Business – National Infinity Magazine

GTCO reports N900bn as PBT for 2025 Q3 Unaudited Results

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or “the Group”) has released its Unaudited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements as of September 30, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Group posted profit before tax of ₦900.8billion on the back of strong performance on the core earnings lines of interest income and fee income which grew y-o-y by 25.6% and 16.8% respectively. The strong core-earning performance continued to narrow the y-o-y dip in PBT to 26%, thereby cushioning the impact of the ₦523.2bn fair value…

Tinubu leads top level dignitaries at Kolade’s service of songs

Editor

Dignitaries on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, during a service of songs held in his honour. The elder statesman, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. His family announced his death in a statement on Thursday, noting that he died peacefully. “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,” the family stated. The service of songs, which formed part of the rites…

Aggrieved customer sues Vesti Technology ₦100m for alleged data breach

Editor

Vesti Technology Solutions Inc., a United States–based financial technology company has been sued N100 million for alleged unauthorised publication of her financial transactions on social media. Through her counsel, Olumide Babalola, Esq., one Miss Odunola Risikat Kehinde is asking the Federal High Court in Lagos to declare that the fintech firm’s actions violated her constitutional right to privacy and the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. She is also seeking ₦100 million in general damages and a mandatory injunction compelling Vesti to delete the offensive post from its…

FirstBank Sparks Global Kindness with 2025 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Week

Editor

FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce the commencement of its 2025 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CR&S) Week, scheduled to hold from 27 October – 1 November 2025. Now in its ninth year, the annual event is a reflection of the Bank’s commitment to community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the ‘Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness’ (SPARK) initiative, FirstBank continues to build on its legacy of sowing seeds…

Access Holdings declaress ₦320.6bn Profit Before Tax in H1 2025

Editor

Access Holdings Plc (“the Group” or “the Company”) has delivered a profit before tax (PBT) of ₦320.6 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2025, a demonstration of its strategy, diversified growth model, and execution. Profit after tax (PAT) stood at ₦215.9 billion, underscoring the Group’s ability to consistently generate sustainable returns amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. Access Holdings recorded gross earnings of ₦2.5 trillion, a 13.8% increase from ₦2.2 trillion in H1 2024, supported by robust growth in interest income, which rose by 38.9% year-on-year to ₦2.0 trillion.…

Access Holdings Reports ₦2.5trn Gross Earnings in H1 2025

Editor

Access Holdings Plc (“the Group” or “the Company”) today announced its half-year audited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2025. The Group’s financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2025, reflect the resilience of our business model, the diversification of our revenue streams, and the steady progress to the execution of our five-year strategic plan. Gross earnings increased by 13.8% year-on-year to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025 from ₦2.2 trillion in H1 2024, driven by strong growth in interest income which increased by 38.9% year-on-year to…

FirstBank Integrates PAPSS into LIT app for seamless cross-border payments across Africa

Editor

FirstBank, the premier bank in West Africa and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is thrilled to announce the successful integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its flagship digital banking platform, the LIT app, enabling customers to make instant, secure, and local currency-based cross-border payments across Africa. PAPSS, developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables instant, low-cost payments in local currencies between African countries. Speaking on the integration, the Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products…

Access Holdings, FNBC Champion Africa’s creative and economic future at Création Africa 2025

Editor

The Création Africa 2025Forum concluded in Lagos after three days of high-level dialogue, exhibitions, and artistic showcases that celebrated Africa’s creative power and deepened France–Nigeria relations, following its successful debut produced by Mansa productions in Paris in 2023. Held from October 16–18, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programmebrought together over 3,000 young creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Anglophone and Francophone Africa. It served as a platform to celebrate African creativity and accelerate collaboration between artists, financiers, and policymakers shaping the continent’s digital and cultural…

Nigeria not on IMF’s list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies

Editor

The International Monetary Fund has revealed that Nigeria is not among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, as countries such as Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda continue to lead the continent’s growth trajectory in the world. The IMF said the five countries are now among the world’s fastest-expanding economies, buoyed by sustained policy reforms, improved fiscal management, and investments in infrastructure and manufacturing. The Director of the IMF’s African Department, Abebe Selassie, disclosed this during the launch of Sub-Saharan Africa’s latest Regional Economic Outlook at a press briefing monitored by…

