The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS or the Company) today announces the appointment of Mr. Shehu Yahaya Shantali as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026, following the receipt of regulatory no-objection.

Mr. Shantali succeeds Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who will be stepping down after a successful eight-year tenure marked by strong leadership, strategic growth, and significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.

During his tenure, Mr. Jalo-Waziri provided visionary and results-driven leadership that delivered sustained growth and far-reaching transformation across the organization. He led the successful execution of critical strategic initiatives, strengthened governance and operational effectiveness, and modernized the company’s systems and processes, positioning the organization for long-term resilience and competitiveness. His leadership significantly enhanced stakeholder confidence deepened the organization’s market relevance both domestically and internationally, and established a strong, future-ready foundation for continued success.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Temi Popoola, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our profound appreciation to Haruna Jalo-Waziri for his outstanding service to CSCS. Under his leadership, the Company recorded notable milestones and built an impressive legacy of operational excellence, innovation, and stakeholder confidence. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and impact.

We are equally delighted to welcome Shehu Shantali as the new Chief Executive Officer of CSCS. He brings a wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge, and a strong strategic vision. The Board is confident that he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and lead the Company into its next phase of growth.”

Mr. Shehu Yahaya Shantali holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and an Executive MBA from Kingster Business School. He has over two decades of experience in accounting, finance, and financial services across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with expertise spanning investment and asset management, financial advisory, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). His career cuts across capital markets, investment banking, real estate, and financial services, and is underpinned by a decade at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, where he championed the migration of publicly listed and significant public interest entities from Nigerian GAAP to IFRS and led the Commission’s transition to the contributory pension scheme in 2012.

Mr. Shantali has built deep experience in financial inclusion, digital financial infrastructure, and the development of scalable, market-wide platforms that expand access to regulated financial services. As Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Apricot Investments Limited, he led the development of the MicroWorld platform, enabling the distribution of structured financial products including micro-health, micro-pension, micro-housing, micro-insurance, and micro-investment solutions. Earlier in his career, his team developed Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution, and he played a pioneering role in POS-based agency banking and early mobile-money interoperability on the NIBSS NIP platform, supporting efficient payments, settlement, and system-wide connectivity.

Reflecting on his tenure, the outgoing CEO, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, stated:

“It has been an honour to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of CSCS. I am proud of what we have achieved together as a team and grateful for the support of the Board, management, regulators, and all our stakeholders. I am confident that CSCS is well positioned for the future, and I wish my successor every success as he takes the Company forward.”

In his remarks, the incoming CEO, Mr. Shehu Shantali, said:

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence the Board has placed in me with this appointment. CSCS plays a critical role in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem, and I look forward to working with the Board, management, staff, regulators, and market participants to further strengthen the Company’s leadership position, deliver value to stakeholders, and support the continued growth and stability of the capital market.”

CSCS Plc remains committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement as it continues to support the Nigerian capital market.

Retired employees of Shell Nigeria celebrating a reunion at an annual golf tournament held in their honour by Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) at the picturesque Lakowe Golf Course in Lekki, Lagos. A total of 47 former employees teed off at the 4th annual golf tournament and were joined by SNEPCo leadership led by Managing Director, Ronald Adams and his wife, Pleashette Adams.

The tee-off was jointly performed by Ehis Uzenabor, Managing Director of the Shell Closed Pension Fund, alongside former Shell leaders: Egbert Imomoh, former Deputy Managing Director of SPDC; Jimmy Ahmed, former Business and Government Director; and Simbi Wabote, former Shell Director and immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

On the course, competitive spirit met seasoned skill. Dr Okuns Ohiosimuan emerged as the Overall Male Winner, playing off a handicap of 35 to return an impressive net score of 63 (-9). In the ladies’ category, Justina Dibua claimed the Overall Female Winner title with a handicap of 31 and a net score of 77 (+5). These awards were presented by Ron.

The Male and Female Runner-up prizes went to Claude Esekody and Kate Iyamu respectively, presented by Mutiu Sunmonu, former Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria.

“This event is not just about golf; it’s about celebrating the people who laid the foundation of our success,” Ron said. “Our retirees remain an integral part of the Shell family, and initiatives like this reflect our commitment to wellness, inclusion, and enduring relationships.”

