L-R: Alphonso David, Global Communications Strategist and Partner at Actum; Dr. Jatali Bellanton, CEO of Junior Achievement Africa; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, International Economist & Founder of Brilliant Minds Collective; HM Queen Wa Arian Simone, CEO & Founding Partner of the Fearless Fund; Simi Nwogugu, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Africa, Akaego Okoye, Founder of African Business Stories at the inaugural Fearless Global Initiative event held at the Glasshouse Chelsea in New York during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), recently
The Fearless Global Initiative (FGI), founded by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and CEO & Founding Partner of the Fearless Fund, HM Queen Wa Arian Simone, convened more than 150 global leaders, cultural influencers, policymakers, and changemakers at the Glasshouse Chelsea in New York for its historic debut during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Held on September 22, 2025, the event, themed “Designing the Future of Global Black Power,” provided a platform for bold conversations, cultural activations, and strategic sessions aimed at charting a 100-year blueprint for global Black economic empowerment.
Speaking at the launch, HM Queen Wa Arian Simone emphasized the importance of turning dialogue into sustained action. “FGI is where the follow-through finally happens,” she said. “For too long, we’ve talked about equity without building the systems to sustain it. Today, we begin shaping the blueprint for the next 100 years of global economic inclusion.”
The event featured an exceptional lineup of leaders, including Abby Phillips, CNN News Anchor, Jasmine Crocket, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 30th Congressional District, Ben Crump, Civil Rights Attorney and Social Justice Advocate, Rachel Noerdlinger, Global Communications Strategist and Partner at Actum, Alphonso David, CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum; Kat Graham, Actress, Singer, and UNHCR Ambassador; Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia; Lexi Underwood, Actress & Activist; Sam Vaghar, Executive Director of the Millennium Campus Network; Chris Kirigua, Deputy Chief of Mission & Chief Treasury Representative, Kenya; Gwen Madiba, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Africa; Simi Nwogugu, CEO of Junior Achievement Africa; Dr. Jatali Bellanton, International Economist & Founder of Brilliant Minds Collective; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President of SEED Academy Ghana, Retired NBA Player & Entrepreneur; Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, Host, Global Envoy for Cultural Diplomacy for the Republic of Liberia, and Founder/CEO of MBL Intl Group amongst others.
Highlights of the program included the session “What Can I Do for You? What Can You Do for Me?” which redefined the exchange between Africa and Black America, and the centerpiece working session, “The 100-Year Plan: Designing the Future of Global Black Power,” which began shaping a framework for long-term economic, cultural, and political transformation. A fireside chat with Kat Graham explored storytelling as a catalyst for economic growth, while a live, symbolic Yoruba art activation by world-renowned artist Laolu Senbanjo provided a striking cultural expression of freedom, movement, and empowerment.
The Fearless Global Initiative situates itself in a continuum of unfinished work. Sixty years ago, Malcolm X challenged the world to see civil rights as human rights, a call that was never fully answered on the global stage. With its debut, FGI has picked up that mantle, ensuring the work is no longer delayed.
From L-R: Mr. Jubril A. Gawat (Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos on New Media), Olayinka Ijabiyi – Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications First Bank, Mr Gbenga Omotosho – Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr Samuel Egube – Deputy Chief of Staff/E1 Lagos GP LOC Chairman during a stakeholder Immersion Session at LASWA Yard, Falomo Jetty, Falomo Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos recently.
The Local Organising Committee of the E1 Lagos GP is proud to announce its sponsorship lineup for Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, taking place from October 2–5, 2025, on the Lagos Lagoon.
The announcement was made at the Stakeholder Immersion Session, convened to ensure that every stakeholder – from sponsors and the media to creators and influencers – carries a unified understanding of the E1 Lagos GP’s identity, communication standards, and positioning. It was a unique platform to deepen stakeholder awareness of what the E1 Series represents globally and how Lagos is preparing to host its maiden edition on African waters. The session also featured opening remarks by Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, a presentation from the Lagos State Waterways Authority on established safety protocols, and guidance from the Teksight Edge team on proper brand use and communications guidelines.
