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All Posts in "Month: July 2025"

Blord Group Launches Blunt Gadgets, Targets Made-in-Nigeria Production by 2026

In a bold move to redefine the gadget and accessories market in Nigeria, Blord Group, a Bitcoin-based financial services company, has officially launched its wide range of Blunt Gadgets and Accessories at the Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotel, Awka.
The launch, held over the weekend, marked a significant milestone in the company’s diversification journey and was themed “Enough Is Enough for Fake Products.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blord Group, Linus Williams Ifejika, said the decision to venture into gadgets was borne out of a difficult personal experience – an unwarranted detention by security agents that disrupted his financial services business.
“After that incident, God gave me the vision to go into gadgets and accessories that will be useful and durable for Nigerians,” he said.
Sharing his experience sourcing suppliers in China, Ifejika revealed that he was initially offered substandard products simply because he was Nigerian.
“The first factory I visited tried to sell me the same low-quality gadgets they offer to most Nigerian traders. I walked away. I later met a principled manufacturer whose products meet global standards. Ironically, most Nigerian importers avoid them because they refuse to cut corners,” he recounted.
Blord Group has since partnered with the high-quality Chinese manufacturer and is confident enough in the durability of its Blunt products to offer a six-month to one-year warranty.
Beyond importation, Ifejika disclosed that the company is laying the groundwork to begin local manufacturing of Blunt-branded smartphone accessories and electronics in Ebenebe, Anambra State.
“Blunt products will be manufactured in Nigeria. By 2026, we hope to have fully made-in-Nigeria gadgets,” he said.
According to him, the Ebenebe facility will serve not only as a production hub but also as a platform for youth employment, with the initial phase expected to engage over 500 workers.
He also noted that the firm is investing in product repackaging and brand repositioning to tackle the proliferation of fake and substandard gadgets in the Nigerian market.
“We launched these products to eradicate fake chargers. Nigerians have suffered for too long,” he added.
The event drew a crowd of enthusiastic guests, including notable personalities like White Smoke, Osinachi Blord, and Iyke Best, who praised the innovation and quality of the products.
They lauded the initiative as a model of the think-home philosophy and urged other affluent Ndi Anambra to channel investments back into the state.
A key highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Blunt products, including smartphone chargers, power banks, trackers, and sundry accessories, which immediately attracted interest from distributors and retailers.
With its bold expansion plan and quality assurance commitment, Blord Group is positioning Blunt as a trusted brand in Nigeria’s growing consumer electronics market.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
Union Bank Strengthens Sustainability Leadership With Symposium On World Environment Day 2025

World Environment Day: Union Bank strengthens sustainability leadership with donations - Blueprint Newspapers Limited

 

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, a leading advocate for environmental sustainability and ESG in Africa, marked World Environment Day 2025 by partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to host a high-impact symposium themed “Ending Plastic Pollution” at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.

 

The event brought together corporate leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders to address the urgent challenge of plastic pollution and champion innovative solutions for a cleaner future.

 

The symposium featured thought-provoking discussions on the environmental and economic risks posed by plastic waste.

 

Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said, “At Union Bank, sustainability goes beyond banking. We are dedicated to empowering communities with knowledge and resources, like recycling initiatives to tackle plastic pollution and rejuvenate our environment.”

 

In line with this commitment, Union Bank extended its impact through an educational outreach in Lagos secondary schools, donating recycling bins and raising awareness about environmental preservation among young Nigerians.

 

These efforts are part of the bank’s broader UnionCares platform, which drives impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Nigeria.

 

The bank remains steadfast in promoting ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainable community development.

About Union Bank Plc:

Founded in 1917, Union Bank is a pioneer in the Nigerian financial industry, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” and unwavering commitment to empowering individuals, businesses, and communities through innovative solutions and sustainable initiatives.

The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. The Bank offers various banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
Shell Pledges Support For Nigeria’s Ambitions For Energy Sufficiency

By Amaka Obiefuna

Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and production Company Limited, Ronald Adams… Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

Shell says it will continue to explore opportunities to invest in Nigeria as the country aims to achieve energy abundance.

Speaking at a panel session at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja , Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) Ronald Adams referred to the expansion of its stake in the Bonga field, the FID on Bonga North and several other projects being considered including Bonga Southwest and HI as Shell’s vote of confidence in the future of Nigeria. But he declined to give specific timing on FIDs including that on HI.

 

Discussions at the panel session were based on the theme, “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance,” and featured chief executives of oil companies and government functionaries who proposed steps towards achieving energy sufficiency as Nigeria targets net-zero emissions from fossil fuel by 2050.

 

Ronald said SNEPCo would build on its contributions to energy abundance by becoming more efficient and improve value across the value chain by working closely with the Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) and other stakeholders. “There is a requirement for us to push the envelope. We cannot rest on our oars,” he said.

