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E1 Lagos GP: Lagos Trends Worldwide After Hosting Africa’s Maiden Water Racing Event

By Winifred Bosa

From L-R: Winners of The E1 Lagos GP Championship, Team Brazil; Timmy Hansen with Marit Stromoy, Team Drogba; Oban Duncan, Micah Wilkinson and Team Blue Rising; John Peeters and Sarah Misir, during the price presentation to the winners of the Championship at E1 Lagos GP 2025 in Victoria Island recently.

History was made on October 4 and 5, 2025, on the waters of the Lagos Lagoon as Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed victory at the E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank. The landmark event marked Africa’s debut on the global calendar of the E1 Series, the world’s first electric powerboat championship, and positioned Lagos at the forefront of sustainable sporting innovation.

The E1 Lagos GP drew thousands of fans to multiple viewing locations across the city, from the vibrant Official Fan Zone to the Ocean’s Club at Black Diamond Hotel and the Lagos Oriental Hotel Decks, which hosted premium hospitality experiences along the waterfront. The Official Fan Zone quickly became the heartbeat of the event, attracting young Nigerians with immersive brand activations, race simulators, live music, and a festival energy that perfectly matched the excitement on the water.

After an action-packed weekend of competition, Team Brazil by Claure Group finished first, fending off strong performances from Team Blue Rising who placed second, and Team Drogba Global Africa who finished third. Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin powered Team Brazil to victory, with Timmy Hansen named PIF Pilot of the Race. Racing was briefly delayed by a tropical storm over the Lagos Lagoon, but organisers and teams worked together to ensure the programme resumed safely and on schedule.

The outcome strengthens Team Brazil’s momentum as the season moves toward the Miami finale in November, while Team Brady retains the overall championship lead and a tight contest continues with Team Rafa. The Lagos event also reinforced the E1 Series’ sustainability mission, showcasing zero emission race technology and local legacy initiatives including coastal clean-up and mangrove restoration programmes.

The race weekend attracted local and international media, dignitaries and sporting figures and underlined Lagos’ capacity to host major global sporting events on its waterways. By successfully staging the first E1 race on African soil, Lagos joins Monaco, Dubrovnik and Doha as an E1 host city and affirms its positioning as a centre for innovation, culture and sustainable sport.

NDIC, CIBN Strengthen Collaboration In Emerging Issues In The Financial Sector

Amaka Obiefuna

 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Corporation and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in addressing emerging risks and challenges within Nigeria’s banking sector.

 

The MD/CE made the call during a courtesy visit by the President/Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, and members of his executive team to the NDIC Head Office, Abuja.

 

The NDIC Chief Executive emphasized the need for stronger partnership between both institutions in critical areas such as digital banking, cyber- security, fraud and forgery prevention, and sound risk management.

 

Mr. Sunday noted that while the phenomena of the emerging issues are on the rise, regulators and operators must come together to proffer solutions which help build a stronger financial ecosystem that withstands the vagaries of the innovations to deliver value to the economy.

 

While commending the growth of the CIBN as a professional body over the years, and its positive impact on the banking system, the NDIC Boss further called on the Institute to take critical interest in working more closely with regulators to fashion innovative failure resolution strategies that strengthen the overall resilience of the banking sector.

 

The NDIC boss reiterated the Corporation’s commitment to supporting professional institutions such as the CIBN in developing and implementing programs that foster innovation while maintaining sound risk management frameworks and financial system stability.

 

President/Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju congratulated Mr. Sunday on his appointment as Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Corporation. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the MD/CE to uphold the trust reposed in the Corporation by the public based on his sound track record and expertise.

He particularly commended the NDIC for its notable milestone achievements, highlighting the upward review of deposit insurance coverage aimed at strengthening public confidence in the banking system; the deployment of technology to expedite the reimbursement of depositors of the failed Heritage Bank; and the commencement of liquidation dividend payments within one year of the bank’s closure. Prof. Olanrewaju noted that these accomplishments have significantly enhanced depositor and investor confidence in the financial system.

