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Uyo’s NPRW 2025 Event Kicks Off With Over 1,000 Delegates In Attendance

The vibrant city of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is set to host more than 1,000 delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, as the Nigeria Public Relations Week (NPRW) 2025 officially kicks off on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), this year’s edition promises a dynamic and immersive five-day experience filled with knowledge sharing, strategic networking, and cultural celebration.

DAY 1 – Monday, May 19:
The week begins with the Public Relations Stakeholders’ Roundtable with Traditional Rulers, a strategic dialogue bridging culture and communication. This will be followed by the NPRW Undergraduates Forum, aimed at grooming the next generation of PR professionals.

Simultaneously, golf enthusiasts will gather for the NPRW Golf Kitty, adding a sporting flair to the day.

The evening will feature the Welcome Cocktail and Manifesto Night, where candidates for the NIPR Council election will engage delegates in an interactive forum.

DAY 2 – Tuesday, May 20:
The first full day of plenary and breakout sessions begins, featuring thought leaders and practitioners speaking on emerging trends and specialization in public relations.

A major highlight will be the Investiture of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State as a Patron of NIPR, a recognition of his administration’s support for communication and development.

The day will conclude with “Ndia Ibom” , a Food and Drink Festival showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Akwa Ibom.

DAY 3 – Wednesday, May 21:

Sessions continue with more plenary and breakout tracks, diving deeper into critical sectors of PR including tech, health, security, governance, and integrated marketing.

The evening will celebrate local fashion and identity with the Ethnik Fashion Nite, spotlighting the state’s diverse fashion culture.

DAY 4 – Thursday, May 22:
The spotlight turns to the NIPR Annual General Meeting, including Council Elections to elect new national officers. The day will end on a high note with a Closing Gala/Happy Hour, offering delegates a chance to unwind and network in a relaxed setting.

DAY 5 – Friday, May 23:
Delegates will embark on a guided tour of Akwa Ibom, experiencing the state’s scenic beauty, tourism, and cultural attractions.

The conference’s keynote address will be delivered by renowned tax expert, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, during the opening plenary.
Over the course of the week, sessions will be led by top communication scholars, consultants, and corporate leaders, including Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, fnipr; Mr. Yakubu Lamai, mnipr; Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, fnipr; Mr. Ali-Balogun, fnipr; Ms. Tolulope Olorundero, mnipr; Barr. Chimdi Neliaku, mnipr; Maryam Sanusi, fnipr; Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, mnipr; Dr. Adewale Oyekomi, mnipr; Prof. Saudat Abdul-Baqi, fnipr; Adetokunbo Modupe, mnipr; Dr. Monday Ashibogwu, fnipr; Mr. O’tega Ogra; Mr. Segun McMedal, mnipr; and Prof. Iyorza Stalinus, anipr.

According to Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, fnipr, Chairman of the NPRW 2025 National Planning Committee, “This year’s NPRW promises to be a convergence of ideas, people, and opportunities for our profession. From the roundtables to the cultural showcases, we are celebrating the essence and future of PR in Nigeria.”

Winifred Bosa by — May 19, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0

In a dynamic and often unpredictable financial landscape like Nigeria, the ability to access funds at critical moments makes all the difference.  For entrepreneurs, financial agility is often the key to unlocking growth and success. With fluctuating prices and unexpected financial policies, many businesses in recent times have found themselves in need of short-term financial solutions to keep their business running smoothly.

Recognising this challenge, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a pioneer in innovative financial solutions, redesigned the Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) as a lifeline to empower businesses with swift, flexible cash flow support that can significantly empower business owners, allowing them to navigate the complexities of business management with greater ease.

The Retail Temporary Overdraft (RTOD) is aimed at providing customers with flexible temporary overdraft to meet urgent business financial needs.  The features of RTOD include:

  • Access up to N5million monthly subject to 10% of 6 months credit turnover from sales
  • Interest rate is competitive and subject to changes in money market realities
  • No tangible collateral is required
  • Facility tenor is 30 days, and this can be accessed up to 12 times in one year.

The benefits of this Facility include assistance in growing business volumes which position SMEs for higher facility limits. It is useful in emergency situations to meet urgent business needs. No tangible collateral is required to get the loan, and it is available throughout the year once the existing facility is repaid within 30 days.  The interest rate is cheaper due to the shorter facility tenor.