Waves of Innovation: How First Bank turned Lagos into Africa’s Electric Playground, By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Editor

The Lagos Lagoon glistened in shades of blue and gold as electric powerboats sliced through the water, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd that lined Victoria Island’s waterfront from Saturday, 3 October to Sunday, 5 October. For two unforgettable days, Lagos became Africa’s capital of clean energy, glamour, and innovation, all powered by First Bank of Nigeria, the sponsor of the continent’s first-ever E1 Lagos Grand Prix. From the rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats echoing across the Marina to the sight of sleek, futuristic boats gliding silently on water, the E1…

Access Holdings, Coronation Group and Tate Modern showcase Nigeria’s Modernist Masters globally

Editor

A new chapter in African art history opened this week at Tate Modern, London, with the unveiling of Nigerian Modernism, a landmark exhibition made possible through a partnership with Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group. The exhibition, which officially began with an opening reception at Tate Modern, celebrates Nigeria’s pivotal contribution to global modern art and runs from October 2025 to May 2026. Bringing together 50 artists and 250 works, Nigerian Modernism traces the evolution of Nigeria’s modern art movement from the 1940s to the 1980s, spanning the late colonial…

Mission Possible – Unity Bank MD celebrates resilient frontline staff, reaffirms commitment to customer service excellence

Editor

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, has said that a service culture built on responsiveness and innovation will differentiate the impact that customer service can make in any organisation. Making the remarks at the flag off of the Customer Service Week 2025 in Unity Bank, Mr. Kolawole stated that “apart from constantly improving the way in which better customer support can be achieved, the increasing sophistication of our customers have made the Bank to also begin to focus more on customer experience innovation with…

Massive Honour: Jim Ovia named doyen of the Nigerian Banking Industry at the NGX closing gong ceremony

Editor

JIM OVIA NAMED DOYEN OF THE NIGERIAN BANKING INDUSTRY AT THE NGX CLOSING GONG CEREMONY Zenith Bank Plc’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, accompanied by the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. AdaoraUmeoji, OON, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, carried out the prestigious closing gong ceremony at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), marking a significant milestone in the bank’s continued partnership with the capital market and the official closing of the trading day. The ceremony highlights Zenith Bank’s strong relationship with the NGX and its commitment to transparency, accountability,…

ZENITH BANK PAYS N51.3 BILLION INTERIM DIVIDEND, CEMENTS POSITION AS A TOP DIVIDEND-PAYING BANK

Editor

Zenith Bank Plc, on Friday, October 10, 2025, made good on its promise as it paid a total interim dividend of N51.3 billion to its shareholders for the Half Year (H1) 2025, at N1.25 per share. This significant payout represents over 60% increase from the N31.4 billion paid in H1 2024, demonstrating the bank’s commitment and enhanced capacity to continually generate value for its shareholders amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment. The dividend payment comes on the heels of the bank’s audited financial results for the half-year ended June 30, 2025,…

Hydrogen leads Partnership with Umpaya and Rotary to transform e-waste into greener tomorrows

Editor

At Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited, sustainability is not an afterthought, it is a core value that shapes how we innovate, operate, and lead within the financial services industry. Earlier this year, we launched our flagship E-Waste Initiative in partnership with Umpaya, a leading environmental solutions provider, with support from the Rotary Club of Akowonjo District 9111. The initiative began with in-house sensitization on the dangers of electronic waste, followed by Hydrogen and it staff donating end-of-life devices ranging from laptops and phones to household electronics. For every device collected,…

DisCos get N28bn bailout for free meter rollout

Editor

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved the disbursement of N28bn to electricity distribution companies for the second phase of the Meter Acquisition Fund scheme, for the metering of all outstanding Band A customers free of charge. The order, cited as ‘NERC Order No: 2025/10—Order on the Operationalisation of Tranche B of the Meter Acquisition Fund’, took effect from October 6, 2025 and forms part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, which aims to close Nigeria’s estimated seven-million-meter deficit. In the new directive signed by NERC Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni,…

