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Obasanjo, Abiodun Harp On Selfless Service As Rotary Club Unveils District Governor Nominee

From the left, RC Ikeja GRA President, Rtn. Chinedum Amachi, Spouse of DGN, Alhaji Lateef Bakare and District Governor Nominee, Rtn. Bukola Bakare, during the official unveiling ceremony of District Governor Nominee, Rtn. Bukola Bakare at the District Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State Recently.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has reaffirmed the need for Nigerians to embrace the culture of selflessness in line with the Rotary Club activities to make life meaningful to all.

The Former President who was represented by his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo was speaking during the pioneer convention of Rotary Club and the unveiling of District Governor Designate of District 9111 held at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

While commending various initiatives of the Rotary Club which are targeted at uplifting humanity, Obasanjo stated that before anyone goes to bed daily there is need for one to do self-appraisal on how positive one has affected life.

“Before you go to bed every day, always take a pause and ask yourself what am I doing for others? What are other people benefitting from me? What am I doing like the Rotary Club to make life more comfortable for others?

“It is not just by word of mouth that the Rotary Club is doing so much to help humanity, it is what is obvious to all, the good work of the outgoing District Governor of Rotary Club, District 9111, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi and his wife, Rev Olusola Kukoyi is another testament to the love of humanity by this special club”.

The former President noted that the world would be a better place if everyone will imbibe the theme of love, service and consider helping one another to surmount life difficulties just as it is being advocated by the Rotary Club.

Also the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun in his keynote address lauded the club for its various impactful projects and interventions.

Abiodun who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele disclosed that some of the club’s impactful interventions in the state is Rotary Prostate Cancer Center at Olabisi onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu and the Rotary Eye Center at the General Hospital in Otta in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area among others.

Gov Abiodun has however identified the need for the Rotarians to renew their commitment to the cub ideals of empowering communities and changing lives in a world where empathy is increasingly becoming scarce.

The governor said “Rotary’s core ideals remain a necessary moral compass. These are not just lofty principles to frame on a wall or recite at meetings. They are practical tools for healing and rebuilding the fabric of our society, ideal and noble for our communities to flourish”.

Abiodun said that it is not just enough for the club to embark on projects but must also do so in partnership with the benefiting communities so as to ensure that such intervention is aligned with the identified needs of the people.

The governor has however called on the people to be more deliberate in rendering genuine service to create a beautiful world of all.

Abiodun lauded the pioneer District 9111 DG, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi and his wife, Rev Olusola Kukoyi for providing a leadership that is in tune with the ideal of love and selfless service of the humanitarian club urging his successor, Rotarian Henry Akinyele to also consolidate on the enduring legacy of empowering communities which is synonymous with the international club.

Rotarian Eric Kimani from Kenya who represented the President of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick urged members of the club to keep pursuing initiatives and projects that will enhance world peace

He urged the Rotarians on membership growth even as they remain innovative and committed to attracting the youth into the club

Urchick also challenged them to double up on efforts of the club to kick out polio across the world.

The outgoing DG, Dr Kukoyi appreciated the club members for their support and cooperation emphasising the need for them to keep making positive impacts in their various localities.

Meanwhile, the DG nominee, Bukola Bakare, who was the first female president of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, GRA, Lagos State, expressed her excitement at her elevation and the opportunity to further serve humanity.

Bakare noted that a lot still needs to be done when it comes to selfless services and making the country attain its enviable heights.

 
 
AXA Mansard, Lagos DSVA Partner To Tackle Violence Against Girl Child

 

Head of Marketing, AXA Mansard Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye (left) and Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour Adeniyi, after a partnership meeting for the 2025 AXA Week For Good, themed; “Being a Girl Shouldn’t be A Risk” in Lagos

AXA Mansard, Nigeria’s leading insurance company and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has announced partnership to raise awareness and increase education about the menace of Domestic and Sexual Violence, especially against girl child in the country.

The partnership, coming on the backdrop of the 2025 AXA Week for Good will feature a range of activities from both entities. The Lagos DSVA will be providing technical and expert support in leading employee training, public awareness and guiding the various school activations which will be carried out by employee volunteers of AXA Mansard.

 

 

Speaking after the partnership meeting at the office of the DSVA, Head of Marketing AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye, said that they are impressed about the works and proactiveness of the DSVA and sees this edition of the company’s annual volunteering and CSR initiative as a way to support and contribute to what the DSVA is doing.