SMEs with regular cash flow who have maintained an account with FirstBank for a minimum period of six [6] months or 12 months in any other commercial bank are eligible for this facility. The amount drawable on this facility is N5million monthly, subject to 10% of the customers’ last 6 months credit turnover. Repayment is automatically deducted from (Sales or business proceeds) incoming receivables into borrower’s account within the stipulated time. To apply, customers need to show interest by contacting the FirstBank SME advisor or apply online by submitting the required documents. Approval could be as fast as 24 hours in cases where the customer fulfills all criteria.

To ensure that customers can maximise given opportunities and enjoy maximum turnover, the loan figure is N5 million globally for qualified customers who show a good track record of prompt repayment and also meet the stipulated criteria.

There are many customers who have been able to turn their businesses around with the help of this facility, such as Mr. Isola, the prime mover of Champion Five Limited, a food retail vendor who approached FirstBank for funding to augment his working capital and increase production.

 

The bank provided a N5million overdraft facility with a 30-day tenure which was made available to him for 12 months.  With the funding, Champion Five Limited was able to increase production by 50% and expand their customer base as well as employ more staff. The company has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

FirstBank’s Retail Temporary Overdraft product has been so impactful to the businesses of both male and female entrepreneurs.

This contributed to the bank’s achievements, where it was honored with two highly prestigious awards at the Asian Banker Excellence in Retail Financial Services International Awards 2024. The awards, presented by The Asian Banker, crowned FirstBank as both the Best SME Bank in Nigeria and the Best SME Bank in Africa, a testament to the institution’s commitment to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and driving retail financial excellence across the continent.

The Asian Banker awards are widely recognized as one of the most competitive and rigorous in the global banking industry. The evaluation process is stringent, focusing on various key performance indicators, including service delivery, customer experience, financial performance, and innovation in retail banking.

With an extensive panel of experts examining each institution’s track record, FirstBank’s recognition as the leading SME Bank in both Nigeria and Africa signals its outstanding leadership and vision in the African financial industry.

As the backbone of the Nigerian and African economies, SMEs play a crucial role in driving employment, innovation, and economic growth.

However, they often face significant hurdles, especially in securing adequate financial support. This is where FirstBank steps in, not just as a traditional banking partner, but as an enabler and advocate for the sector.

With its range of SME-focused financial products, from deposit products, loan packages to tailored advisory services, FirstBank has distinguished itself as a leader in providing SMEs the resources they need to thrive.

The bank’s FirstSME initiative is designed to support businesses in accessing capital, managing cash flow, and navigating the complexities of business development in a competitive market. This commitment is what earned FirstBank top recognition at the Asian Banker awards.

Source: Tosin Ajayi

Winifred Bosa by — May 15, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
#NoNoiseJustSigns: Access Bank Unveils DiamondXtra Season 17, To Reward Customers With Over N200m.

 

L–R: Echezona Ezeuko, Regional Sales Manager, Festac Region, Access Bank PLC; Emmanuel Augustine, Winner, DiamondXtra Promo; Adaeze Ume, Unit Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank PLC; Pastor Alex Onyeamachi Nwachukwu, Winner, DiamondXtra Promo; and Olukemi Olayinka, Regional Sales Director, Lagos 3 Directorate, Access Bank PLC — during the launch of DiamondXtra Season 17 in Alaba, Lagos.
  • Rewards 165 Customers In Onsite Draws

 

Access Bank has officially unveiled Season 17 of its flagship loyalty reward scheme, DiamondXtra, with a renewed promise to transform lives and deepen financial inclusion across Nigeria.

 

To mark the launch, the bank rewarded 165 lucky customers with cash prizes ranging from N5,000 to N100,000 in onsite draws held at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

 

DiamondXtra is a hybrid account that merges the benefits of both savings and current accounts. It allows customers to earn interest on deposits while maintaining full transactional functionality.

However, what sets the account apart is its unique reward mechanism—customers automatically qualify for periodic draws that offer life-changing prizes.

 

One of the major highlights of the new season is the return of the ‘Salary for Life’ initiative, a beloved feature of past seasons. Under this offer, selected winners will receive N200,000 every month for 15 years, amounting to a total benefit of N36 million per winner.

 

Speaking at the launch event, Adaeze Umeh, Unit Head, Consumer Banking at Access Bank, said: “We are excited to bring back ‘Salary for Life’ in response to customer demand. Winners will receive N200,000 monthly for the next fifteen years. In addition, this year we are introducing digital cluster draws through the Access More app. Customers can generate a referral code and share it with family and friends. Once a group of 50 qualifies, they’ll stand a chance to win N100,000 as a group.”