Speaking at the session, Mr. Samuel Egube, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the E1 Lagos GP LOC, said: “Today marks not only an affirmation of our sponsors’ commitment, but a promise that we will uphold clarity, professionalism, and integrity in how Lagos tells its story on the global stage. We are proud to stand with First Bank as our Presenting Partner, and with all our partners who share in our vision for sport, innovation, and legacy.”
In his remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, noted: “The E1 Lagos GP is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of Lagos’ readiness to lead Africa into a sustainable future, where innovation and culture meet global standards. Our responsibility is to ensure that the people, the media, and all partners tell this story with one voice.”
Mr. Olayinka Ijabiyi, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria, added: “First Bank is honoured to take its place as the Presenting Partner of the E1 Lagos GP. Our heritage of over 130 years in supporting innovation and development in Nigeria aligns perfectly with this groundbreaking event. We are delighted to support a project that not only showcases sport at its finest but also emphasizes sustainability and youth engagement.”
The sponsors of the E1 Lagos GP are: First Bank of Nigeria (Presenting Partner), Oando, Spiro, Sunbeth, and Tolaram Group (with Guinness Stout, Johnnie Walker, and The Singleton). These partnerships demonstrate the commitment of leading brands to Lagos’ vision of hosting world-class events that inspire pride and create lasting impact.
With these partnerships and the alignment achieved during the immersion session, the E1 Lagos GP is positioned to set a new benchmark for sports, innovation, and sustainability in Africa, while projecting Lagos as a hub of culture, commerce, and global excellence.
(L-R) Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs; Dr. Sophia Horsfall, GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development; Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman, Advisory Board, The Nigerian Prize for Science; Prof Yusuf Abubakar; and Dr. Nike Akande, Board Members at the press conference on the 2025 science prize outcome…in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science has announced that no winner emerged for the 2025 edition, following the judges’ dissatisfaction with the overall quality of entries received.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Chairman of the Advisory Board, Professor Barth Nnaji, explained that after a rigorous adjudication of the 112 entries submitted this year, none was found suitable for the Prize.
He stated that the decision, though difficult, reinforced the Board’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting the reputation of the prestigious The Nigeria Prize for Science.
He noted that the Prize is not just about rewarding scientific output, but safeguarding the values of creativity, originality, and scientific rigor that define truly outstanding work.
“To lower the bar would be to betray the trust of the public and diminish the legacy of the Prize itself,” Prof. Nnaji affirmed.
He commended the courage and dedication of all who submitted entries, noting that their efforts reflect discipline and a desire to contribute to both national and global scientific discourse.
He stressed that excellence was beyond effort, and that it requires innovation, mastery of craft, and the ability to leave a lasting mark on human thought and development.
The Board chairman called on Nigerian scientists, researchers, and innovators to be inspired by the judges’ verdict to do more and strive higher.
“The Nigeria Prize exists to celebrate only the finest achievements, work that embodies originality, withstands scrutiny, and elevates scientific discourse. Where these qualities are absent, we cannot, in good conscience, bestow the Prize,” he stated.
This 2025 outcome is not unprecedented. In previous years, in 2005, 2007, and then during the haitus between 2011 to 2016, and again in 2021, The Nigeria Prize for Science was not awarded. Prof. Nnaji admonished Nigerian scientists that the high bar set for the Prize should not discourage future participation, but rather reinforce the fact that the Prize will never compromise on its standards of scientific innovation and excellence.
The Advisory Board also announced that the theme for this year “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development” will be repeated for the 2026 edition.
The Board stated that the decision was taken to attract a wider spectrum of innovators, particularly in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence.
Furthermore, the Advisory Board unveiled the members of the panel of judges.
They include Dr. Omobola Johnson, the Chairperson of the Panel of Judges for The Nigeria Prize for Science, a Senior Partner at TLcom Capital. Omobola Johnson drives investment and value creation in technology companies across sub-Saharan Africa.
She previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Communication Technology (2011–2015) and spent over 25 years at Accenture, including five years as Country Managing Director.
Prof. Collins Udanor is an Associate Professor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Udanor specialises in data analytics, intelligent agent systems, and multi-agent learning.
He leads the High-Performance and Intelligence Computing Group (HiPIC) and has secured multiple grants from organisations such as UNESCO-HP, Google, Nvidia, and TETFund.
