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BJAN Conference : Experts Task Marketing Professionals, Others On Ethical AI , Human Mastery

By Winifred Bosa
13th annual conference of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) recently concluded in Lagos, addressing the seismic impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the marketing and communications landscape. The event, themed “AI and Future of Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity,” brought together regulators, industry veterans, and tech innovators who unanimously agreed that survival depends on ethical application and human ‘mastery’ of the new technology.
In his welcome address, Daniel Obi, BJAN Chairman, set the tone for the discussion, observing that the world of marketing and communication “is undergoing a profound shift driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence”.
He detailed how AI is transforming processes across the board, from content generation to personalised advertising, challenging old models and shaping new possibilities.
Mr Obi emphasised that the theme “captures not only the excitement but also the responsibility placed on professionals in our sector,” requiring them to use the technology “ethically, strategically and intelligently”.
Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head, Brands, Communications, Content & CSR, representing Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President/Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Interswitch; Bethel Obioma, Head Corporate Communications, Sahara Group; Udeme Ufot, GMD, SO&U and Daniel Obi, BJAN Chairman at BJAN’s conference 2025 in Lagos. 
Udeme Ufot, Group Chief Executive Officer of SO&U Limited and Chairman of the occasion, echoed this dual perspective, stating plainly that “AI brings both disruption and opportunity”.
He acknowledged that while the technology burdens old systems, “it also offers new possibilities, greater efficiency, deeper insights, faster processes, and more personalised communication than ever before”.
Mr Ufot stressed that the key question for professionals is no longer whether “AI will transform our industry,” but rather how they “will be responsive”.
Ultimately, he advised the audience that professionals “must see AI and enabler not the first [a threat]” and build new skills alongside strong ethical standards.
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), represented by Dr. Susan Ngozi Agbo (Director, Registration Directorate), presented the regulatory stance. Speaking on behalf of Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON, Dr Agbo noted that AI is “already revolutionalising the marketing workflow, presenting both disruptions and opportunities”.
However, the regulator expressed serious concerns about maintaining local norms and ethics. Dr Agbo insisted that “the ethical standard of marketing communication is what to ensure that we all continue to be one Nigerian so that we will not break that which makes us thick as a nation”.
She warned that if AI is allowed to be used unchecked, “there will be anarchy in the system”.
Consequently, she called on practitioners to “always self censor yourself in anything you are churning out” to ensure conformity to the norms of advertising practice. Furthermore, ARCON has developed a stock image bank for Nigerians, meaning if practitioners cannot use the beautiful faces of Nigerians, they will need to provide “variations and reasons why” they are using stock imagery.
Bethel Obioma, the Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, emphasised that while technological disruption is inevitable, the inherent value of human creativity and insight remains paramount. He noted that professionals in this field gain “an opportunity to have multiple expressions”.
 Mr Obioma elaborated that effective communicators are “exceptional at different things” because they are able to acquire “a best IQ of everything and put it together in a way no one can ever express it,” which is what allows a marketer to truly stand out.
He strongly cautioned against relying solely on technology, asserting that the crucial differentiating factor is that “the human edge will always trump anything else”.
This human capacity is essential for transforming AI-generated outputs into actionable excellence.
Corroborating this strategic view, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President/Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Interswitch, whose presentation was delivered by Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head, Brands, Communications,  Content & CSR,  highlighted the convergence of various professional paths in today’s landscape.
She observed that whether one is “a journalist, whether you’re in media or in advertising or you’re a junior brand manager, the insights will converge”.
This convergence is now powered by what she termed the ‘New Marketing Trinity’. In this powerful strategic framework, Eromosele explained that “Data has always been the.fuel” that ignites efforts, while “Creativity is the spark,” and AI acts as “the multiplier”.
She stressed how technology has fundamentally shifted media consumption, noting that “everybody’s screen has now become their network,” rendering traditional mass communication less effective as it transitions toward precision communication.
Offering a stark reality check, Segun Umoru, Senior AI and ML Engineer at Optimus AI Labs, during the panel session confirmed that “AI will take over some jobs; I mean that’s the truth”.
He noted that this reduction in workforce is already happening outside Nigeria due to agentic solutions automating tasks that previously required junior personnel. Mr Umoru warned that in 2026, “there’s going to be a lot of jobs affected,” citing how lean startups are now successfully running marketing, content creation, graphics, and web design with minimal staff using these solutions.
Despite the disruptive potential, panellists emphasised the critical role of human intellect and skill. Emma Adeniran, Business Unit Director at +Aculty Limited, commented on the high adoption rate among professionals in Nigeria, noting that “the penetration is high and it will continue to get deeper”.
He argued that AI has “made a whole lot of things democratized,” thereby ensuring that “the standard has been elevated,” meaning professionals need to “move… a lot higher”.
The conference was attended by industry leaders, policymakers, marketing professionals, and students.
Brand Visibility: Stakeholders Hail BJAN’s Contribution, Stress Ethical AI Use