 

The CIBN President also expressed appreciation to the NDIC for its invaluable contributions and active role as a member of the Institute’s Governing Council, noting that its participation has greatly strengthened the Council’s oversight functions, policy direction, and ethical leadership.

 

Fidelity Bank Set To Disburse NCGC N5bn Credit Guarantee Facility To Boost MSME Financing

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

Tier one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced its readiness to begin the disbursement of funds under the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) N5 billion Credit Intervention Scheme. The initiative is designed to expand access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as businesses owned by women and youths across Nigeria.

 

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the bank and NCGC.

 

According to Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, the partnership with NCGC represents a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic growth through increased access to credit. “This guarantee will enable us to further expand financing opportunities for those who need it most, while strengthening our capacity to support businesses across key sectors of the Nigerian economy,” she said.

 

The facility will cover critical sectors including food processing, secondary agriculture (such as fish and poultry processing), fashion, green energy, light manufacturing, the agricultural value chain (feed mills and equipment fabrication), export-oriented businesses, and education.

 

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted that Fidelity Bank has consistently supported diverse sectors through targeted initiatives such as the Green Energy Financing Programme for renewable energy entrepreneurs, the Fidelity SME Hub for small businesses with a special arm – Creativerse, dedicated to the creative industry and the Fidelity Bank Education Support Scheme which provides affordable financing for educational infrastructure and technology upgrades.

 

“With the backing of the NCGC credit guarantee, we can now extend financing to businesses that have traditionally been excluded from formal credit systems—without compromising our risk standards or operational efficiency,” she added. “While we have supported MSMEs with short-term facilities in the past, this partnership allows us to provide long-term credit facilities that empower businesses to expand sustainably.”

 

Over the past five years, Fidelity Bank has disbursed over N500 billion in loans to MSMEs, empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and creating sustainable livelihoods.

 

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of NCGC, Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, emphasized that the organization was established to bridge the financing gap faced by MSMEs in Nigeria by mitigating lender risks through credit guarantees.

 

“Although MSMEs are key contributors to Nigeria’s economic development, many of them struggle to secure funding from financial institutions due to perceived high risks,” he said. “Through the credit guarantee scheme, NCGC shares this risk with banks, making it easier for MSMEs to access much-needed capital.”

 

Mr. Okhaimo added that NCGC and Fidelity Bank will also collaborate to provide financial literacy and business management training to MSME beneficiaries, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their loans and achieve sustainable growth.

 

The Fidelity Bank–NCGC partnership reinforces both institutions shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and driving inclusive economic development across Nigeria.

 

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 a 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.

Redefining Power Solutions : Luminous Unveils Advanced Lithium , Solar System 

By Winifred Bosa

L-R: Movie Producer & Actor/Simba Group Featured Personality, Ramsey Nouah; Group Managing Director, Simba Group, Vinay Grover; Executive Director, Simba Group, Sohan Sharma; and Executive Director, Simba Group, Pradeep Balakrishnan, during the launch of Luminous Solar, Inverter and Batteries at Radisson Blu Ikeja GRA Lagos recently.

Simba Group, in partnership with Luminous Power Technologies, today hosted a landmark event at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to unveil the new range of Luminous solar inverters and lithium batteries. The gathering brought together the top 50 of Simba’s channel partners from across the country, underscoring the strong bonds that have defined the journey of Simba and Luminous in Nigeria.

The event was met with resounding success, as channel partners and industry stakeholders welcomed the new products with enthusiasm. Attendees highlighted Luminous’s pioneering role in shaping Nigeria’s inverter industry, alongside Simba Group’s unmatched strength in nationwide distribution and after-sales service infrastructure, as the foundation on which this next chapter is being built.