 

He explained that Nigeria can achieve the ambition of net-zero emissions and at the same time provide cost-effective and efficient energy for a rising population by optimizing investments in hydrocarbon energy sources and quick renewable opportunities.

 

On the efforts of Shell towards net-zero emissions, the Managing Director said the company’s refreshed Powering Progress strategy aims to accelerate the transition “purposefully and profitably to low-carbon businesses by the early 2030s.”

 

He added: “It is important that government continues to support these efforts and those of other industry players through the right polices and creation of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.”

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
SquirrelPR Launches GoBorderless.Africa To Reinvent Sponsored Content Distribution

By Winifred Bosa

 African PR technology company, SquirrelPR has unveiled GoBorderless.Africa, a no-subscription, on-demand sponsored content marketplace designed to radically improve how brand, communication, and marketing teams execute media visibility campaigns across Africa.

GoBorderless.Africa enables users to place sponsored press articles directly with verified news outlets in multiple African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire, all from a single, self-serve platform. Whether launching a new product, announcing a strategic partnership, running a perception campaign, or implementing a regional SEO backlink strategy, users can now browse a catalogue of top-tier publishers, view their pricing and publishing terms, and submit stories directly for review.

“For far too long, African communications professionals have had to work with fragmented, informal processes just to secure media placements,” said James Ezechukwu, Co-founder of SquirrelPR. “GoBorderless.Africa replaces that friction with structure, transparency, and speed – it’s modern media buying for modern storytelling.”

Publications available on the platform include TechCabal, Pulse Ghana, Nairametrics, The Africa Report, BusinessDay, Business Insider Africa, and others. Each listing includes the outlet’s name, pricing, turnaround time, and category – allowing users to build targeted, cross-border campaigns with speed and clarity.

Africa’s media landscape remains among the most fragmented in the world. Thousands of newsrooms operate independently across regions and languages, with no centralized pricing or editorial standards. As a result, communications teams often struggle to scale their visibility across multiple markets without relying on expensive PR agencies, ad hoc freelance agents, or inconsistent delivery timelines. Worse, payments to media partners are often difficult across borders, leading to project delays and failed executions.

GoBorderless.Africa bridges this gap. By centralizing discovery, pricing, publishing, and payment into one trusted platform, it helps agencies, government communication teams, and in-house marketers execute with confidence. It also offers media outlets a new revenue model by monetizing sponsored editorial space without compromising credibility.

“We’re enabling professionals to tell bigger stories, in bigger places,” Ezechukwu added. “And we’re giving African media a stronger bridge to the brands that want to support them.”

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
ADVAN Congratulates Dr Bolajoko Bayo-AjayiI On Election As NIMN President

By Winifred Bosa
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, FNIMN, on her recent election as the first female President and Chairman of Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
Her appointment is a fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership, longstanding commitment to excellence, and passionate advocacy for the growth and professionalism of marketing in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the President of ADVAN, Mr. Osamede Uwubanmwen, said: “Dr. Bayo-Ajayi’s emergence as NIMN President marks a significant milestone for the marketing industry. Her track record of dedication and impact gives us great confidence in her ability to steer the Institute toward new levels of relevance and excellence.”
He noted that her distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape and we are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector.’’
“ADVAN recognizes the pivotal role NIMN plays in promoting ethical standards, capacity development, and progressive policy frameworks in the Nigerian marketing ecosystem. We extend our best wishes to Dr. Bayo-Ajayi for a successful and impactful tenure, while we remain excited about the future of marketing in Nigeria under her capable leadership.
ADVAN looks forward to a strong and strategic partnership that will further strengthen the industry and drive sustainable development’’, he concluded.
ADVAN has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Institute and other stakeholders to foster innovation, knowledge-sharing, and initiatives that will uplift the profession and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
Commissioner For Insurance, CIIN President Laud IMT For Advancing Tech-Driven Insurance In Nigeria

By Amaka Obiefuna

 

The Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) and the CEO of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, and the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mrs Yetunde Ilori, have both commended Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) Conference for its transformative role in accelerating digital adoption and innovation in Nigeria’s insurance sector.

 

The highly respected insurance leaders made the commendation during the Opening Ceremony of the maiden edition of the CIIN Insurance Awareness Week, held on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Lagos. The event, themed “Bridging the Gap: Advancing Insurance Through Innovation and Inclusion,” brought together key insurance stakeholders, policymakers, technology professionals, and experts to discuss the future of insurance in Nigeria.

 

Mrs. Ilori commended the consistent and rich discussions, as well as the relevance of the collaborative showcases, through which the annual engagement event has highlighted the importance of a technology-first approach in reforming the Nigerian insurance industry.

