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NLNG Commences Human Capital Training Initiative Amid Train 7 Project

Group photo of participants in the NLNG Train 7 Project Human Capital Development (HCD) Basic Training Supplementary Programme, Port Harcourt.

NLNG says it is committed to building Nigerian capacity as it launches its Train 7 Project Human Capital Development (HCD) Basic Training Supplementary Programme in Port Harcourt today.

The event, which took place in The Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, was graced by officials from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), including Mrs. Tarilate Teide-Bribena, Manager, Human Capital Development, alongside members of the NLNG Management Team, training facilitators, and the newest cohort of beneficiaries.

In his keynote speech, NLNG’s Nigerian Content Development Manager, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, (FNSE), described the programme as a milestone in NLNG’s broader commitment to achieving Nigerian Content targets and empowering the nation’s youth through skills-based development.

“This initiative further strengthens NLNG’s role in supporting Nigerian Content development, especially within the ongoing Train 7 Project. We are proud to sustain this momentum in collaboration with the NCDMB, whose visionary support continues to drive human capital development across Nigeria,” he stated.

The supplementary training is an expansion of the Train 7 HCD Basic Training Programme. It offers two distinct learning tracks designed to meet the diverse needs of participants: structured theoretical modules through classroom training, and practical, field-based experience through hands-on training. Each of these components follow a carefully developed curriculum with specific milestones to ensure that trainees graduate with both industry-relevant knowledge and applied technical competence.

“For the trainees, this is not just a learning programme—it is a launchpad for your professional journey,” Engr. Buowari noted. “I urge you to commit fully, complete all required modules, and take the certification process seriously. This experience could define your future.”

Beyond technical training, the programme is structured to holistically support the personal and professional development of each participant. Trainees will have access to healthcare services through Reliance HMO, ensuring their wellness throughout the training period.

They will also be enrolled in mentorship programmes designed to provide guidance from seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, wellness and support services, including counselling and emotional support resources, will be available to help participants maintain balance and resilience. Regular performance reviews and career counselling sessions will ensure each trainee’s progress aligns with their long-term professional aspirations.

These offerings reflect NLNG’s commitment not only to skill acquisition but also to developing well-rounded professionals capable of thriving in dynamic and demanding environments.

Engr. Buowari, during the ceremony, also recognized the dedication of NLNG staff and project teams whose tireless work behind the scenes made the programme’s expansion a reality. “Many hands within NLNG have worked tirelessly to make today a success. From those present in this room to others handling business-critical operations elsewhere, we say thank you. Your efforts are contributing to a more sustainable and empowered Nigeria,” he remarked.

The Train 7 Project, a significant expansion of NLNG’s production capacity, continues to align with Nigeria’s national vision for local content, inclusive growth, and youth empowerment. Through initiatives such as this training programme, NLNG is reaffirming its purpose-driven mission of “Inspiring a Sustainable Future.”

 

 

Meet Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro Newly Appointed Chief Operating Officer Of PenOp

 The Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) has announced the appointment and resumption of Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Anthonia brings with her over 15 years of extensive experience in business transformation, operations, and strategic delivery.

 

She has worked in a range of high-impact roles across business member organizations and central government institutions in the United Kingdom.

Her career has seen her lead and manage major portfolios, programmes, and stakeholder engagements—skills that are critical to the evolving needs of the Nigerian pension industry.

Welcoming her to the role, Oguche Agudah, Chief Executive Officer of PenOp, said: “Anthonia’s experience working with diverse and influential stakeholders, both in the private and public sectors, makes her a valuable addition to the PenOp team.

“A significant part of our work involves managing various interests across the pension ecosystem, and we are confident that Anthonia’s background equips her well to lead in this capacity. Her appointment is a strategic step toward strengthening our organization to better support the pension industry and deepen its role in Nigeria’s economic growth.”

In her remarks, Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro expressed her enthusiasm about joining PenOp at such a pivotal time: “I’m excited to be part of an organization that plays such a vital role in Nigeria’s financial and economic landscape. I look forward to bringing my experience to bear in helping move the association—and indeed the industry—forward. More importantly, I’m passionate about contributing to Nigeria’s economic development by supporting financial stability, improving retirement planning, and enhancing the long-term wellbeing of millions of Nigerians.”

PenOp remains committed to driving impactful investments and initiatives within the pension space and believes this appointment will significantly advance its mission.