Prof. Aminu Muhammad Bui, is a scholar at the Department of Computer Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Bui specialises in Artificial Intelligence, decision support systems, information retrieval, feature selection, Hidden Markov Models, and educational data mining.
His research contributes to advancing AI applications in decision-making and student performance prediction.
Now in its 21st year, the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Science opened for entries in February and drew a total of 112 submissions.
Femi Opadere, Head, Digital Media, Glo (2nd left), Amechi Obiakpu (left), Godwin Anyebe and Adetunji Faleye, co- Publishers/Convener, MediaConsortium Conference and Award.
Marketing experts have urged brands to build trust and deliver holistic value beyond price in today’s changing marketing landscape, saturated with choices and increasingly discerning consumers.
They made this assertion at the third edition of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, held on Thursday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). Industry stakeholders and captains of industry gathered to dissect the theme, “Defining ‘Value’ in the Modern Marketplace: Beyond Price, Quality, Experience and Ethics”.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, Adetunji Faleye, Co-Convener of the MediaConsortium Conference and Awards, said, “Our chosen theme reflects a pressing question for today’s brands, businesses, and leaders.” Faleye stated, “We believe the answer lies in a holistic approach—one that integrates all these elements and goes further to capture the intangible: trust, relevance, purpose, and sustainability. These are the benchmarks of success in the modern marketplace.”
Delivering the keynote address, Femi Opadere, Head of Digital Media at Globacom, challenged brands to shift their focus from cost to benefit. He emphasised that today’s consumers are digitally active, have numerous options, and make decisions based on more than just price.
Using Globacom’s introduction of per-second billing as a prime example, he illustrated how delivering genuine value can revolutionise an industry. “Somebody somewhere was not thinking about making money immediately. He was thinking about what kind of value I can give to Nigerians,” Opadere recalled, noting that this value-driven strategy led to over one million subscribers in a few months. He concluded with the adage, “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
The conversation deepened during a panel session moderated by Zion Rufus, Senior Brand & Content Strategist at Livespot360. The panelists, drawing from diverse industry experiences, offered practical insights.
Samuel Akinrimisi, New Product Development Lead at Eko Supreme Resources, warned that brands often fail when they operate on flawed assumptions about their customers. “The gap I identified is that we do not bring the point of the consumer into the product perspective,” Akinrimisi explained. He argued that true value is “needed satisfaction” and requires brands to understand the cultural relevance of their products and messaging.
Ayodeji Ajayi, Strategy/Creative Director at Hephzibah Experiential Ltd, spoke about the power of building an emotional connection and trust to foster unwavering loyalty. “You cannot take away emotions,” Ajayi noted, explaining that a deep connection is what makes a consumer choose a brand repeatedly. He stressed that “the culture that defines the experience is one thing that brands must prioritise to succeed.”
Representing the fast-evolving fintech space, Obinna Ojekwe, Marketing Lead, Hydrogen Pay described value as a powerful differentiator, which can even be found in simple accessibility. He called value a “cheat code” for brands, especially niche players, to excel by deeply understanding their specific market segment.
He added that in today’s digital age, brands must define value through co-creation with their customers. He states that co-creation means you “create products with your target.” He explained that co-creation typically refers to a collaborative process where you involve your target audience or stakeholders directly in the development or creation of products, services, or solutions. Instead of just designing with their needs in mind, co-creation actively invites their input, ideas, and feedback throughout the process to ensure the final outcome truly reflects their preferences and insights.
The experts underscored the message that: in today’s marketplace, sustainable success is built not just on what a brand sells, but on the comprehensive value it delivers to its customers.
The enlightening summit culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony, celebrating the brands, agencies, and individuals who have exemplified excellence and successfully delivered outstanding value. The consumer goods sector was well-represented, with Checkers Custard named Outstanding Custard Brand of 2025 and Golden Penny Semovita taking home the Consumer Brand of the Year 2025 award. Culinary excellence was further celebrated as Ajinomoto was crowned Outstanding Culinary Brand of The Year 2025. In the beverage category, Amstel Malta was recognised as the Malt Drink of the Year 2025. Demonstrating innovation in the homecare segment, SoKlin received double honours as the Innovative Detergent Brand of the Year 2025 and for its Smart Liquid, which won Innovation of the Year in the Detergent Category. A special commendation for delivering tangible consumer benefits went to WideScope International Logistics Limited for Creating Real Value for Consumers.
