violence an attack on the Nigerian state, stressing that the protection of all citizens, regardless of faith, is non-negotiable.

According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Ribadu made the remarks in Abuja at the close of a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group session.

“Nigeria is a deeply plural society, and the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims, and those of other beliefs, is non-negotiable,” Ribadu said.
“Violence framed along religious lines is treated as an attack on the Nigerian state itself.”

In a follow-up post on X, Ribadu said the joint working group has recorded “tangible operational gains” in the fight against terrorism.

The working group was set up following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by US President Donald Trump, a label that often triggers policy actions aimed at ending severe violations of religious freedom.

At the meeting, Ribadu led Nigeria’s delegation, which included representatives from 10 ministries and agencies, while the US delegation, made up of eight federal agencies, was led by Allison Hooker, US under-secretary of state.

Ribadu said Nigeria-US security cooperation has moved from dialogue to action, resulting in the disruption of terrorist networks and transnational criminal groups. He also praised the US for supplying drones, helicopters, platforms, spare parts, and other support systems over the past five years.

Speaking at the session, Hooker said the US was committed to expanding its partnership with Nigeria, particularly on deterring violence against Christian communities.

“Today, we are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritising counter-terrorism, insecurity, investigation of attacks, and holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.

She added that efforts would focus on reducing killings, forced displacement, and abductions of Christians, especially in Nigeria’s north-central states

Anambra State will implement pro-rata salary payments for civil servants starting February 2026, targeting chronic Monday absenteeism from the long-running sit-at-home order, Information Commissioner Dr. Law Mefor announced Saturday.

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Speaking at an Awka briefing after the Executive Council’s end-of-tenure retreat, Mefor said improved security and transport have eliminated excuses for the four-year disruption, which cost the state trillions in lost revenue. “Workers enjoyed full pay despite staying away; now, no work means no pay for that day, calculated over 24 working days,” he stated.

Compliance measures include mandatory Monday clock-in forms, with markets urged to reopen fully amid bolstered security. This builds on a January 22 executive order docking 20% pay from teachers absent on Mondays.

Mefor warned that lost Mondays cripple revenue collection and productivity, rejecting alternatives like Saturday shifts as capitulation to agitators.