SMobile boss, Ifeanyi Adonu, to be arraigned by EFCC over alleged N10bn fraud

Editor

Kingsley Ifeanyi Adonu, a Nigerian telecom tycoon and chief executive officer of SMOBILE Group is currently facing allegations of an alleged ₦10 billion fraud and money laundering.Nigeria Travel Deals According to a report by SaharaReporters, Adonu, is set to be arraigned before Justice J.C. Aneke at the Federal High Court in Lagos on a five-count charge bordering on taking possession of criminal proceeds through multiple Nigerian banks. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Suit No. FHC/L/280C/2025, in the case titled Federal Republic of…

Access Bank delivers free healthcare services to over 300 people in Ikotun

Editor

Access Bank has reinforced its drive for inclusive development by hosting a rural health outreach in Ikotun, Lagos, under its “One Bank, One Continent – Together for Health” campaign. The outreach is part of the Bank’s wider ESG and CSI commitments to improving quality of life and driving real impact across Africa. The outreach, held recently, delivered free medical services and essential relief materials to over 300 residents of Ikotun. Services ranged from general health screenings and consultations to the distribution of vital supplies aimed at addressing both immediate healthcare…

Providus takes over Unity Bank as AMCON 34% shares to new investor

Editor

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has transferred its 34 per cent equity stake in Unity Bank Plc to Providus Bank. The deal, valued at N6.5 billion, covers 4 billion Unity Bank shares sold at N1.66 per share. The transaction paves the way for Unity Bank’s full integration into Providus Bank, subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance. The merger is designed to establish a stronger financial institution with an extensive retail network and advanced digital capacity, positioned to drive growth and stability in Nigeria’s banking sector. A source…

How Tinubu’s intervention save our refinery from sabotage -Dangote Refinery

Editor

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commended President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention in averting what it described as “the disruptive actions” of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria against the company. In a statement on Sunday, the company said the President’s leadership, through his ministers and senior government officials, ensured the restoration of order and stability to the energy sector at a critical moment. Recall that PENGASSAN had last week shut down critical oil and gas facilities over allegations that the Dangote refinery sacked 800 workers…

Our grievances not fully addressed by Dangote Refinery -PENGASSAN, may resume strike

Editor

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has clarified that it did not sign the communiqué that brought an end to its nationwide strike against the Dangote Refinery. The union, which began its strike on Sunday, suspended the action on Wednesday after the intervention of the Federal Government but insisted that its grievances were not fully resolved. PENGASSAN had accused the refinery of illegally sacking more than 800 Nigerian workers and allegedly replacing them with over 2,000 Indians. Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja…

Mass Sack: Why Dangote recalled disengaged workers

Editor

The Federal Government has announced that Dangote Group will recall workers recently disengaged from its refinery operations, following a resolution of its dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). It also confirmed that the affected workers will not suffer any loss of pay during their redeployment. Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said: “After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote…

Access Holdings, Coronation Group unite to champion landmark Nigerian Art Exhibition at Tate Modern

Editor

Access Holdings Plc and Coronation Group Ltd, under the leadership of Chairman AigbojeAig-Imoukhuede CFR, are proud to announce their joint support of Nigerian Modernism, the first major UK exhibition to trace the trajectory of modern art in Nigeria. Opening at Tate Modern in London this October, the exhibition brings together over 250 works from more than 50 artists, spotlighting Nigeria’s extraordinary artistic legacy from the 1940s to the turn of the century. This uniquely curated exhibition places Nigeria’s creative legacy firmly at the centre of global art history. For the…

OxygenX Partners JOMO Climate Change Initiative for Market Cleanup and Sustainability Advocacy in Lagos

Editor

OxygenX, a leading digital lending company committed to empowering people and businesses to thrive, has taken its impact beyond financial solutions by leading an environmental sustainability effort in Lagos. The Oxygen X team, in partnership with the JOMO Climate Change Initiative, executed a cleanup and advocacy drive at Ketu Market, Lagos on the 3rd of September,2025. The initiative was fully sponsored by Oxygen X and engaged key community stakeholders, including the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Ketu Market Leader (Baba Oloja). The market cleanup initiative directly reached…

FirstBank to launch tailored financial services for blind and physically challenged customers