Umeh also revealed that of the 150 digital clusters planned for the season, 30 will be dedicated exclusively to women—a deliberate move to support the bank’s growing ‘W’ community, which focuses on empowering women through access to finance and opportunities.

Customer feedback played a pivotal role in shaping this year’s prize offerings.

According to Umeh, Access Bank routinely polls customers to determine the rewards they prefer.

“The last time they asked for ‘Salary for Life’ was in 2019. Last year, they opted for cars, and we gave out cars. This year, about 40 percent of customers voted for ‘Salary for Life’, and we listened.”

She further explained that three winners will be selected for the salary reward each quarter.

“So far, 131 customers have won ‘Salary for Life’ in previous seasons. These new winners will be joining that exclusive community. We are significantly expanding the scope of rewards this season—from 4,000 winners in Season 16 to a target of 12,000 winners this year with a total sum of N228.7m. That’s three times the number, and it reflects our commitment to mass-market inclusion and social impact.”

The bank has reported that DiamondXtra now boasts over five million account holders, and the bank aims to onboard at least one million more by the end of 2025.

“Our target is not just numbers,” Umeh said. “We want every new and existing customer to experience excellent service, whether in person or digitally. With DiamondXtra, they enjoy interest, convenient banking, and life-changing rewards.”

 

Also speaking at the event was Olukemi Olayinka, Regional Sales Director at Access Bank, who emphasized the far-reaching impact of the initiative.

“We are thrilled that 165 customers walked away with rewards today, including five individuals who won N100,000 each. Over 33,000 families have benefitted from DiamondXtra since inception. This is about making a difference.”

“Beyond individual rewards, DiamondXtra is also helping entrepreneurs. The scheme now extends support to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) through business training, mentoring, and collateral-free loans.

“It’s more than just savings,” Olayinka noted. “We provide up to ₦10 million in loans based on turnover, without requiring collateral. We guide customers through business challenges, offering the kind of support that ensures sustainability.”

She added that the bank’s continuous reward programme also plays a role in driving financial inclusion.

“Many people are joining the formal banking system for the first time because of DiamondXtra. We’ve acquired thousands of new accounts through this initiative, while also keeping our existing customers actively engaged. To join the winning train and stand a chance to win our mouth-watering cash prizes this season, simply dial *901*5# or walk into any of our branches nationwide to open a DiamondXtra account with a minimum of N5,000. Remember, the more you save, the more chances of you winning in the monthly, quarterly or cluster draws”. Olayinka concluded.

 

DiamondXtra continues to be rolled out across key regions in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, the South-West, and North-Central, making it one of the country’s most far-reaching financial reward programmes.

 

As Access Bank continues to innovate around financial products with social impact, DiamondXtra stands out as a blueprint for combining banking with purpose, reinforcing the institution’s overarching goal of improving lives and communities across Africa.

Online Poster by — May 14, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
AGRA, Nestlé , TechnoServe Launch Groundbreaking Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative In Nigeria

L-R: Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria and Mr. Alidu Amadu, Head of Agricultural Services, Central West Africa, Nestle at the launch of the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Zaria, recently.

In a bold step towards building a climate-resilient agricultural sector, AGRA, Nestlé Nigeria, and TechnoServe have launched the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Nigeria.

StreFaS is a three-year initiative, funded by AGRA and Nestlé, that will run from June 2024 to October 2027. The program aims to support 25,000 smallholder farmers and eight aggregators across Kaduna and Nasarawa States, promoting sustainable production of maize, soybean, rice, and sorghum. It focuses on integrating regenerative agriculture into every step of the value chain, with particular emphasis on empowering youth and women.

StreFaS will help improve soil health, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity, and strengthen economic resilience. Furthermore, the program connects smallholder farmers to formal markets, including Nestlé’s supply chain, enabling them to receive premium prices for climate-smart produce.

L-R: Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Mohammed Rili, GM, Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, Mr. Alidu Amadu, Head of Agricultural Services, Central West Africa, Mr Bege Dutse Bungwon, Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria, at the launch of the Strengthening Farmers’ and SMEs’ Resilience through Climate Smart Grain Production and Accessing the Structured Markets (StreFaS) initiative in Zaria, recently.