L-R: Product Manager, Luminous, Kulpreet Singh; Head of Marketing, Simba Group, Maureen Humphrey-Izzi; Group Managing Director, Simba Group, Vinay Grover; Retail Head, Simba Group, Bimpe Adebisi; and Simba Nigeria Business Manager for Luminous, Wasi Mohammed, during the launch of Luminous Solar, Inverter and Batteries at Radisson Blu Ikeja GRA Lagos recently.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Vinay Grover, Group Managing Director of Simba Group in Nigeria, emphasized the changing energy needs of Nigerian households and businesses: “Nigerians need power solutions that are not just reliable, but also intelligent – capable of supporting modern lifestyles, from home offices to family entertainment. Our new lithium and inverter systems are designed precisely for this. They represent a smarter investment in uninterrupted living and peace of mind.”

Simba Group executives also underlined how solar and lithium technologies are reshaping the global energy landscape and opening new opportunities in Nigeria for energy independence, reliability, and cost efficiency.

The newly launched products reflect Luminous’s continued focus on innovation and tailoring solutions for regional requirements, while leveraging Simba’s longstanding reputation for trust, reach, and dependable service. Together, the companies reaffirm their commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality, and future-ready energy solutions for Nigerian homes and businesses.

Simba Group is a leading Nigerian conglomerate with interests across diverse sectors, including mobility, power, communications, and customer experience. With a commitment to innovation, service, and trust, Simba has built a reputation for bringing world-class products and solutions to the Nigerian market.

Luminous Power Technologies is a global leader in power backup, storage, and solar solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, the company delivers cutting-edge products – from inverters and batteries to solar applications – that meet the evolving energy needs of millions of homes and businesses across emerging and developed markets.

Edge Awards Honour Sucre House As Industry Leader In Influencer Marketing

Sucre House of Entertainment has been named the Outstanding Influencing Marketing Agency of the Year at the prestigious Edge Awards 2025, held on 26 September 2025 at the Balmoral Event Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja. The annual awards, organised by Marketing Edge Magazine, celebrate excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Olatunji Emmanuel .O., Sucre House has quickly become a trailblazer in the entertainment and influencer marketing space. The agency is widely respected for its creative campaigns, precision-driven execution, and commitment to helping brands and talents achieve global visibility.

Speaking after receiving the award, Olatunji said: “This honour is a reflection of our discipline, creativity, and the trust our clients place in us. At Sucre House, we don’t just deliver campaigns — we elevate experiences and set new standards.”

In just a few years, Sucre House has built an impressive portfolio, managing projects for top brands such as the European Union, Crocs, MAC Cosmetics, Tecno, Infinix, and Bet9ja. It is also known for nurturing leading influencer talents, including social media sensation Enioluwa, popularly called the lip gloss boy.

Marketing Edge CEO, John Ajayi, praised the agency’s rapid rise, describing it as “proof that with vision and excellence, Nigerian agencies can lead the future of influencer marketing.”

With this milestone, Sucre House is cementing its place as a powerhouse shaping the future of influencer marketing in Africa.

Crystal Garden Estate CEO Urges Legislation Against Unregulated Property Agents, Landlords 

By Ebele Ofodile
The Chief Executive Officer, Crystal Garden Estate, Amb. Kelvin Simeon Chukwu has called for legislation against unregulated property agents and Shylock landlords who engage in arbitrary increase of house rents.
Speaking during the celebration of 10 years anniversary of Crystal Garden Estate, the CEO urged governments at all levels to come to the rescue of tenants most of whom are not able to cope with the present economic situation.
According to him, the ugly situation prompted his bid to assist tenants to become landlords through the establishment of Crystal Garden Estate, which has turned scores of tenants to land and car owners.
“Today, we presented 14 cars as empowerment to our hard-working realtors. There is no free lunch. Whatever you achieve, know that it is a new beginning and as such, you don’t need to relax. You should push higher. It is sweeter if you get higher,” he said.
 He recalled the journey to Crystal Garden Estate  development, saying “it has been tasking with pressure, but it is part of life. We embraced them all and found a solution.”
 Sunday Owe Emmanuel, one of the lucky winners of the cars, said: “I am so happy being part of those who won cars in Crystal Garden Estate. Last year December, I saw people who won cars and said to myself, you must win a car this year in Crystal Garden Estate. And today, God has made it possible for me.
“In Crystal Garden Estate, you must be hard working, dedicated and focused for you to win a car or own a property.
 “They never promised or said something and failed to fulfill what they promised. They are reliable and trustworthy,” he stated.
Chief Godwin Okeke, Chairman, G.U.O Group,  Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CEO, Coscharis Group, Anambra State House of Assembly lawmaker, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Anambra  State Chairman of Civil Liberties  Anambra  Organization, CLO, Com Vincent Ezekwueme were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Union Bank Strengthens Media Ties At Informal Mixer Event