Editor

FirstBank, the premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations. This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41%:59%; and 37% women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase…

GTCO Plc releases 2025 half year audited results, reports ₦600.9bn PBT

Editor

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period ended June 30, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Group recorded profit before tax of ₦600.9billionon the back of strong performance on core earning lines of interest income and fee income, which grew y-o-y by 31.5% and 33.0%, respectively. The strong core-earning performance doused the impact of the ₦493.01bn fair value gains recognised in H1-2024 which did not recur in H1-2025, thereby…

Electronic vehicle manufacturers says it will cut operational cost by 40%

Editor

The Electric Mobility Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMPAN) says electric vehicles will reduce operational cost by 40 per cent. The president of EMPAN, Dapo Adesina, said this on Saturday in Lagos, during the EMPAN certificate presentation ceremony for the free training for roadside mechanics on electric okadas and kekes. Adesina said that the association would continue to promote efforts toward transitioning to electric mobility in the country. He said that it was part of the reasons the association with its partners organised the training for mechanics, toward the repair and…

EFCC arraigns fake investor over $71,000 fraud

Editor

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned one Dennis Tamarakuro before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for offence of $71,795.41 fraud targeting a U.S.-based non-governmental organisation. The Commission, in a statement on its X account, said Tamarakuro, also known as Keisha Reynolds, was arraigned on a single-count charge of cybercrime. The charge reads, “That you, DENNIS TAMARAKURO (a.k.a Keisha Reynolds) sometime in December 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, falsely represented yourself as Keisha…

FirstBank partners Lagos for E1 Lagos GP

Editor

In line with its commitments of promoting sports and developmental initiatives at all levels, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is partnering the organizers of the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP an all-electric powerboat racing championship, set to hold between the 3rd and 5th of October 2025. Disclosing this at the E1 Lagos GP Stakeholder Immersion session in Lagos recently, Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication of FirstBank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that engender human development across the country while cementing legacies.…

FBI $10,000 bounty on Nigerian man, Olumide Adediran, wanted for bank fraud and identity theft

Editor

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a Nigerian, Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, wanted in the United States for multiple fraud offences. According to a statement on the FBI’s website on Wednesday, Adediran faces charges of bank fraud, identity document fraud and credit card fraud in connection with alleged crimes committed in Illinois as far back as 2001. The 56-year-old, who also goes by several aliases including Kevin Olumide Adediran, Eric O. Williams, Maxo Alexandre, Olumide Adkins, and Edward…

Ex-Super Eagles’ player arrested for N38.9m fraud

Editor

Victor Ezeji, a former Super Eagles player was on Monday arrested by operatives of the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over alleged fraud involving the issuance of dud cheques worth N39.8 million and alleged threats to life. Ezeji and his wife, Mrs. Celestina Onyemaeche Ezeji, were reportedly on the run since July 2025 after allegedly purchasing 60,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly called diesel, from a businessman, Dagogo Emmanuel, and issuing him cheques that later bounced. Police sources said Ezeji was arrested on Monday, September 22, 2025,…

Oscar ibru is dead

Editor

Billionaire industrialist and chairman of the Ibru Organisation, Olorogun Oscar Ibru is fead. He passed passed away at the age of 67. According to his family, Oscar died after a brief illness. No further details were provided regarding the circumstances of his death. Olorogun Ibru was central figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, he was the most prominent heirs of the Ibru dynasty. He played a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding the vast family conglomerate established by his late father, Olorogun Michael Ibru, with key interests spanning shipping, oil and…

Zenith Bank’s gross earnings hit N2.5trn, fetes shareholders with N1.25 as interim dividend in 2025 half year

Editor

ZENITH BANK’S GROSS EARNINGS HIT N2.5 TRILLION, FETES SHAREHOLDERS WITH AN INTERIM DIVIDEND OF N1.25 IN H1 2025 Zenith Bank Plc has released its Group financial results for the half year ending June 2025, posting an impressive profit before tax of N625.629 billion. Following this robust performance, the Board has approved an interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25% increase over the N1.00 paid in the first half of 2024, maintaining the Bank’s position as a leading dividend-paying Bank and reinforcing its longstanding commitment to rewarding its esteemed shareholders.…