The launch event, held in Zaria, Kaduna State, brought together high-level representatives from the government, development partners, private-sector stakeholders, and members of the media. The event featured keynote speeches from implementing partners, a case study from a climate-smart farmer, and a powerful project overview underscoring the initiative’s role in transforming Nigeria’s grain value chains.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Adesuwa Akinboro, Country Director of TechnoServe Nigeria, described the STREFAS initiative as a transformative step for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “This project represents a bold commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with the tools, knowledge, and market access they need to thrive in the face of climate change. STREFAS is not just about boosting yields—it’s about regenerating our soils, restoring dignity to farming, and creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities across Kaduna and Nasarawa States,” she said.

“We are proud to co-lead this initiative that puts farmers first — not just by introducing new practices, but by rebuilding the very ecosystems that sustain farming — core to AGRA’s approach to sustainable and resilient food systems transformation,” said Dr. Rufus Idris, AGRA’s Country Director for Nigeria.

Speaking on Nestlé’s commitment, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, CEO of Nestlé Nigeria, added:

“At Nestlé, we believe that good food starts with high-quality ingredients and the well-being of the people who produce them. Our partnership in this initiative underscores our commitment to sustainable sourcing and decarbonizing our value chain. Globally, we aim to source at least 50% of our key ingredients from farmers practicing regenerative agriculture by 2030. With an investment of over $1,000,000 in this project over the next three years, we aim to contribute towards establishing regenerative agriculture as the standard in the food industry, addressing both environmental and social priorities holistically.”

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Kaduna State, Honourable Murtala Muhammad Dabo stated “This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable agricultural future. I commend TechnoServe and its partners for their dedication to promoting climate-smart agriculture practices in Kaduna State. Let us continue to work together to empower farmers, improve food security, and build a climate-resilient agricultural sector. I wish you all the best in this endeavor.”

On the sidelines of the launch, MAGGI celebrated the Soya Bean farmers who were part of the regenerative agriculture pilot project. One of the farmers Engineer Lawan Abdul, shared a compelling testimonial.

“Since I started adopting the strategies, we were taught in this project, my yields have increased by 100%. This was very surprising and encouraging for me. I am very happy with the outcome and thank the project partners and MAGGI for bringing this opportunity to us.”

The StreFaS initiative is aligned with AGRA’s 3.0 Country Strategy, Nestlé’s 2030 Climate resilience sourcing goals, and TechnoServe’s proven expertise in building market-driven solutions for rural prosperity.

By connecting smallholder farmers to better tools, markets, and capital, StreFaS will scale regeneration in ways that are profitable and empowering. As implementation continues, the program will deepen collaboration with government, private sector, and civil society partners to sustain scalable change across Nigeria’s grain value chain.

Winifred Bosa by — May 10, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Airtel Reveals Mechanism Of Spam Alert Service 

 As the revolutionary Airtel Spam AI Alert Service rolls out across Airtel Africa’s 14 operating countries, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, has elaborated on the unprecedented benefits and operating principles guiding the Spam Alert Service. Designed to enhance user safety, this pioneering AI-driven product provides real-time defense against spam and fraudulent SMS messages, making it a gamechanger for mobile security across the continent.
The Airtel AI Spam Alert Service, which is engineered to automatically detect and label suspicious SMS messages as “Suspected SPAM” without requiring any user action or additional apps, leverages a robust AI algorithm that analyzes over 250 parameters.
 These parameters includee sender behavior, message frequency, message geographical distribution, and unusual activity patterns. Impressively, the service completes this process under just two milliseconds, offering near-instantaneous alerts while maintaining the privacy of user data by not reading message content.
Commenting on the breakthrough service, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, stated: “Nigeria is not just a critical market for us—it’s a leader in digital adoption within the continent.
Our AI Spam Alert Service reflects our dedication to safeguarding our customers from the growing threat of SMS fraud. As the first of its kind in Africa, it addresses a fundamental issue of trust and security, which is paramount to our digital ecosystem. We’re proud to offer this service to Nigerians and extend it across our African footprint.”
Following its successful deployment in Nigeria, the Spam Alert Service has now launched in Tanzania and Kenya and is set to cover Airtel’s entire African operations. The service’s automatic activation for all Airtel customers, across both smartphones and feature phones, ensures maximum reach and accessibility.
Early feedback from subscribers has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the AI’s efficiency in flagging potentially harmful messages without interfering with their everyday communication.
By pioneering this AI-based spam detection technology, Airtel Africa demonstrates its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge innovation to resolve critical issues facing its subscribers. The AI Spam Alert Service not only protects users but also sets a new benchmark for mobile security standards in the region.
“Our goal is to build a safer digital environment for our users,” added Balsingh. “This innovation is part of our broader strategy to incorporate advanced technologies that address real challenges while enhancing the overall customer experience.”
Winifred Bosa by — May 10, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Ecowaka Launches Three-Wheeled Electric Vehicles, Boosts Sustainable Transportation In Nigeria