Fidelity Bank Celebrates Children’s Day With Launch Of Read2Lead Anthology And Scholarship Awards

In a vibrant celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, leading financial institution Fidelity Bank Plc unveiled its Read2Lead Anthology—an inspiring collection of essays written by young Nigerians as part of the bank’s flagship literacy initiative.
Held at the Fidelity Grounds in Oniru, Lagos, the event was themed “The Fidelity Fantasyland 3.0” and drew hundreds of students, parents, and educators. The day was packed with fun-filled activities—from dancing competitions and face painting to arcade games and singing contests—creating lasting memories for the children in attendance.
A major highlight of the celebration was the official launch of the Read2Lead Anthology, which features superhero-themed essays written by 30 outstanding finalists from across the country. The stories, centered on the theme “Naija Superheroes”, showcase the imagination, intellect, and storytelling talent of Nigerian youth.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, applauded the efforts of the more than 3,000 students who participated in the maiden edition of the Read2Lead competition.
“Today is more than just the conclusion of a competition,” she said. “It is a celebration of vision, hard work, and potential. Through Read2Lead, we provided books, writing tools, and opportunities for creative expression to thousands of young Nigerians—helping them to read more deeply, write more clearly, and think more creatively. This initiative reflects our belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and shaping the future.”
She described the anthology as “a powerful testament to the promise of Nigeria’s next generation.”
“As you turn the pages of this collection,” Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe continued, “I invite you to see these stories not just as words, but as seeds—seeds of wisdom, leadership, character, and a brighter tomorrow.”
In further celebration of excellence, Fidelity Bank awarded scholarships worth ₦150,000 each to four outstanding pupils—Thiago Chukwudubem Agada, Nabeela Nia Rufai, Victory Alize Chukwuebuka, and Osinachi Olivia Onyeaghala—selected through the Fidelity Savings Loyalty Scheme (FSLS). These awards underscore the bank’s continued commitment to supporting education and rewarding academic dedication.
With laughter, learning, and literary celebration, the Fidelity Fantasyland 3.0 event brought joy and purpose together—leaving children inspired, parents proud, and everyone reminded that investing in the minds of our youth is the surest path to a better future.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
May 27: Air Peace Celebrates Children At Dual Events

As part of its ongoing commitment to social impact and child-centered advocacy, Air Peace Limited has  sponsored and attended the Parkland Amusement Center Children’s Fiesta and Raising Star’s This Ability 4.0 in celebration of Children’s Day 2025.

These dual engagements were centered on a shared goal: honouring children and creating inclusive spaces where every child’s voice is heard and valued.

At the Parkland Children’s Fiesta, children from various underprivileged schools gathered for a vibrant day filled with fun activities, games, and refreshments. The event, held at Parkland Amusement Park, Lagos, brought together children from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of unity and happiness.

Air Peace sponsored 40 children to attend the event, ensuring they experienced the joy and excitement of the day. Alongside prominent brands like Chocolate City, Mavin Records, Ryno Auto, and others, Air Peace stood out for its commitment to celebrating the voices and dreams of Nigerian children.

Simultaneously, Air Peace also lent its support to Raising Star’s This Ability 4.0, an annual advocacy event held at The Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos, and designed to spotlight and celebrate the abilities of children living with disabilities. With the powerful theme “Empowering Every Voice,” the event focused on inclusion, awareness, and empowerment.

This Ability 4.0 featured an art exhibition session showcasing the creativity of children with disabilities, a talent competition including fashion, music, and visual arts showcase, a dance competition involving inclusive schools, and seminars for parents, advocates, and tutors of children living with disabilities, as well as financial grants to support youth-led SMEs and young adults with disabilities.

AIICO Insurance Brings Joy And Hope To Visually Impaired Children On Children’s Day

In commemoration of this year’s Children’s Day, AIICO Insurance Plc extended heartfelt support and companionship to the children at Bethesda Home & School for the Blind, as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusive and impactful corporate social responsibility.
The visit was a day filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connection. Beyond the donation of essential food items and gifts, AIICO staff spent quality time with the 286 children at the home listening, learning, and sharing laughter. A beautifully decorated cake was also presented to the children, adding a celebratory note to a day that left lasting smiles and cherished memories.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo, AIICO’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, emphasized the importance of mindful inclusion in society:
“Children’s Day is a powerful reminder of the hope that young lives carry. At AIICO, we are intentional about reaching every child, especially those who are less privileged or differently abled. Our visit to Bethesda is about more than giving; it’s about recognizing their worth, reminding them that they matter, and reaffirming our belief that they belong and have a bright future ahead.”
The leadership of Bethesda Home & School for the Blind expressed deep appreciation for the visit and generosity shown by AIICO, noting the positive emotional impact it had on both the children and staff.
This initiative is part of AIICO Insurance Plc’s broader strategy to drive meaningful social change- championing education, inclusion, and the well-being of vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
About AIICO Insurance Plc
AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 60-year legacy of delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.
Fidelity Bank Wins ‘Most Improved Commercial Bank’ at Inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards

 

For its outstanding financial performance and strategic growth, Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading tier-one financial institution, has been honoured with the Most Improved Commercial Bank of the Year award at the inaugural Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards.