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Union Bank of Nigeria recently hosted an informal and engaging meet-and-greet session with leading media professionals at The Stallion Plaza, its headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

 

The event, held at SpaceNXT, the Bank’s purpose-designed co-creation hub for innovators and creators, was conceived as a relaxed platform to foster personal connections and deepen mutual understanding between the Bank and media partners.

 

Rather than a formal media briefing, the gathering offered a convivial atmosphere for open conversation, reinforcing Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s essential role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s mission.

 

In attendance were senior members of Union Bank’s leadership team, including Taiwo Shote, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Lagos and West, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, and Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning. Olufunmilola and Tosin reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparent and collaborative engagement with the press, while underscoring Union Bank’s strong operational footing and readiness to meet all regulatory obligations.

 

Speaking at the event, Mrs Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, said:
“This event is simply about people. Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all – from telegram banking to digital wallets; from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.

 

We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements, because behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, to truth, and to impact. So today, we wanted this session to simply be about reconnecting; banker to journalist, human to human.”

 

Echoing this spirit of partnership as the Bank looks ahead, Mr Tosin Ibikunle, Head of Strategy and Planning, added:
“Union Bank has diligently enhanced its systems and service experience in preparation for the next phase of growth. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to partnering with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact.”

 

The event also featured a tour of Stallion Plaza and a networking session, reflecting the Bank’s intention to create a warm, human connection beyond the usual formalities of corporate communication.

 

Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to building trust through open dialogue and meaningful partnerships with the media and all stakeholders, as it continues to serve customers and contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Tinubu’s Endorsement Of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu : The Echo Of A New Beginning In Anambra 