By Winifred Bosa
Dr. Dare Ogunyombo, PR professional and Lecturer, Mass Comm dept, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoyin, John Ehiguese, Founder/CEO, MediaCraft Associates; Daniel Obi, BJAN Chairman; Clara Okoro, immediate past Chairman, BJAN; Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, NIPR Lagos Chairman and Tomi Ogunlesi of Interswitch.

Marketing communications leaders and stakeholders who gathered at the 2025 Annual Brands &Marketing Conference organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) have lauded the contributions of Brand Journalistsfor their consistent work, which has dramatically enhanced the respect and growth of the marketing Communications industry in the country.
While celebrating the vital role of the media in shaping brand narratives, speakers at the event, whose theme was “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Marketing Workflow: Opportunities and ,” emphasised that journalists must master AI tools to ensure that the human element remains central to communication.
Captains of industry reflected on how far the profession has come, acknowledging that decades ago, advertising and marketing communications lacked respect and public awareness.
Udeme Ufot, Group CEO of SO&U, highlighted that the current stature of the sector is a direct result of media coverage. “The fact that marketing and advertising are now so well recognised and respected is because of the work that journalists have done,” he stated.
He further explained that the more awareness created around brand management and marketing communications, the more the industry attracts quality professionals, thereby earning greater respect and recognition.
This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Susan Ngozi Agbo, Director of the Registration Directorate at ARCON, representing Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). She noted that the value journalists bring to the table cannot be overstated.
“The work you do within the entire marketing ecosystem cannot be overemphasised,” she said, adding that brands are visible “because of the journalists and the attention you give to those brands”.
Daniel Obi, Chairman of BJAN, welcomed attendees to the pivotal conference, emphasising that AI is transforming how the industry creates, communicates, plans, measures, and engages.
He stressed that professionals, including journalists and regulators “must understand this technology deeply enough to use it ethically, strategically, and intelligently”.
The core discussion focused on Artificial Intelligence, which speakers agreed is no longer a future prospect but the current reality.
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, described the present landscape as “an equilibrium where disruption meets opportunity”. He strongly advised emerging professionals, stating, “The human edge will always trump anything else.” He asserted that while AI can handle tasks such as scaling, data analysis, and initial drafting, human practitioners must oversee strategy, creative decisions, and emotional nuances.
Mr. Obioma cautioned against relying solely on AI outputs, warning that AI-generated stories or pitches often miss the crucial “why” and lack the emotional and cultural context specific to the Nigerian market. For example, AI might fail to anticipate cultural backlash triggered by subtle emotional cues or the use of culturally sensitive language.
To leverage AI effectively, Mr. Obioma outlined a three-pronged framework for journalists and marketers: Discovery, Smoothly (The Human Edge), and Mastery. He urged journalists to actively learn about AI tools, understanding what AI is, its limitations, and which specific tools to use for tasks such as writing or data analysis.
Explaining “Smoothly (The Human Edge)”, he advised applying critical thinking to AI outputs, interrogating results, and contextualising them with real-world business insights and local nuances. Journalists must ask: “Why?” and “Is this true?”.
Regarding “Mastery”, he explained that taking command of AI, integrating insights within one’s own business metrics, and delivering authentic, high-quality work are essential. Mr. Obioma summarised, “AI only takes you to the bus stop; you need to start the vehicle and move on to the next stage”.
The speakers also emphasised that AI amplifies the need for vigilance, particularly against misinformation and bias.
Delivering insights on behalf of Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President of Interswitch Group, Tomi Ogunlesi, Divisional Head of Brands, Communications, Content & CSR at Interswitch, highlighted that in the new marketing trinity, Data is the fuel, Creativity is the spark, and AI is the multiplier. Yet, she underscored that despite technological advancements, human elements remain irreplaceable. “Human skills define the why and the soul of the brand,” the presentation stated.
Dr. Eromosele’s recommendations for the advancing brand journalist included strengthening investigative skills, fostering collaboration rather than competition, and paying close attention to detail. She warned against the ethical risks of publishing AI-generated content without diligent review, citing instances where major publications outsourced content creation only to publish glaring errors.
Abelinis Hosts Second Edition Of WITFLIX Experience, Inaugurates High-Impact Leadership Conversation