Commitment to social responsibility was also celebrated, with BATN Foundation receiving the Social Impact Award of 2025 and Bet9ja Foundation earning the CSR Award of 2025.
Broader corporate excellence was also spotlighted, with Iron Resources named Outstanding Company of the Year 2025. In the financial sector, ALAT was recognised as the Outstanding Digital Bank of the Year 2025.
The agency and professional categories saw a wide array of talent recognised. SBI Media Ltd was awarded Innovative Media Agency of the Year, while SOULCOMMS PR was named Outstanding Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025.
Specialist firms also received accolades, with P+ Measurement Services celebrated as the Innovative Public Relations Measurement Agency of the Year 2025 and CI Public Relations Consulting Limited honoured as the Outstanding firm in Crisis/Strategic Communication. The future of the industry was also in the spotlight, as Seedar Group won Innovative Young Public Relations Agency of the Year 2025 and WhirlSpot Media was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution To Startups.
Individual excellence was lauded across the marketing and media landscape. Rotimi Bankole won Outstanding Media Personality of the Year 2025, while Melvin Udosen was named Outstanding Media Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. In journalism, Azeez Disu was crowned Brand Journalist of the Year 2025, and Afolabi Idowu was recognised as the BJAN Personality of The Year 2025. In marketing leadership, Ilyas Kazeem was awarded Marketing Director of the Year (Food Division), and Roseline Abaraonye won Marketing Director of the Year 2025 (Cosmetics). The rising stars were not overlooked, with Onoriode Akusu celebrated as the Fast-Rising PR Practitioner of the Year.
The MediaConsortium Conference and Awards is an annual event dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, celebrating industry excellence, and inspiring the future of marketing, media, and communications in Nigeria. It brings together industry leaders, brand custodians, and innovators to discuss pressing issues and recognise outstanding contributions to the marketplace.
Leading public relations firm, CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), the exclusive Nigerian affiliate of Burson, hosted a groundbreaking engagement with social media entrepreneurs, themed around the concept of the “Trufluencer,” a term coined to institutionalise influencer relationship with agency, an act set to reinforce the company’s mission to align brands with influencers who uphold moral principles and ethical standards in the digital space.
In his welcome address, the Managing Partner of CMC Connect LLP (Perception Consulting), Mr. Raheem Olabode, explained that the term “Trufluencer” was a word coined to describe influencers who embody integrity and authenticity in their craft.
He stressed that CMC Connect LLP, with nearly 34 years of experience managing blue-chip accounts and building media relationships, is committed to institutionalising its relationship with influencers who share its values.
“This gathering is about creating a new standard for influencer partnerships. We want upcoming influencers to see themselves as chief executives in their own right, with opportunities for growth, training, and collaboration that will elevate their work and benefit our clients.” Olabode noted.
Speaking at the event, Airtel Nigeria’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Samson Adeoye, commended the leadership and staying power of CMC Connect LLP in the communications industry, notes that its track record of nearly 34 years offers influencers an invaluable advantage.
He also highlighted Airtel’s commitment to “story-selling” in advertising, emphasising the power of narratives to help brands build deeper, more meaningful connections with audiences.
“When you think about long-term, sustainable partnerships, CMC Connect LLP stands out. With nearly 34 years of experience, it has achieved what many PR companies struggle to sustain beyond five years. This depth of experience gives influencers working with CMC Connect access to a rare wealth of knowledge and industry insight. At Airtel, we believe the strongest campaigns are built on story selling – every good story has conflict, setting, character, and resolution, with the brand as the enabler that brings resolution. That’s why campaigns like our popular Data is Life ad connect so deeply with audiences: they are anchored in stories that truly matter.”