By Nnedinma Michael
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu placed the APC flag in the hands of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and declared, “Go and get me Anambra. We will work with you, come rain, come shine,” those words were not mere political utterances. They were a declaration of faith, a call to destiny, and a solemn commitment that still echoes powerfully across Anambra today.
That moment ignited a new hope in the hearts of Ndi Anambra — hope that after years of disconnection from the center, the state is finally on the path to reclaiming its rightful place in Nigeria’s mainstream development. It was a symbolic transfer of trust and responsibility, an expression of confidence in the capacity of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu to bring home victory and deliver purposeful governance that speaks to the dreams of the people.
Since that charge was made, it has continued to reverberate across communities, towns, and political circles in Anambra. For many, it was not just the President speaking to a candidate; it was the leader of the nation placing the destiny of an entire people into the hands of a man he believes can transform their lives and lift their hopes.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, fondly called Ikukuoma, is not a stranger to the people. He is a man whose life has been defined by service, generosity, and integrity. Over the years, he has touched lives in countless ways — building schools, offering scholarships to thousands of children, empowering widows and artisans, providing healthcare for the sick, and supporting churches and community development projects. He is a man who lives for others, a man whose philanthropy has long spoken louder than politics.
Born into a humble but noble family in Osumenyi, Nnewi South, Ukachukwu rose through sheer determination, faith, and hard work. He built a successful career in business, real estate, and public service, creating opportunities for others along the way. His story is the story of resilience and grace — the story of a man who believes that true leadership begins with compassion.
It is this same compassion that now drives his vision for Anambra State. For Ukachukwu, politics is not about power; it is about people. His mission is simple — to make Anambra work again, to restore peace and order, to create jobs for the youth, and to return dignity to governance. His dream is to see an Anambra where every child has the opportunity to succeed, where the elderly are cared for, and where hard work is rewarded.
President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Ukachukwu is, therefore, not just political strategy — it is a seal of trust. Tinubu, a man who has built his legacy on identifying and nurturing capable leaders, has seen in Ukachukwu the qualities that produce results. The President’s confidence in him is a reflection of his understanding that the man who once built successful ventures from scratch, who has given back to his people even without holding office, will certainly deliver excellence when given the platform to lead.
The President’s words, “We will stand by you, come rain, come shine,” are still ringing with renewed energy. They represent a partnership that promises to bring Anambra closer to the center of national development. They represent a future where Anambra will no longer stand alone but will stand tall among states driving the engine of Nigeria’s growth.
The APC has shown readiness and unity of purpose. From the leadership at the national level to the grassroots in Anambra, there is a renewed sense of mission. The support behind Ukachukwu is broad and determined, driven by the belief that the time has come to end years of stagnation and isolation. The people are eager for change — for a leadership that is accessible, competent, and compassionate.
President Tinubu’s confidence in Prince Ukachukwu is rooted in his belief in performance and results. His own story in Lagos remains a testament to what vision and discipline can achieve — turning a state once burdened with challenges into a global economic hub. That same model of effective governance is what he envisions for Anambra through Ukachukwu — a leadership that will prioritize development, attract investments, ensure security, and build prosperity from the grassroots up.
Ukachukwu’s leadership style embodies humility and inclusiveness. He is a bridge between the old and the young, the wealthy and the struggling, the traditional and the modern. His partnership with Senator Uche Ekwunife further strengthens this ticket, combining experience, gender balance, and grassroots reach. Together, they present a credible and balanced team that understands both the pulse and the pain of the people.
The message they carry is clear: it is time to bring Anambra back to the center of national decision-making, to reconnect the state to the heartbeat of Nigeria’s progress. The people of Anambra are hardworking, creative, and enterprising. What they need is a government that matches their energy with vision — one that can unlock their full potential through access to opportunities and federal partnerships.
The endorsement of Prince Ukachukwu has already transformed the political mood across Anambra. From Awka to Onitsha, Nnewi to Ihiala, and the riverine communities of Ogbaru to the uplands of Aguata, there is a quiet but growing belief that change is finally within reach. The APC’s message of development, good governance, and security is resonating deeply with the people.
Ukachukwu’s campaign is people-driven, focusing on the real issues affecting everyday lives. He speaks about restoring peace and ending insecurity, about empowering small businesses, fixing roads, improving schools and hospitals, and giving every community a voice in government. He believes that leadership must be about compassion, not corruption — about results, not rhetoric.
The charge from the President continues to serve as both a motivation and a reminder that Anambra deserves more — that the state must rise again to its full glory. Ukachukwu represents that hope, that promise, that possibility. He stands as a bridge between the federal government and the people, ready to harness national support for local growth.
For too long, politics in Anambra has been about survival and power play. Ukachukwu’s entry has changed the narrative. He brings credibility, humility, and a clear roadmap for progress. His story inspires confidence because it is real — it is the story of a man who has lived among the people, who knows their struggles, and who has never turned away when they called.
President Tinubu’s blessing has given this movement wings. The same energy that transformed Lagos, the same leadership philosophy that emphasizes efficiency, accountability, and results, is now being extended to Anambra through this alliance. It is a partnership that promises peace, growth, and inclusion.
Ndi Anambra now stand at the crossroads of history. The future beckons — a future of unity, security, and shared prosperity. The voice of hope is clear, the direction is set, and the leadership to drive it is ready. With Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu at the helm, backed by the vision and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the journey toward a greater Anambra has already begun.
Every generation is given one opportunity to choose a leader who truly embodies its aspirations. This is that moment. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu is that leader. His heart beats for the people, his hands are clean, and his vision is clear. He is not seeking power for privilege; he is seeking leadership for purpose.
The time has come for Anambra to take its rightful place. The time has come to heed the call that still echoes — “Go and get me Anambra.” It is a call for service, a call for unity, and a call for progress. Under Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Light of the Nation will shine brighter, and Anambra will rise again — stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.
Anambra deserves better. Anambra deserves a new beginning. Anambra deserves Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.