 

In his remarks, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin commended the work of IMT in reshaping the industry through innovation and the Convener’s commitment over the years.
“Digital innovation is no longer optional; it is essential to the growth and relevance of insurance in today’s Nigeria. Platforms like Insurance Meets Tech are not just forums for discussion; they are engines of disruption that are modernising how we engage with the insuring public. I want to commend the Convener for this disruptive idea, calling all to embrace technology and build the trust necessary to deepen insurance penetration across all strata of society,” he said

 

CIIN President, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, “The work being done by Insurance Meets Tech is reshaping how our industry operates—breaking traditional boundaries and creating room for innovation, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers.”

 

“This initiative is giving the insurance sector a much-needed edge, increasing acceptance and relevance while driving sustainable impact on the economy. It is clear that the future of our profession depends on how well we integrate digital tools and think into every facet of our operations.”

 

Odion Aleobua, Founder/Convener, Insurance Meets Tech (IMT), thanked the distinguished insurance thought leaders for the kind words, saying, “We are deeply honoured by the endorsement of Nigeria’s insurance leadership—Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin and CIIN President, Mrs Yetunde Ilori. Their support for Insurance Meets Tech reflects a shared commitment to transforming the industry through tech and digital innovation. This affirmation of our value creation proves that when regulators, practitioners, and technologists unite, we can build an insurance ecosystem that serves every Nigerian, digitally and inclusively.”

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in Insurance and Pension 0
900+ AXA Employees Campaign Against Domestic And Sexual Violence 

AXA Employees Take Campaign Against Domestic, Sexual Violence to Schools | Business Post Nigeria
More than 900 employees of Nigeria’s leading Insurance Company, AXA Mansard, have volunteered for different activities to combat the scourge of domestic and sexual violence against children across the country.
In commemoration of its annual social responsibility week, AXA Week for Good, hundreds of the company’s employees visited various schools across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, educating students and teachers on the identification, prevention, and reporting of sexual and domestic violence.
AXA Week for Good is the flagship volunteering programme of AXA Hearts In Action (AHIA), a programme through which AXA encourages its employees to contribute to positive societal and environmental impacts through volunteering, expertise, related financial support, and in-kind donations.
 “Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future. We share our knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters by helping vulnerable communities and people around us,” said Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard.
 Under the theme “Being a Girl Shouldn’t Be A Risk,” AXA Mansard employees participated in awareness walks to sensitize the public about the danger of domestic and sexual violence on children and the nation’s future.
 According to Adebisi, this theme presents the organization with an opportunity to demonstrate the social, economic, and ethical benefits of protecting the girl child. She said Nigeria’s 105 million children and adolescents aged 0–17 years represent about half of the country’s population.
“For a country betting its economic growth on the strength and human capital of its young population, the alarming rate and spate of Violence Against Children (VAC) threatens the future not just of our country, but of the African continent.”
 She noted that the staggering reality that 60% of Nigerian children experience one or more forms of violence before age 18 is a call to action for everyone, and “our employees are responding to this clarion call so that the thousand of Nigerian girls who go through physical, emotional, sexual and psychological violence can find safe places to get help; but most important, we can rid our society of perpetrators,” she furthered.
 In 2024, more than 50% of AXA Mansard employees, through various volunteering activities under the AHIA, clocked over 23,000 volunteering hours. Their dedication underscores the company’s deep-rooted belief that real impact begins with people.
As they continue to lead by example, AXA Mansard remains committed to championing initiatives that protect the most vulnerable in society. By empowering its employees to take meaningful action, the company continues to demonstrate that corporate responsibility goes beyond business  it is about building a safer, more inclusive future for all.
Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0
NAICOM Hands Over New Licenses To SanlamAllianz Life And General Insurance

 

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) handed over new licenses to SanlamAllianz Life and General Insurance Nigeria Ltd. in a brief ceremony held in Abuja.

 

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to supporting the growth of insurance entities in the country, while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory requirements. He urged the companies to prioritize good corporate governance, stability, and timely claims settlement processes.

 

The Commissioner reiterated NAICOM’s dedication to removing unnecessary bottlenecks and improving the insurance industry’s overall performance. He expressed confidence that the merger would enhance the companies’ capabilities and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Online Poster by — July 3, 2025 in News 0

By Winifred Bosa

FirstBank, the West Africa premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider has launched an advanced facial biometric technology on its mobile banking application- FirstMobile, along with other exciting features that includes:

• Facial recognition sign-up and activation

• Virtual credit cards for secure online shopping

• Instant credit card activation

• Flexible salary advances with 3-month repayment options

• General improvements, bug fixes,

These upgrades all aim to provide customers with a seamless, secure, and efficient digital banking experience.