 

A new chapter is opening in Nigeria’s transportation sector as Ecowaka Limited (Ecowaka), an indigenous electric vehicle (EV) company, launches its three-wheeled electric vehicles (keke).

 

This innovation provides an affordable and eco-friendly solution to enhance urban mobility, supported by advanced battery swapping and charging infrastructure.

With rising fuel price, increasing urban congestion, and the urgent need for climate-conscious alternatives, Ecowaka is positioning itself as a pioneer in Nigeria’s electric mobility space, delivering sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective transport options tailored for everyday Nigerians.

“We are building more than electric vehicles; We’re building a cleaner future, creating jobs, and giving drivers and commuters a smarter alternative,” said Prince Ojeabulu, Founder and CEO at Ecowaka. “Our mission at Ecowaka is to drive innovation that not only redefines transportation but also contributes to a cleaner planet. This is about local innovation that solves real problems.”, he added.

Ecowaka adopts an inclusive model for electric mobility, providing access to both brand-new electric tricycles from ₦2.6 million and conversion solutions for existing petrol-powered kekes from ₦2.3 million. This approach supports a gradual and affordable transition for operators already in the system. With a supporting infrastructure of charging and battery-swap stations, Ecowaka’s model is designed to minimize downtime and reduce long-term operating costs.

The electric keke is designed to meet Nigeria’s transportation needs, offering high performance and reliability. The vehicles are equipped with an 8kWh battery that allows for a top speed of 50 km/h and a travel range of up to 120 km per charge. These vehicles can carry three passengers along with the driver, providing a practical solution for both personal and commercial transport. Charging is efficient with a 5-minute battery swap and 45-minute station charging. The vehicle also includes smart features like a digital display, vehicle tracking, USB charging port, and mobile app integration. Contributing to zero emissions, operators can save up to 60% on fuel costs.

Already gaining attention from key players in tech, transport, and environmental advocacy, Ecowaka is building strategic partnerships to scale across major cities in Nigeria. With its commitment to local assembly, driver training, and tech-driven mobility solutions, the company is poised to set the pace for clean transport across Africa.

Ecowaka is an indigenous Electric Vehicle (EV) brand focused on driving sustainable transportation in Nigeria. With a mission to deliver accessible, eco-friendly transport solutions.

Winifred Bosa by — May 10, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
MTN Invests N3.5bn In Social Investment Initiatives

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced a N3.5bn investment in Corporate Social Investment initiatives in 2024, bringing its total CSI spending to N31.9bn since inception, as part of efforts to deepen environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, and socio-economic impact across the country.

The company’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, disclosed this during the “Facts About the Sustainability Report” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Limited in Lagos on Thursday.

Okigbo said the 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders by embedding environmental, social, and governance practices across its operations.

According to him, MTN Nigeria’s interventions impacted over 663,300 individuals in 2024, supported 628 small businesses, and improved educational outcomes in 62 schools across the country.

“In 2024, we invested N3.5bn in Corporate Social Investment, bringing our total investment to N31.9bn since inception. Our efforts have made a tangible impact, benefitting over 663,300 individuals, supporting 628 small businesses, and improving educational outcomes in 62 schools across Nigeria,” he stated.

In line with its environmental goals, the company deployed 194 new solar-powered rural telephony sites and launched West Africa’s first eco-friendly SIM cards to cut down on plastic waste.

On governance, MTN Nigeria became the first Nigerian company and the first within the MTN Group to receive the Compliance Management System certification from the International Accreditation Service.

Also speaking at the event, the General Manager, Risk Management at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Esosa Balogun, added that the company paid N764.2bn in taxes, levies, and duties to the Nigerian government in the reporting year.

“We paid N764.2 billion in income taxes, duties and levies paid to the government, up 39.1 per cent.”