The event brought together a vibrant community of influencers, communications professionals, and corporate representatives, establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration that prioritises ethics, authenticity, and impact in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
In a bid to foster stronger industry partnerships and promote the upcoming annual conference, BJAN executive members paid a courtesy visit to Stanbic IBTC. The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration, expanding market outreach, and reinforcing mutual interests within the financial sector. The photo captures the warm exchange between BJAN leaders and Stanbic IBTC representatives.
Amid Africa’s growing wave of infrastructure investment and innovation, the Project Management Institute (PMI) is convening the continent’s most influential voices at the Global Summit Series Africa, driving urgent, collective action to redefine how projects deliver impact and value. Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda between 19 to 21 August, the Summit is designed for senior project professionals, C-suite executives, government officials, development partners, and emerging project talent committed to driving transformation across Africa.
As Africa contends with intersecting challenges, from climate change and infrastructure gaps to job creation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, there is a critical need to recalibrate how projects are initiated, managed, and delivered across the continent. Project success can no longer be measured solely by timelines or budgets met. In today’s context, success must also be evaluated by how well a project enhances resilience, drives inclusive growth, unlocks sustainable innovation, and creates lasting social value.
“Africa’s project economy remains vibrant yet vulnerable,” says George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “The African Development Bank estimates the continent needs up to $170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, with a financing shortfall of as much as $108 billion. With so much at stake, project management can’t be an afterthought; it’s key to delivery. As countries advance infrastructure, digital, and social programmes, the demand for skilled professionals is more urgent than ever.”
“The Global Summit Series Africa responds to this urgency. This is not just a moment to gather, it’s a moment to grow and guide. It is where knowledge meets practice and where bold voices converge to ask and answer: How can Africa execute differently?”
This year’s lineup showcases the strength of pan-African leadership, from the corridors of government to the frontlines of innovation. These voices are not only driving transformation within their own countries but also offering continental perspectives with global relevance.
A highlight of the Summit will be a special message from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who has long championed the role of project execution in unlocking Africa’s prosperity.
This call for purposeful execution resonates across sectors. Senior executives from utilities, banking, education, and telecommunications, as well as influential voices from sports and music, will take the stage to share hard-won insights on building future-fit institutions, creative industries, and systems that deliver lasting impact.
Taking the stage across the three days of the Summit are Armand Nzeyimana, Director of the Development Impact and Results Department, African Development Bank; Olajumoke Akinwunmi, MD, Real Estate at Alitheia Capital Ltd; Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Government of Zambia; and Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama, ex-MD of the Electricity Company of Ghana, alongside influential cultural voices such as Nigerian-American singer, actor, and entrepreneur Olubankole Wellington (Banky W), and chess champion and Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya.
Joining them are leading project professionals from across the continent, including Stanley Iringe-Koko, Senior Manager of IT Projects and Portfolio at MTN Nigeria; Grace Johnson, Founding Partner and Strategic Advisor at the Framework for AI Transformation (FAIT); Ancicalia Matizha, Group Head PMO at Old Mutual Zimbabwe; Emily Mutaga, Head of PMO at Bank of Kigali, and Nozibele Ntshokontsha, Head of PMO at Rand Water.
“In Africa, the stakes are high; projects must deliver tangible outcomes, often under complex conditions. That’s why the Summit matters. It brings together professionals who understand our realities and are focused on delivery that works in our context. Having spoken at this Summit before, I’m returning because these conversations are not only relevant, they drive the kind of collaboration and clarity we need to move Africa forward and make Agenda 2063 more than a vision, but a lived reality,” adds Billy Mwape, CIO of FNB Zambia, one of the main speakers.
PMI Chapter Presidents from Ghana, Kenya, Angola, Togo, and Namibia will join PMI Rwanda Chapter President Innocent Kayigamba in contributing to the dialogue. Their participation is a powerful reminder that transformation in Africa is not only top-down but also bottom-up: peer-driven and locally grounded.
Reserve your place at Africa’s leading conversation on purposeful project delivery. This is your final chance to secure tickets at standard rates. visit https://pmiglobalsummitafrica.gcs-web.com/
No fewer than ten higher institutions in Lagos are expected to converge at Atican Beach, Lekki, for the annual Lagos Campus Beach Soccer tournament scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with BrandEscort Communications, the event will bring together top tertiary institutions across the state in a thrilling beach soccer competition.