EFCC freezes Sujimoto, Olasijibomi Ogundele bank accounts over alleged ‘₦5.7bn fraud’

Editor

Bank accounts linked to Olasijibomi Ogundele and his company, Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited have been frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦5.7bn fraud. A senior EFCC official revealed on Tuesday that Ogundele, who had earlier been declared wanted by the anti-graft agency, surrendered himself at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The EFCC is investigating Olasijibomi Ogundele for allegedly diverting ₦5.7 billion earmarked for Enugu State development projects. The Enugu State Government accused Ogundele of receiving ₦5.76 billion, representing 50% of an ₦11.46 billion contract for…

Providus Bank in EFCC trouble over $7m suspicious cash deposit

Editor

Details have emerged on how operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Providus Bank head office in Victoria Island, Lagos and arrested the bank’s officials over a suspicious $7 million cash deposit. According to sources, the raid followed a tipoff from an internal whistleblower who alerted the EFCC about unusual cash transactions at the bank’s vaults. The funds were reportedly deposited in raw cash on March 26 and 27, 2025, rather than credited into any customer account — a red flag for money laundering. Investigations however linked…

Access Bank supports women’s health with cervical cancer campaign in Akwa Ibom

Editor

Access Bank, in partnership with Help the Woman Initiative, has launched Project UWUS (Unstoppable Woman, Unbreakable Spirit), a cervical cancer awareness and screening campaign, designed to improve early detection, promote preventive healthcare, and empower women across Akwa Ibom State. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Akwa Ibom, with a prevalence rate of 22.1%. Limited access to healthcare, cultural barriers, and low awareness contribute to delayed diagnosis and high mortality rates. Through Project UWUS, Access Bank is working with partners to close this gap by delivering…

Access Bank Pushes for Youth and Diaspora-Driven Growth at IATF 2025

Editor

Access Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean economic collaboration at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025. During the event, Sunmbo Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer, The Caribbean Expansion at Access Bank, underscored the importance of leveraging Africa’s demographic advantage, strategic resources, and diaspora linkages to create new pathways for sustainable growth.She spoke on “The Global Africa We Want: Business Collaboration Without Borders”. “The Global Africa we want is one without borders in spirit, vision, or opportunity, an Africa where our youth, diaspora, and private sector drive collaboration that makes…

Kemi Akinyemi, ELITE’s Publisher releases book on Meshida

Editor

Publisher of The ELITES, Kemi Akinyemi has released the inspirational biography of Mrs. Delphine Olufunmilayo Meshida, an accomplished radiographer and matriarch of the Meshida family of Akure in Ondo State. Akinyemi, a seasoned journalist, author and former assistant editor of TheNews, said the book is about a woman of substance and steel who defied all odds to achieve greatness and impact humanity through selfless service. This, indeed, is what the book is all about. It is not just a biography that gives a factual written account of an individual’s life,…

EFCC arraigns fake investor, Emeka Nwite over $71,000 fraud

Editor

Access Holdings youth-led sustainability effort recognised by Pan-Atlantic University

Editor

Access Holdings recently welcomed students from Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), who visited the Group’s headquarters to express their appreciation for sponsorship of the EcoMalchemy Plastic-to-Art Project. The initiative, which turned discarded plastic waste into artistic masterpieces now exhibited in a museum, gave students an opportunity to explore how creativity can drive conversations around sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of their visit, the students presented a special award of appreciation to Access Holdings for its role in bringing the project to life. They were warmly received by Victor Willie, Head, Stakeholder…

GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

Editor

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (NGX: GTCO; LSE: GTCO), today announced that it has increased its investment in its wholly owned Banking subsidiary, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (“GTBank”) to ₦504 billion through a rights issue subscription for 6,994,050,290 ordinary shares of fifty kobo each made by GTBank for a total consideration of ₦365,850,403,572.67, thus increasing GTBank’s paid-up share capital from ₦138,186,703,485.78 to ₦504,037,107,058.45. This Capital Injection ensures GTBank’s compliance with the new minimum capital requirement for commercial banks with international authorisation stipulated by the CBN. The Capital Injection was funded…