As part of its leadership in transparency, MTN Nigeria became an early adopter of the International Financial Reporting Sustainability Disclosure Standards ahead of the mandatory date set by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. It also joined the ISSB’s Transition Implementation Group and the FRC’s Adoption Readiness Working Group.

Balogun stated that MTN Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond business operations and includes active engagement with local communities through programmes such as “What Can We Do Together?”, which enables Nigerians to propose and implement development projects within their communities.

“Through stakeholder forums, grievance mechanisms, and independent impact assessments, we maintain transparency, measure effectiveness, and ensure long-term sustainability,” he said.

Additionally, MTN Nigeria maintained a 93 per cent network coverage rate and reported over 2.8 million active MoMo wallets in 2024. It also reported that 59.6 per cent of its procurement spending was on local suppliers.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, emphasized that sustainability has now evolved from a corporate responsibility add-on to a core business imperative.

He stressed that sustainability challenges continue to reshape global priorities, making Environmental, Social, and Governance factors essential to investment decisions.

“As business leaders, regulators, and educators, we share the responsibility to drive transformation. By working together, we can build a capital market that not only attracts investment but also supports societal progress and protects the environment,” the CEO stated.

He further highlighted that companies integrating sustainability at the core of their operations are not only better positioned to mitigate environmental and social risks but also more capable of strengthening brand value and capitalising on the rising demand for sustainable products and services.

 

Online Poster by — May 9, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced a N3.5bn investment in Corporate Social Investment initiatives in 2024, bringing its total CSI spending to N31.9bn since inception, as part of efforts to deepen environmental sustainability, digital inclusion, and socio-economic impact across the country.

 

 

The company’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, disclosed this during the “Facts About the Sustainability Report” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Limited in Lagos on Thursday.

 

 

Okigbo said the 2024 Sustainability Report highlights the company’s commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders by embedding environmental, social, and governance practices across its operations.

 

 

According to him, MTN Nigeria’s interventions impacted over 663,300 individuals in 2024, supported 628 small businesses, and improved educational outcomes in 62 schools across the country.

 

 

“In 2024, we invested N3.5bn in Corporate Social Investment, bringing our total investment to N31.9bn since inception. Our efforts have made a tangible impact, benefitting over 663,300 individuals, supporting 628 small businesses, and improving educational outcomes in 62 schools across Nigeria,” he stated.

 

 

In line with its environmental goals, the company deployed 194 new solar-powered rural telephony sites and launched West Africa’s first eco-friendly SIM cards to cut down on plastic waste.

 

 

On governance, MTN Nigeria became the first Nigerian company and the first within the MTN Group to receive the Compliance Management System certification from the International Accreditation Service.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, the General Manager, Risk Management at MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Esosa Balogun, added that the company paid N764.2bn in taxes, levies, and duties to the Nigerian government in the reporting year.

 

 

“We paid N764.2 billion in income taxes, duties and levies paid to the government, up 39.1 per cent.”

 

 

As part of its leadership in transparency, MTN Nigeria became an early adopter of the International Financial Reporting Sustainability Disclosure Standards ahead of the mandatory date set by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. It also joined the ISSB’s Transition Implementation Group and the FRC’s Adoption Readiness Working Group.

 

 

Balogun stated that MTN Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond business operations and includes active engagement with local communities through programmes such as “What Can We Do Together?”, which enables Nigerians to propose and implement development projects within their communities.

 

 

“Through stakeholder forums, grievance mechanisms, and independent impact assessments, we maintain transparency, measure effectiveness, and ensure long-term sustainability,” he said.

 

 

Additionally, MTN Nigeria maintained a 93 per cent network coverage rate and reported over 2.8 million active MoMo wallets in 2024. It also reported that 59.6 per cent of its procurement spending was on local suppliers.

 

 

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, emphasized that sustainability has now evolved from a corporate responsibility add-on to a core business imperative.

 

 

He stressed that sustainability challenges continue to reshape global priorities, making Environmental, Social, and Governance factors essential to investment decisions.

 

 

“As business leaders, regulators, and educators, we share the responsibility to drive transformation. By working together, we can build a capital market that not only attracts investment but also supports societal progress and protects the environment,” the CEO stated.

 

 

He further highlighted that companies integrating sustainability at the core of their operations are not only better positioned to mitigate environmental and social risks but also more capable of strengthening brand value and capitalising on the rising demand for sustainable products and services.