 

Organized by Nigeria’s premier financial media platform, Nairametrics, the awards were launched to recognize individuals, institutions, and policy reforms that have significantly shaped Nigeria’s capital markets. The initiative seeks to spotlight excellence in areas such as regulatory leadership, corporate governance, investment performance, and financial innovation.

 

“This award is a testament to the tremendous work we are doing at Fidelity Bank—not only in delivering superior service to our customers, but also in driving economic growth and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders,” said an elated Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. “We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to helping individuals grow, businesses thrive, and economies prosper.”

 

The awards ceremony, held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Civic Center in Lagos, drew an esteemed audience, including Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as industry leaders, regulators, media executives, and capital market stakeholders.

 

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), underscored the need for continuous evolution in financial markets. “Markets must become more efficient, secure, and innovative to fulfill their promise. In Nigeria, we are committed to building a resilient, inclusive, transparent, and future-ready capital market,” he stated.

 

Ugo Obi-Chukwu, Founder and CEO of Nairametrics, shared the vision behind the awards, saying, “The Capital Market Choice Awards is our way of reinforcing the core values that sustain a healthy capital ecosystem—trust, performance, and progress.”

 

Fidelity Bank’s recognition comes on the heels of a stellar 2024 financial year. The bank posted an exceptional 210% growth in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching ₦385.2 billion—the largest year-on-year PBT increase recorded in the Nigerian banking industry for the year.

 

Further demonstrating its leadership, Fidelity Bank spearheaded the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization drive with a highly successful Public Offer and Rights Issue, which were oversubscribed by 237.9% and 137.7% respectively—solidifying investor confidence in the bank’s strategic direction.

 

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

 

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Why Airtel Is Doubling Down On Children’s Education And Marketable Skills

Every May 27, we must pause to celebrate the dreams, energy, and potential of Nigeria’s greatest resource: our children. Children’s Day is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful national reminder that the future we hope to build depends largely on the investments we make in our young people today.

 

As an organization, Airtel Nigeria believes that this future should be inclusive, innovative, and informed by the realities of a rapidly evolving world. For more than a decade, our Corporate Social Responsibility agenda has prioritised access to education and digital empowerment. We do this not just as corporate citizens, but as stewards of a future where technology and talent must work hand in hand to elevate Nigeria.

 

Reimagining Education for Every Child

 

In partnership with UNICEF, Airtel Nigeria has been a proud driver of the Reimagine Education initiative, a transformative programme that has been closing the digital divide in classrooms by ensuring Nigerian children, especially in underserved communities, can access quality digital learning through platforms such as the Nigerian Learning Passport (NLP). By enabling zero-rated websites and apps, digital infrastructure, and connectivity support to schools across multiple states, this partnership has already reached over 800,000 children and 17,000 teachers with practical tools for 21st-century teaching and learning.

 

Beyond infrastructure, we understand the human element of education. That is why our long-standing, and still growing, Adopt-a-School programme has not only rebuilt classroom blocks and provided teaching resources but also sponsored school fees, uniforms, and meals for students in disadvantaged communities. Rather than being seasonal, these efforts are sustained, intentional, and anchored in our belief that no child should be left behind.

 

Doubling Down on Youth Development in 2025

 

This year, Airtel Nigeria is reaffirming its commitment to the next generation in even bolder ways. In March 2025, we made a landmark donation of ₦1 billion to the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, an ambitious initiative to train Nigerian youth in digital skills that are in high demand globally, from software development and cybersecurity to AI and data science.

 

Our support for 3MTT demonstrates a future-facing vision: education must not stop in the classroom. Nigeria’s young people need not just certificates, but competencies. They deserve access to modern skills that make them employable, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive. By backing programmes like 3MTT, we are helping lay the foundation for a workforce that can build and own the digital economy of tomorrow.

 

Partnerships for Impact

 

These commitments are not made in isolation. We continue to work closely with federal and state governments, schools, education agencies, and development partners to align our CSR projects with national goals. We understand that true impact lies in synergy, in finding where our strengths as a telecommunications leader can accelerate the country’s aspirations for inclusive education and national development.

 

In the coming months, we will expand our engagement with local schools through technology hubs, career mentorships, teacher training programmes, and community-led initiatives designed to inspire curiosity and cultivate excellence among school-age children across Nigeria.