… Screens Kunle Afolayan’s “October 1” in a convivial atmosphere
Funmi Oleghe
L-R Femi Bello, the moderator, Milagrosa Nana Utomi, CEO MPXM Africa, Tolu Medebem, President EXMAN, Abiodun Oshinibosi, Founder WITFLIX, and Larry Thompson, Country Manager WITFLIX
It was an atmosphere of conviviality and knowledge sharing as Abelinis Limited, a forward tech-driven experiential marketing company, hosted industry practitioners, undergraduates, students, and upwardly mobile high-net-worth individuals to the second edition of WITFLIX, an experiential learning initiative.
The event, which was held at the Kunle Afolayan Production Cinema on Wednesday, 26th October, featured the screening of Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and a high-impact leadership conversation. brought together students from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Bells University, and a vibrant network of young individuals eager to learn, connect, and grow.
This edition featured an exclusive screening of Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a film that blends history, conflict, culture, and national identity. Beyond entertainment, the movie served as the backdrop for a powerful conversation on leadership, communication, pressure, complexities of human behavior, and conflict navigation, key themes embedded in the storyline.
Following the film screening, attendees were treated to an engaging and insightful panel session featuring two distinguished industry leaders, Mrs. Victoria Adewunmi, CEO, Watermark & Victoria, and Mr. Kingsley James, Managing Director, IDCL.ng. Their discussion offered profound insights into how the film mirrors real-life leadership challenges, communication lapses, and the emotional and psychological factors that influence human behavior.
During the session, the facilitators explained that true leadership reveals itself in moments of pressure. Using the film’s protagonist as a reference, they highlighted the importance of clarity, courage, and strong values when navigating difficult situations. They also reminded the audience that communication goes beyond talking it requires active listening, understanding context, and managing emotions with intention and empathy.
They also explored how bias and personal trauma shape the way people react and make decisions. The speakers noted that many conflicts arise from unspoken experiences or assumptions, and encouraged attendees to become more emotionally aware. By understanding their own wounds and perspectives, young people can communicate more thoughtfully, reduce misunderstandings, and show compassion in everyday interactions. This flowed into a broader conversation about power dynamics and influence, and how authority and privilege, whether through knowledge, access, or position, must be handled responsibly and with integrity.
The facilitators concluded by emphasizing that personal growth and self-awareness are the real foundations of leadership. Individuals who understand their strengths, triggers, and blind spots are better equipped to build meaningful relationships, lead effectively, and handle conflict with maturity. They encouraged the audience to embrace continuous self-reflection as a pathway to becoming more intentional, confident, and influential leaders.
The atmosphere at WITFLIX was vibrant and engaging. Participants enjoyed interactive moments such as the photobooth experience, puzzle and word games, networking sessions, and live interview recordings. The presence of TVC News and Channels Television, who covered and documented the event, added to its credibility and visibility. Many attendees shared that the experience broadened their understanding of leadership, enhanced their communication skills, and inspired them to pursue personal growth with greater intentionality.
WITFLIX once again demonstrated the power of storytelling as a catalyst for learning and transformation. Through the fusion of cinema and conversation, Abelinis Limited created a space where young people could explore complex themes in a relatable and impactful way. The organization extends its appreciation to Malta Guinness, Ritemate, EXMAN, and the Brand Experience Summit for their partnership and unwavering support in shaping a meaningful experience for the next generation.
Abelinis Limited remains committed to empowering young minds with knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to lead with clarity and purpose. The WITFLIX initiative continues to set a standard for experiential education rooted in creativity, reflection, and real-life relevance.
Interswitch, FMN, Sahara Group, Other Top Brands Back BJAN Conference On Nov 28

By Winifred Bosa

Leading brands in Nigeria such as Interswitch, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Sahara Group, Nigerian Breweries and Checkers Custard, among other top brands, have thrown their weight behind the 2025 National Brands and Marketing Conference slated for Friday, November 28, 2025 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Powered by Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, this year’s conference is the 13th edition and is themed: “AI and Future of Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity”.

The annual gathering, now regarded as one of the most influential knowledge-sharing platforms in the Nigerian integrated marketing communications (IMC) space, will bring together industry stakeholders from the IMC and allied sectors.

Confirmed to deliver the keynote addresses are Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group and Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group.

Their presentations will be dissected in a panel discussion to drive home the conversation.

The session will be moderated by Adedayo Odulaja, Director of Research and Public Policy at Caritas Communications and General Secretary of BJAN.