Speaking on the event in Lagos, Adebanji Atewogboye, popularly known as Skibanj, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Grassroots Sports Development, emphasized the broader goals of the initiative. He noted that a “campus storming activation” — a promotional tour of participating institutions — will precede the grand finale.
“This much-anticipated Lagos Campus Beach Soccer event will feature students from leading institutions across Lagos State. It is designed to promote beach soccer culture while giving young talents a platform to showcase their skills and potentially advance into professional beach soccer.
“The participating institutions include the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Lagos State University of Education, Federal College of Education Technical, Lagos State College of Nursing, and others ” Atewogboye stated.
Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications, revealed that the theme for this year’s tournament is “Addressing Drug Abuse and Addiction”, reflecting the urgent need to combat the growing issue of drug abuse among Nigerian youth.
He called on corporate organizations to support the initiative by partnering with the state government to address the rising incidence of drug abuse among young people in Lagos.
For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, contact the organizers via lagoscampusbeachsoccer@gmail.com or adatewogboye@lagosstate.gov.ng.
Cavista Holdings has announced the promotion of Olumide Olayomi to the position of Executive Director/Vice President, Government and External Affairs. According to the management of the company, the strategic appointment reflects the firm’s unwavering commitment to deepening institutional partnerships and reinforcing its leadership with experienced professionals who share its mission of creating value and transforming lives across Africa.
Olayomi, who previously served as Cavista’s Director of Government and External Affairs, is a highly respected governance advisor and institutional strategist with over three decades of experience across Nigeria’s public and private sectors. He is known for his ability to navigate complex policy environments and for aligning government, business, and community interests.
With academic grounding in Geography and Planning and executive education from institutions such as the Lagos Business School, Mr. Olayomi has held pivotal roles throughout his career. These include serving as Head of Government and Community Relations at Etisalat (now 9mobile), leading Corporate Services at Churchgate Group, and advising on policy as Special Assistant to the Secretary to the Lagos State Government.
In 2016, he was appointed Sole Administrator of Apapa Iganmu LCDA, where he provided leadership for over one million residents, emphasizing transparency, service delivery, and institutional reform.
His private sector expertise also extends to his role as Head of Strategy and Operations at Olivestrength Nigeria Ltd., and as a long-standing advisor on governance, intergovernmental coordination, and public sector performance.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Olayomi chairs Omonide Farms Ltd., and is a Fellow of LEAD International (a Rockefeller Foundation initiative), a Justice of the Peace, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). He has made notable contributions to Lagos State’s tax reform and has participated in several global leadership forums.
“Olumide is a consummate professional who works tirelessly to lead our Government and External Affairs team at Cavista Holdings,” said John Olajide, Chairman of Cavista Holdings. “His promotion is a testament to his strategic leadership and the respect he commands across our organization. I have full confidence in his continued impact.”
Cavista Holdings congratulates Mr. Olayomi on this well-earned advancement and looks forward to his ongoing contributions as the organization strengthens its pan-African footprint and global partnerships.
Polaris Bank is set to host the 2025 edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This year’s seminar is themed: “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation”, and will feature two distinguished facilitators: Taiwo Obe, Founder and Director of Journalism Clinic, and Abayomi Adisa, a Senior Journalist with the BBC.
Now in its 11th year, Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Seminar has grown into a flagship media education initiative supporting journalism excellence and professional development across Nigeria. Since its inception in 2015, the program has trained over 5,500 journalists, equipping them with the contemporary knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving media landscape and AI era.
The 2024 edition, held in a hybrid format, recorded over 500 participants and focused on “Integrating AI Tools in Contemporary Media Practices for Innovation and Excellence.” Participants gained insights into data journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.
Building on last year’s success, the 2025 edition will explore critical aspects of modern journalism, including digital storytelling, transformative newsroom practices, and emerging tools that can help journalists remain relevant in practice and impactful in today’s information age.
Attendance at the seminar is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can still register via bit.ly/PAMC2025.
Polaris Bank remains committed to promoting responsible journalism through robust, consistent and premium media education and investing in initiatives that foster a more informed and progressive society.