Mutiu Sunmonu described the tournament as “awesome and refreshing,” praising the opportunity for retirees to reconnect. “It was heartwarming to see former colleagues share memories and enjoy healthy competition. The bonds built over decades clearly endure,” he noted.

In his closing remarks, retiree Rowland Ukpedor said: “Even in retirement, the spirit of golf and the friendships it fosters never fade,” and thanked Shell “for creating such a memorable experience and continued support in promoting wellbeing of retirees, sportsmanship and comradeship”

Amaka Obiefuna

The Takaful Advisory Council (TAC) on Thursday, December 18, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to engage the Commission on issues relating to the growth and development of the Takaful insurance business in Nigeria.

Welcoming Members of the Council, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, commended TAC for its commitment and contributions to the development of Takaful insurance in the country. He described the meeting as an interactive session aimed at identifying areas for expansion and improvement within the Takaful insurance sub-sector.

Mr. Omosehin noted that Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people presents a significant opportunity for the growth of Takaful insurance, stressing that the market potential cuts across religious boundaries. He emphasized that the key challenge lies in harnessing this potential through increased participation and awareness. The Commissioner further praised the Council for its efforts in strengthening the Takaful insurance business.

The Commissioner further explained the structural background and core mandate of NAICOM, highlighting its responsibility to ensure industry stability, protect policyholders, and promote sustainable growth. He noted that the ongoing reforms in the insurance industry is aimed at strengthening operators and safeguarding consumers.

Mr. Omosehin also underscored the Commission’s developmental role, describing it as critical to the growth of the industry. He recalled that on July 31, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law the Nigerian Insurance Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, which formally recognizes Takaful insurance as part of Nigeria’s insurance business framework, describing the development as a major milestone for the industry.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Takaful Advisory Council, Professor Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro -MNI, congratulated NAICOM’s Management on the enactment of the NIIRA 2025, describing it as unprecedented. He disclosed that the Council had formally written to the Commission to express its appreciation upon receiving the news of the new law. He described the meeting as the first of its kind, bringing together the TAC and NAICOM management to exchange ideas and perspectives.

Professor Abdulrazzaq called on NAICOM, in its capacity as the industry regulator, to continue supporting awareness creation for Takaful insurance, which he identified as a major challenge facing the sector. He advocated for the organization of retreats, workshops, and capacity-building programmes for stakeholders across the entire insurance industry, not limited to Takaful operators.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Omosehin expressed his conviction that future growth in the insurance sector would be driven by financial inclusion-focused segments such as microinsurance, Takaful insurance, and web aggregators. He added that the engagement between NAICOM and TAC would be institutionalized as an annual meeting to further unlock the sector’s vast potential.

Amaka Obiefuna

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and dignified retirement for Nigerians, announcing the pilot launch of the Pension Industry Healthcare Initiative (PenCare) in March 2026.

Speaking at the 2025 Pension Revolution Summit and Media Conference in Lagos on Thursday, PenCom Director General, Omolara Oloworaran, said the initiative is designed to eliminate retirees’ anxiety over medical expenses by providing free and accessible healthcare, particularly for low-income pensioners.

Oloworaran revealed that the Board of Trustees for PenCare has already been inaugurated, describing the scheme as a historic, industry-wide intervention. She disclosed that the pilot phase aims to enroll 30,000 retirees across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“Retirement should be a season of peace, not a period defined by anxiety over medical bills. I am pleased to announce that the pilot scheme will be launched in March next year, with plans to expand coverage to more retirees over time,” she said.

The Director General explained that PenCare forms a key pillar of the Pension Revolution 2.0 agenda, which has driven major structural reforms in the pension industry over the past year.

She outlined several milestones achieved by the Commission, including the full automation of critical pension processes, the introduction of accredited pension agents, and the rebranding of the Micro Pension Plan as the Personal Pension Plan to broaden coverage for artisans, traders, gig workers, and other informal sector participants.

Oloworaran also highlighted progress in clearing long-standing pension backlogs, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved and disbursed ₦758 billion to settle all outstanding pension liabilities—an action she described as a clear signal that Nigeria honors its obligations to workers and retirees.

She assured stakeholders that the zero-waiting-time policy for approved retirement benefits, which took effect in July 2025, would be sustained to ensure immediate payment upon retirement.