 

Children First, Always

 

At Airtel Nigeria, we carry a simple truth in all we do: the future is already right here. It is sitting in our classrooms, logging in from tablet in a remote village, asking questions in brilliant language, and dreaming boldly without limits.

 

Children’s Day 2025 is a moment for everyone to recommit. To remember that giving a child access to knowledge is giving a nation access to greatness. That a skilled, educated child today becomes the innovator, journalist, teacher, engineer, or changemaker of tomorrow.

 

As we celebrate our children today, we must also rise to our responsibility to prepare them, not just with hope, but with tools. Not just with dreams, but with opportunities.

 

Source: FEMI ADENIRAN

Call For Entries Open For 19th Edition Of SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards

The organizers of The SERAS Africa Sustainability Awards are pleased to announce the official call for entry for the 19th edition of Africa’s most prestigious sustainability and corporate social responsibility recognition platform. Known simply as The SERAS, the awards have, for nearly two decades, spotlighted the boldest changemakers, the most innovative ideas, and the most committed organizations shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

The theme for the 2025 edition is “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth,” a call for organizations to evolve from reactive interventions to embedding sustainability into the very DNA of their operations. It also serves as a response to growing concerns around greenwashing, encouraging companies to lead with substance, not just storytelling.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Mrs. Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Executive Director at TruCSR and Chairperson of The SERAS Local Organizing Committee, noted:

“As The SERAS celebrates its 19th anniversary, we’re not just marking time—we’re marking impact. Over 18 editions, we have catalyzed a new way of thinking about corporate responsibility, inspired companies to act boldly, and helped align Africa’s private and public sectors with global ESG imperatives. This is the award that sets the bar.”

With over 5,367 organizations from 27 African countries having participated since inception, The SERAS continues to recognize excellence across a broad range of categories that reflect today’s most pressing development issues. These include areas such as circular economy, climate action, environmental stewardship, water and sanitation, stakeholder engagement, gender equality and women empowerment, food security, financial inclusion, education intervention, health and wellbeing, workplace practices, poverty reduction, innovation, rural population integration, and supply chain management.

Additionally, the awards will honor excellence in partnership building, infrastructure development, transparency and reporting, and recognize standout performance by not-for-profits, social enterprises, and through media excellence in sustainability reporting across electronic, print, and online platforms. The highest distinction remains the Most Responsible Organization in Africa—a title earned in 2024 by Zenith Bank, which led a competitive field including NNPC Foundation, AbInBev, and Naspers & Prosus who placed 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively among 267 entries.

Entries open May 20 and close July 15, 2025. All submissions must be made via the official website: www.theseras.com. The grand awards ceremony is scheduled for November 29, 2025.

 
 
 
Newly Appointed MD/CEO Of NAIC Resumes Office, Pledges Inclusive Reforms

NAIC MD/CEO, Mr Yazid Shehu Danfulani (right) in a handshake with another government dignitary during a reception organised to mark his official resumption of official in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mr Yazid Shehu Danfulani, Tuesday, formally resumes office in Abuja, pledging to carryout reforms that would enhance inclusiveness in agricultural sector.
Speaking to members of staff of the Corporation and journalists at a reception organised in his honour at the Corporation’s headquarters in Abuja, Mr Danfulani highlighted his plans for the corporation, emphasising the importance for access to insurance, collaboration,sensitisation and access to finance to protect agro-allied projects against natural hazards.
He said the corporation will collaborate with all states government and other stakeholders to enhance easy access to insurance for agricultural and agro-allied projects against natural catastrophes.
The NAIC boss expressed worries that many farmers lack awareness about the function of the Corporation, especially in providing insurance,stating that the corporation would carry out sensitization across the country to enlighten farmers on measures to access insurance.
“We will ensure collaboration from the Federal Government to the State Governments. Most of these farmers are not aware of what NAIC is all about. We are going to do a very comprehensive awareness. We are also going to provide more funds so that the farmers would benefit.
My immediate priority is to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of NAIC by ensuring our services are more accessible and are also beneficial to farmers in Nigeria.
Agriculture sector possesses a lot of challenges due to climate changes and other problems that may arise from our localities. We have already conducted the SWOT analysis on our corporation. Mr. Danfulani solicited the support of the staff of the corporation, urging them to be more innovative in tackling challenges in the nation’s agricultural sector, particularly climate change and access to finance.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation and promised to carry out reforms that would enhance inclusiveness in agricultural sector.
Mr. Danfulani was appointed MD/CEO of NAIC alongside two other executive directors – Mr. Abubakar Umar Jarenggo (Executive Director, Operations) and Mr. Babafemi Ayandayo Rasheed (Executive Director, Admin and Finance) on May 21, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu for an initial term of four years.