The new facial biometric feature enables users to activate or register on FirstBank’s mobile app- FirstMobile securely, using facial verification. This feature also includes an advanced anti-spoof detection, to enhance customer account protection and ensure robust security.

This innovative solution effectively addresses the diverse needs of customers, including new customers, diaspora customers without cards, individuals with lost or expired cards, those who have opted out of card use, as well as customers facing card verification failures or lacking convenient access to card details.

This feature will provide seamless access to essential banking services, such as fund transfers and bill payments ensuring swift, reliable, and convenient transaction processing for all users.

The newly enhanced FirstBank mobile banking platform, FirstMobile, offers a comprehensive array of features and services designed to provide our customers with a seamless and innovative digital banking experience, no matter where they are in the world. With these substantial improvements, users can easily sign up and activate the app using just their face.

They can shop online securely with a virtual credit card that is instantly issued and always accessible within the app. Additionally, customers can activate their new credit card directly from the app to start spending immediately. They also have the option to access salary advances with a convenient 3-month repayment plan.

“With these new services now live on FirstMobile, we are confident we will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ digital experience.” remarked Chukwuma Ezirim, Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division, FirstBank. “FirstBank is committed to innovative ways of delighting our customers so that they can carry out their transactions with no stress and with utmost convenience.

We understand the importance of keeping up with the evolving digital landscape, and we are dedicated to providing our customers with cutting-edge solutions that make banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Our goal is to ensure that every interaction with FirstBank enhances customer satisfaction and builds long-lasting relationships”

 

To deliver on its promise of gold-standard banking services, FirstBank remains committed to advanced innovative solutions and robust secure security measures, to protect customer data and empower them to transact effortlessly and manage their finances effectively.

Winifred Bosa by — July 2, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Access Bank Highlights Leadership at Climate Governance Initiative Launch

Access Bank PLC has once again demonstrated its leadership in sustainable finance with a strong showing at the launch of the Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria (CGIN) Chapter, hosted by Lagos Business School.

Dr. Greg Jobome, Executive Director, Risk Management at Access Bank, was specially invited to speak at the event in recognition of the Bank’s pioneering role in integrating sustainability into its business model and its inspiring leadership within Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

In his presentation, Jobome provided a comprehensive overview of how Access Bank has embedded climate risk considerations across its governance structure, operations, and financial decision-making processes. He noted that climate change is a standing agenda item at both Board and Executive Management levels, with dedicated policies and systems in place to monitor and manage its impact.

Access Bank operates in 24 countries and serves over 60 million customers, with more than 18.5 million digital banking users and over 800 branches. The Bank has a capital adequacy ratio of 20.46% for its banking group and maintains a broad international footprint, including branches in Paris and subsidiaries in Angola.

The Bank has implemented a range of climate-focused initiatives including the measurement and reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, adoption of the  Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) model for financed emissions, and application of global reporting frameworks such as Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the recently launched International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) S1 and S2 standards.

To date, Access Bank has installed over 974 solar-powered ATMs, reduced paper usage by more than 72% through process automation, and achieved a 50% reduction in landfill waste at its headquarters through comprehensive recycling initiatives. Its Sustainable Finance Accelerator programme has supported numerous businesses in the climate space, providing funding, capacity building, and technical assistance. The bank has also reached over 63 million lives through social investments.

Dr. Jobome stated that climate considerations are integrated into credit approvals, capital expenditure planning, and the development of green financial products. These include offerings like Switch to Solar, Solar for Health, and mini-grid solutions targeted at supporting energy transition and low-carbon growth.

Access Bank has also issued Green and Sustainability Bonds and is the first commercial bank in Africa to be certified by the Sustainability Standards and Certification Initiative. Over the years, the Bank has received several recognitions including the World Finance Award for Most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria (twelve consecutive times), Euromoney’s Best Bank for ESG (Ghana), and the IFC’s Best Trade Partner in West Africa.

“Access Bank’s climate risk journey reflects   a long-standing commitment to building a sustainable institution,” Jobome said. “We recognised early that climate risk is financial risk. We did not wait for regulation; instead, we acted proactively. That decision has made our institution more resilient and positioned us to unlock new growth opportunities.”

Dr. Jobome was invited to speak because Access Bank’s journey in building a sustainable organisation and leading the Nigerian corporate landscape has been truly inspiring. The Bank’s proactive stance, deep expertise, and results-driven implementation have made it a model for other financial institutions in Nigeria and across Africa.

The Climate Governance Initiative Nigeria Chapter was formally launched by Lagos Business School as part of the World Economic Forum’s global network to promote climate-conscious decision-making in corporate boardrooms. The event brought together board members, C-suite executives, regulators, and sustainability experts to strengthen climate governance and drive corporate responsibility in addressing climate change.

Online Poster by — July 2, 2025 in Capital Market 0