On compliance and regulation, the DG disclosed that strengthened enforcement measures have resulted in pension recoveries of ₦4.04 billion between January and November 2025—representing a 180 percent increase compared to 2024.

According to her, the recent increase in capital requirements for pension operators was a strategic move to build stronger, more resilient institutions with improved risk management, enhanced expertise, and greater capacity to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Amaka Obiefuna

MAGGI, the culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, has announced the launch of its festive campaign, “Taste of Christmas,” designed to celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavours that define the Nigerian Christmas experience.

Central to the campaign is a collaboration with Nigeria’s fast-rising pop star Qing Madi and the renowned Loud Urban Choir, resulting in a new Christmas anthem titled “Taste of Christmas.” Now available across all major music streaming platforms, the song blends contemporary sound with cultural warmth, evoking the joy of family, togetherness, and shared meals that characterize the season.

Extending beyond music, the Taste of Christmas campaign will roll out a curated series of festive recipes and culinary inspiration over a 12-day period. The collection features creative twists such as Coco Bongus, alongside beloved Nigerian classics, encouraging families to explore new flavours while enjoying MAGGI’s trusted range of seasonings.

Commenting on the campaign, Funmi Osineye, Category Manager, Culinary (MAGGI), said:“Christmas is a time when family, culture, and shared experiences come alive. With the Taste of Christmas campaign, we set out to create a platform that resonates strongly with today’s young adults while still celebrating the warmth of home. Partnering with Qing Madi and The Loud Urban Choir allows us to connect music and food in a way that feels authentic, modern, and deeply Nigerian.”

The campaign further reflects MAGGI’s commitment to celebrating home-grown talent, nurturing culinary creativity, and strengthening the role of food as a unifying force in Nigerian homes.
Consumers can access festive recipes, campaign content, and the “Taste of Christmas” anthem on MAGGI’s digital platforms and social media channels. Conversations around the campaign can be followed using #MAGGIChristmas.

MAGGI is a leading culinary brand from Nestlé Nigeria, committed to inspiring better cooking habits and bringing families together through delicious, nutritious meals.

Fidelity Bank Plc has brought relief to indigent patients at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Parklane, by offsetting medical bills and providing financial support to children battling chronic health conditions alongside donations of ante-natal kits to pregnant women.

The intervention, which was carried out under the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative known as Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), was funded and executed by newly inducted employees of the bank, the Optimizers Inductees Class, as their community impact project, with matching financial support from the bank.

Commenting on the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative underscores the bank’s commitment to improving lives through targeted social interventions across its four CSR pillars.

“This project reflects the spirit of who we are as a bank. Beyond providing financial services, we are committed to touching lives within the communities where we operate. Today, we are donating ante-natal kits to pregnant women and also supporting indigent patients who have remained in the hospital due to unpaid bills. Some of the children also require long-term medical care, so we have given additional financial support to aid their continued treatment,” Dr Nwagboh said.

Whilst wishing the beneficiaries quick recovery and good health, Nwagboh described the intervention as both significant and timely, enabling many families to reunite and celebrate the festive season without the burden of outstanding hospital debts.

Receiving the donation, the Chief Matron of the Children’s Ward, Esther Nnaji, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely intervention, describing it as a lifeline for families grappling with rising healthcare costs.

“There are so many families here in desperate need. Some of the children are battling cancer, sickle cell disease and other chronic conditions. Fidelity Bank’s support will go a long way in relieving their pain. Because of what you have done, some of these children will now be able to see their siblings again,” she said.

Several beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Fidelity Bank for easing their financial burdens. Mrs. Adaeze Ilo, whose baby’s bill was cleared, said the support came at a moment of despair.

“After spending months in the hospital, we had no idea how to raise the money,” she said. “Fidelity Bank came through for us when we needed it the most. We are deeply grateful.”

Another relieved parent, Jane Anthony, whose son’s bill was cleared, said her family had already accepted that they would spend Christmas in the hospital.

“God used Fidelity Bank to send us home to enjoy Christmas. My heart is full.” she said.

The recent outreach to Enugu State University Teaching Hospital further highlights Fidelity Bank’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening community well-being across Nigeria through community-driven CSR efforts.

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.