 

 

“For us at AXA Mansard, our posture is that the future shouldn’t be at risk. And if we have to protect the future, then we must protect the children. So, building on our works against sexual and gender-based violence, we thought it fit to work with the DSVA during this edition of our annual global CSR week, AXA Week for Good”.

“We note the remarkable works that DSVA is doing in combating domestic and sexual violence in Lagos and sees this partnership as an opportunity to let them know there work is appreciated, but more importantly is working with them around this shared interest to rid our society of violence”.

 

 

Commenting on the partnership, the Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed her pleasure at the collaboration, describing it as a step towards the right direction in tackling domestic and sexual violence against girls in Lagos State. She noted that partnerships with the private sector, such as this are critical in amplifying the zero tolerance stance of the Lagos State Government against all forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. She added that DSVA remains committed to providing expert guidance and resources to ensure that the initiatives under the AXA Week for Good create a meaningful impact and contribute to the broader goal of fostering a safer and more inclusive society for all.

With the theme, “Being a Girl Shouldn’t be A Risk”, this edition of AXA Week for Good is focused on beaming the light on the impact of sexual and domestic violence on the girl child.

 

 

According to the 2014 National Survey on Violence Against Children in Nigeria, 25% of Girls in Nigeria experience sexual violence before they turn 18 and 15% of Girls of girls who experienced physically forced or coerced sex before age 18 became pregnant. This according to Ogunyooye, are worrying statistics.

According to him, “what is even worrying is that these acts of violence happen to children in environment where they should feel safe such as school and homes; and the ripple effect of these is an increasing normalization of violence against children in the name of cultural norms”.

AXA Week for Good is the flagship programme of the the company’s employee volunteering programme; AXA Hearts in Action, under which AXA Mansard employees volunteered more than 20,000 hours in 2024.

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.”

 

 

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.

 
 
 
Dangote Named Most Admired African Brand, Bags Two More Awards In Addis Ababa

It was another historic milestone for pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Industries Limited over the weekend, as they garnered three prestigious accolades at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

Dangote Industries Limited was named Most Admired African Brand, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across more than 30 African countries. The company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction. The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand, and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.

Reacting to the awards, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said the honours reflect the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey. He added that they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative. This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage. His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa,” he said.

Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.

In his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda. He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. He also called for increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance, and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.

“I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the “Most Admired African Brands” category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact,” he said.

According to the organisers, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty. While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—up from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024. The report indicates the urgent need for homegrown brands to translate belief into consumer loyalty, and for Africans to more actively support Made-in-Africa products and enterprises.

“It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa,” says Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa. “It’s a wake-up call for Africa—and a barometer of the continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda. It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa. For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”

Cowry Asset CEO Headlines SuperNews AI Confab 2025 On June 19

The Managing Director/CEO, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Johnson Chukwu is the keynote speaker at the Forthcoming SUPERNEWS Nigeria Artificial Intelligence (AI) Confab 2025, holding on Thursday, June 19th 2025 at Oriental Hotel, 3 Lekki Road Victoria Island Lagos at 10am.

Chukwu will be speaking on the theme, Power of AI: Enhancing Efficiency And Customer Satisfaction For Better Financial Services Experience.

Other renowned experts lined up for the event include the Founder/CEO, ZER Consultating Africa, Mrs Adeolu Adewumi-Zer, the Fmr. Managing Director, Hilal Takaful Insurance Limited, Mrs Thaibat Adeniran, the National President, Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) Dr Uju Ogubunka and the Head Financial Institutions Ratings, Augusto & Co, Mr Ayokunle Olubunmi.

According to the Convener of the conference, the Publisher of SUPERNEWS Nigeria, Ngozi Onyeakusi, the choice of Johnson Chukwu as the keynote speaker is a reflection of his extensive professional background, diverse expertise and profound knowledge of the financial services sector and economy.

Mr. Johnson Chukwu is the chairman and founder, Cowry Assets Management Ltd, prior to the establishment of Cowry Asset Management Limited, he has been actively involved in the Nigerian capital market and was instrumental to the establishment of one of the most vibrant capital market operator, as the pioneer General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Express Trust Limited (now Spring Capital) – a subsidiary of Guardian Express Bank Plc (now Spring Bank Plc).

Before joining Cowry Asset Management Limited on a full-time basis in October 2007, Mr. Chukwu was between February 2006 and September 2007 a Deputy General Manager and Group Executive, Operations of Spring Bank Plc.