Winifred Bosa by — May 9, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0
Marketing Analytics Africa Poised To Transform Future Of Marketing Across The Continent

Marketing Analytics Africa (MAA) is proud to announce the return of its annual marketing conference scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at the Landmark Events & Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s conference, themed “Marketing in the New Economy: Data-Driven Success in Challenging Times”, reflects the urgent need for African marketers, businesses, and policy leaders to evolve with the digital era and economy and reshape Africa’s marketing future.

According to Victor Ojeakhena, the Co-Founder/CEO of Marketing Analytics Africa, the Africa Marketing Technology and E-commerce Conference (AMTEC) is an annual marketing event that brings together thought leaders, executives, marketing innovators, and data strategists from across Africa to explore the latest trends, tools and tactics in martech, e-commerce, data intelligence, and customer experience optimisation, all essential for thriving in today’s economic landscape.

Victor also hinted that this year’s AMTEC event will feature a top line up marketing professionals like Feyi Olubodun, Managing Partner at Open Squares Africa; Maurice Igugu, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sterling Bank Plc; Tomisin Adetola, Colgate’s Head of Marketing; Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA), Head of Sponsorship and Events at First Bank, among others.

In a show of strong industry collaboration, brands like Colgate, Nutrify, Addmie, Indomie, Ladycare, DStv Nigeria, Dochase, Legit.ng, Cybertron, Accret Experience, among others, have joined MAA as official partners for #AMTEC2025. These partnerships further cement the event’s credibility and impact as Africa’s leading martech and e-commerce knowledge hub.

While disclosing why AMTEC 2025 matters, Victor Ojeakhena hinted that the event has a focus on transformation, insights, and inclusion, thereby aiming to: empower brands and marketers with cutting-edge digital marketing strategies, showcase the role of data and emerging technologies in achieving scalable growth, provide a networking platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, and drive partnerships and collaborations for sustainable innovation across Africa.

AMTEC 2025 is scheduled to take place on the 24th day of May, 2025, at Landmark Events & Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, by 9:00 AM prompt.

Marketing Analytics Africa is calling on all marketing leaders, top executives and professionals, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises who are in search of fresh marketing ideas and innovations, to be part of AMTEC 2025.

Winifred Bosa by — May 7, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0

FirstBank, the West African premier bank and financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports.

 

Empowering the Next Generation of Esports Professionals

The partnership provides a platform for FirstBank to support the rollout of EStars’ comprehensive esports qualifications, including entry-level Certificates and BTEC courses in esports. These programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the burgeoning esports industry.

 

Innovative Financial Solutions for Gamers

In addition to educational initiatives, FirstBank and EStars are exploring the development of a co-branded gaming credit card, with the goal of enhancing customer experience and offering them a unique blend of exclusive benefits, rewards, and gaming-centric features.

 

A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation

As a leading financial services provider in Africa, with a vast network of over 820 business locations and 39 million+ customer accounts, FirstBank is uniquely positioned to drive economic growth and empowerment. The collaboration with EStars embodies FirstBank’s commitment to innovation, youth development, and supporting emerging sectors like esports, ultimately ensuring a stable economic future for generations to come

 

Mags Byrne, EStars CEO stated: “We are thrilled to be partnering with FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest bank, to introduce our educational products to their customers.  Our aim is to bring educational esports to all of Africa, and innovative partnerships like this make this possible”. 

 

Joel Popoola, EStars’ Africa Advisor added: “This partnership between EStars and FirstBank marks a significant milestone in advancing esports education in Nigeria. By integrating structured learning pathways into the rapidly expanding esports industry, we are providing Nigerian students with the opportunity to develop essential digital, entrepreneurial, and technical skills that are critical for the future workforce. This collaboration is about more than just gaming—it’s about equipping young people with the knowledge and competencies they need to thrive in a digital economy, opening doors to new career opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and beyond.”

 

Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, Chukwuma Ezirim Group Executive, E-Business and Retail Products Division, FirstBank, said “We are excited to collaborate with EStars in pioneering esports education for the youths. Esports present a new frontier of creativity, innovation and career opportunities. We recognize the vast potential of esports in shaping the future of our youth and we are ready to harness it for their benefits. By investing in esports education, we are not only opening up exciting career paths for the youths but also contributing to the growth and development of the African esports ecosystem. FirstBank is proud to be at the forefront of this innovative endeavour”

 

 

Winifred Bosa by — May 7, 2025 in brands and Marketing 0