Why Access Bank’s MD, Ogbonna resigned from Access Holdings Board

Editor

Access Holdings Plc has announced the resignation of Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, a Non-Executive Director, from its Board after three and a half years of dedicated service. The announcement was made in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi. According to the statement, Mr. Ogbonna will continue in his role as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, the Group’s flagship banking subsidiary. The company explained that his resignation became necessary to ensure compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Corporate…

FirstBank’s ₦1trn digital loan disbursement milestone and the era of inclusive lending in Nigeria

Editor

For decades, Nigeria’s credit system posed significant challenges for small businesses and low-income earners, who often struggled to qualify for loans. Traditional banks demanded collaterals, guarantors, and endless paperwork, effectively shutting out a large portion of the population working in the informal economy. FirstBank’s digital lending model flipped the script. With the launch of its digital lending model, the bank eliminated collateral requirements and slashed approval times from weeks to under five minutes. Loans now flow through multiple channels including *894# (the Bank’s USSD service), FirstMobile, LitApp, and the FirstMonie…

NAFDAC warns over fake Cowbell milk in circulation

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control on Friday raised the alarm over the presence of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk circulating in Nigeria. The alert posted on the agency’s website stated that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, which is the marketing authorisation jolder and manufacturer of Cowbell “Our Milk” informed the agency about the existence of a product bearing a close resemblance to the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet Milk. “This includes unauthorised use of the brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.…

World Humanitarian Day: Access Holdings reinforces culture of service and community impact

Editor

Every year on August 19, the world pauses to recognise the extraordinary courage and compassion of people who dedicate themselves to humanitarian service. World Humanitarian Day is more than a symbolic moment on the calendar, it is a global reminder that the strength of our societies is measured not by wealth or technology alone, but by how we care for the most vulnerable among us. For Access Holdings, this truth sits at the core of our purpose. We believe that the role of a modern business is not limited to…

Amidst pomp and pageantry, Zenith Bank celebrates 35th year anniversary with commemorative Dinner

Editor

L-R: Representative of the Nigerian First Lady and Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo; Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Wife of the Founder & Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mrs. Kay Ovia; Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky…

Access Holdings reaffirms commitment to Zambia’s economic growth

Editor

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman, Access Holdings Plc (left), and Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema (right), during a courtesy visit by Aig-Imoukhuede to the President at the State House in Lusaka, on Wednesday. Access HoldingsPLC has pledged its continued support for Zambia’s energy and agriculture sectors, following a courtesy visit and high-level discussion with Zambia’s President, President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House in Lusaka. During the meeting, President Hichilema noted that Zambia currently faces a shortage in power generation and transmission, and emphasised the need for increased investment following the recent openaccess…

FirstBank Agric and Export Conference: Charting a New Course for Non-Oil Exports

Editor

FirstBank, the premier West African financial institution and financial inclusion service provider is proud to announce the 2025 edition of the FirstBank Agric and Export Conference themed “The Fundamentals of Building a Non-Oil Export Driven Economy“, which will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre. Building on the momentum of previous successful editions, this year’s Expo reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural and non-oil export sectors as key drivers of economic development. The FirstBank Agric and Export Conference aims to keep Nigerians abreast…

Corporate Affairs Commission removes 247 companies from database (see the list)

Editor

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has delisted 247 companies from its database, stating that they were never duly registered as limited liability companies. The commission made the announcement in a notice posted on its official X handle on Friday, declaring that “the purported incorporation of the affected companies was invalid.” According to the CAC, the Registration Certificates (RC) numbers allegedly linked to the companies “had never been assigned to any entity.” It further urged the public to disregard any claims suggesting that the delisted companies exist as legal entities. SEE…

My own story by Comfort Emmasson, Ibom Air’s alleged unruly passenger

Editor

Comfort Emmanson, the embattled Ibom Air alleged unruly passenger, has spoken publicly for the first time since her release, narrating in detail what transpired on board the August 10 flight between her and crew members that eventually led to her arrest and subsequent remand in prison. Emmanson expressed gratitude to those who stood by her during her ordeal, via a video shared online. “I want to appreciate everyone who fought for me when I was in prison. The love and support I saw when I came out, I never expected…