Mr. Chukwu is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) second class upper degree holder in Accounting and a University of Lagos Scholar. He also holds an MBA from Lagos Business School (Pan African University).

His banking career also includes a 3-year stint as the Deputy Financial Controller of Diamond Bank Plc (1997 – 2000) and 5 years experience with Intercontinental Bank Plc (1992 – 1997) where he worked in Credit and Marketing (Trade Finance), Financial Control, Treasury Operations, and Branch Operations.

Among his professional qualifications are Fellowship of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Taxation.

He has attended several courses both locally and internationally including IESE Business School (University of Navarra) Barcelona, Spain; Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania) Philadelphia, USA among others.

The epoch making event, which will be bringing together regulators, key stakeholders in the financial services, ICT sector, informal sector and small business owners will be chaired by the Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga.

The confab will focus on how AI is redefining the financial services sector, accelerating automation, customer engagement, risk management and fraud prevention.

It is a learning opportunity designed to enhance awareness, deepen understanding of participants on the imperative and use of AI in rendering banking, capital market, pension
and insurance services cheaper, faster and conveniently.

The attention of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been drawn to a misleading information as contained in videos that are trending on the social media of the incitement of traders of Onitsha Bridge Head Market by one social media influencer. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) therefore, wishes to alert the public and security agencies on the incitement, which may constitute a breach of the Cybercrime Act.

The public will recall the recent enforcement operation in three Open Drug Markets (Idumota, Aba and Onitsha) in the country where banned, expired, falsified, substandard narcotic medicines worth more than a trillion Naira were removed and subsequently destroyed. Between 9th February and 27th March 2025, NAFDAC conducted a raid operation to remove unregistered, expired, banned, diverted donation drugs, substandard, falsified, and illicit narcotics and controlled substances from the three major Open Drug Markets (ODM) in the country. All the warehouses, shops and parking stores in the three Open Drug Markets did not meet the minimum requirements of Good Storage and Distribution Practices. More importantly, there was no proof of registration of these Open Drug Market premises by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) a clear contravention/violation of the pertinent extant law of the federation.

NAFDAC as a regulatory agency created by an Act of the Federal Government has the mandate to, among other things, regulate and control the importation, exportation, manufacture, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water and chemicals (referred to as NAFDAC Regulatory Products).

As part of the mandate, NAFDAC routinely carries out inspection of production, distribution and sales outlets of regulated products, and post approval surveillance of regulated products to ensure conformity with standards of approvals. The Agency on a routine basis also visits sales and distribution outlets to address intelligence, petitions and complaints received on issues that have to do with its mandate.

The Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods ACT C34 prohibits the sales of drugs in certain places or premises, which includes any market, kiosk, motor park, road-side stall or in any bus, ferry or any other means of transportation.

Due to the intervention of the respective state governments, the traders were given a moratorium to relocate to a conducive Coordinated Warehouse Centre where their activities will be well monitored and controlled while being held accountable for previous infractions to serve as a deterrence in accordance with gazetted regulations.

The market was reopened on the 9th of March 2025 and over 2500 traders with 3500 shops who have come forward for necessary regulatory procedure have resumed their normal activity in Ogbogwu market.

It is pertinent to note that the remaining few shops whose owners have refused to come forward for identification are the ones with outrightly banned narcotics according to our database. The cartel, along with their co-conspirators, are the ones creating incitements to divert attention from the real issues to escape the long arm of the law for the heinous crimes being committed against humanity.

All law-abiding citizens are enjoined to go about their legitimate businesses while the merchants of death who are responsible fuelling insecurity and peddling of fake medicines in Nigeria will be fished out and dealt with in accordance with the law.

In the meantime, what this perpetrator has done is that he has openly told his audience to defy the regulatory processes of NAFDAC following the enforcement operation carried out under the Office of the National Security Adviser. The Agency will allow the law enforcement agencies determine whether he is in violation of any laws, particularly with regards to the making of videos that may be considered inciteful.

NAFDAC will continue to ensure that all medical products medicines, vaccines, medical devices and others being used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and efficacious. We will continue to provide assurances that these commodities are well monitored to avoid the deaths of pregnant women, children, and to improve the quality of life and life expectancy of the citizenry, while reducing the incidence of untimely deaths of adults living with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes. NAFDAC is working within the purview of her mandate.

 

Prof Mojisola Adeyeye

DG NAFDAC

 

ARCON DG, Fadolapo Gets NIPR Honorary Fellowship Award

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has conferred an honorary fellowship on the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo.

 

He was awarded the fellowship alongside two other distinguished individuals, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Tim Akano, MD/CEO of New Horizon Nigeria, during Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) 2025 held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Fadolapo stated that the honor recognizes the synergy between the advertising and public relations sectors in promoting the growth of the marketing communication industry.

 

“For me, personally, this honor signifies that other industries and key stakeholders appreciate my contributions to the growth and improvement of the industry,” Dr. Fadolapo said. “It demonstrates their belief in the reforms ARCON is championing and shows that we are providing effective leadership to the advertising industry.”

 

He highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ARCON, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria (NIMN), emphasizing the importance of a united front within the marketing communication industry.

 

“This induction is an endorsement, a collaboration, and an alignment with other sectoral groups, and it affirms that we are on the right path,” Dr. Fadolapo noted.

 

He further emphasized that ARCON and other sectoral groups are integral parts of the marketing communication ecosystem, with both public relations and advertising playing critical roles in communication strategy. The MoU, he explained, will facilitate collaboration and smoother transitions for public relations practitioners into the advertising industry, reducing bureaucracy and improving workflow.

 

“The curricula for both fields are closely related within the marketing communication industry. This collaboration will ensure greater synergy and smoother operations.”

 

The honorary fellowship underscores the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness between public relations and advertising, as well as the importance of regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders working together to promote excellence in the industry.

 

On his part, Tim Akano, MD/CEO of New Horizon Nigeria, expressed his gratitude for the honorary fellowship. He noted that, although he has received several awards in the past, the NIPR recognition is particularly meaningful due to the institute’s reputation as one of the most respected institutions in Nigeria and Africa.

 

“The fact that NIPR considered me alongside two other esteemed individuals for this award means a great deal to me,” Akano said.

 

Dr. Fadolapo attended Ogun State University, where he earned his first degree in Economics. He further obtained three master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Marketing (MSc.), a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and a Master’s in Legal Studies (MILS) from Babcock University, Illisan, Ogun State; the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State; and Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, respectively.

 

He holds a PhD in Marketing with a specialization in Marketing Communications from Babcock University, Illisan-Remo, Ogun State. Dr. Fadolapo is a Fellow of the Advertising Profession, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). He has been actively involved in the industry, serving as a member of the immediate past Governing Council of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG). Additionally, he has served as Secretary to various advertising industry organizations and bodies.

 

Following the recent reform of the advertising regulatory sector, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) was renamed the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Dr. Fadolapo was appointed as the first Director-General of ARCON by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Prior to this, he was the fourth (4th) substantive Registrar/Chief Executive of APCON, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in August 2020. Under his leadership, ARCON continues to advance the regulation and growth of the advertising industry in Nigeria. He is a recipient of numerous awards and has facilitated many seminars, conferences, and symposiums.

NGX Confirms No Insider Trading was Done By MD/CEO Of Fidelity Bank PLC

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has affirmed that the recent purchase of 18 million units of Fidelity Bank shares by its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, was conducted in full compliance with applicable regulations.

In a letter dated May 22, 2025, the regulator dismissed allegations of insider trading and the misuse of bank funds for the transaction stating “….Following the filing of the Bank’s 2025 Q1 UFS on 30 April 2025, the Directors and other insiders of the Bank became eligible to trade on the securities of the Bank after twenty-four (24) hours.

Therefore, the share purchase transaction referenced by Sahara Reporters which occurred on 19 May 2025 was transacted during an open trading window and NGX RegCo is not aware of any other price sensitive information that the Bank is required to disclose which should hinder trades on the securities of the Bank by insiders.”

 

Fidelity Bank has subsequently issued a statement addressing the accusations, categorizing them as false, misleading, and maliciously intended to tarnish the reputation of both the bank and its MD/CEO, as well as to mislead the investment community and the general public.

Signed by the bank’s Divisional Head of Brand and Communications, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, the statement clarified that Fidelity Bank was compelled to respond to the erroneous article published on May 21, 2025.

“As a publicly quoted company regulated by the NGX and subject to the Listing Rules of the NGX and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, we unequivocally confirm that neither the Bank nor its MD/CEO has ever engaged in insider trading.”

Dr Nwagboh further emphasized that the MD/CEO personally funded the share purchase and did not utilize bank funds or take a loan for the transaction.

The statement reaffirmed that the transaction was conducted in strict adherence to the Listing Rules and insider trading regulations governing publicly traded companies.