Members of the panel comprise tech experts and top marketing professionals including Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies and Austin Onyebuchi Akosa, Chief Information Officer, UBA.

Meanwhile, other top brands that have communicated their support for the conference include LG Electronics, UBA, ARCON, Stanbic IBTC, Dangote, Rite Foods, Mouka Foams as well as Guinness Nigeria.

Others are Hyperspace, Oracle, Union Bank, Coke, X3M Ideas, AAAN, Multichoice, OAAN, Modion Communications, IT Labs and SO&U.

EDC , Fidelity Bank Charge Entrepreneurs To Embrace Impact-Focused Business Models

Executive Director, MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya (left), and Programmes and Partnerships Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Dr. Olawale Anifowose, during the 2025 EDC Global Entrepreneurship Week’s Social Enterprise Dialogue held in Lagos recently.
The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, Fidelity Bank Plc, and MTN Nigeria Foundation have called on Nigerian entrepreneurs and small business owners to build an impact-driven enterprise for a better future, rather than for profit alone.
This call was made at the 2025 Social Enterprise Dialogue session, powered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and Fidelity Bank during the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Week held in Lagos.
The keynote speaker and executive director at MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, who spoke on the theme: ‘Purpose meets profit: building an impact-driven enterprise for a better future’, reechoed the call and urged entrepreneurs to ensure the purpose of their businesses is bigger than profit.
She said, “Entrepreneurs need to know that purpose is critical in building a business. That it is not just about the profits, when you have a purpose, and you are driven by your purpose, you will be guided by pillars to purpose, which include ethics, values, and good governance.”
Mrs. Sanya emphasised the importance of culture in building local businesses and advised entrepreneurs to consider culture as a critical ingredient because culture will always eat strategy for breakfast,” she added.
She advised entrepreneurs to build beyond themselves because small businesses grow into big businesses in the long term.
According to her, “Entrepreneurs should build beyond themselves. A small business today grows into a big business tomorrow. They shouldn’t settle for the small visions of their businesses, and the small versions, too. They should have a mental image of what their business is about in the long term. And they shouldn’t play the short-term game, but they should play the long-term game, where even after they’re long gone, their efforts through their establishments will continue to serve humanity,” she enthused.
The Managing Director, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Nigeria), DR. Olawale Anifowose, encouraged Nigerian-owned small businesses to innovate and create offerings that do not just generate revenue but also fulfil the needs of both individuals and the community.
Team Lead in the SMEs Banking Group at Fidelity Bank, Chiwike Okere, who spoke on the bank’s collaborative effort with EDC said, “Fidelity Bank, being a bank that is focused on supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, deems it very key and important to be associated with this event. And that is why we are partnering with one of our long-standing partners, EDC, to support the various activities that are geared towards showcasing entrepreneurs showcasing how different kinds of institutions can support entrepreneurs, and more importantly, showcasing how our bank is supporting entrepreneurs in Nigeria.”
Nestlé Nigeria Announces Judging Panel For The 2025 Media Awards

Nestlé Nigeria Announces Judging Panel for the 2025 Media Awards - DConnectNews

Nestlé Nigeria is pleased to announce the distinguished panel of judges for the 2025 Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards. This year’s panel brings together accomplished professionals in journalism, academia, nutrition, communications, and development, reinforcing Nestlé’s commitment to recognizing excellence in impactful and socially relevant storytelling.

 

The panel welcomes Dr. Yvonne Kanalio Olaloku, Nutrition Specialist with the Nestlé Nutrition Institute for Central and West Africa, whose extensive work in fortification advocacy and evidence-based nutrition brings valuable expertise to the Awards. Also joining the ranks this year is Dr. Margaret Agada-Mba, Senior Lecturer in Communication, Media and Cultural Studies at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, known for her strong background in development communication, media research, and broadcasting.

 

They join a team of returning judges whose continued service strengthens the Awards’ credibility and rigor. Dr. Sunday John, Senior Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, recognized nationally for his works in environmental communication, media evaluation, and editorial excellence. Dr. Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu, Programmes Lead for the Lagos Chapter of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, brings her well-regarded leadership in public health nutrition. Completing the judging panel is Dr. Rosemary Otalor, Account Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, continues to contribute her seasoned experience in media relations, strategic communications, and public affairs.

 

The 2025 Awards received 281 entries from journalists across the country, reflecting strong national interest in themes such as nutrition and food systems, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, women empowerment, community development, agriculture, and finance. Submissions will be evaluated based on accuracy, originality, impact, balance, depth, and adherence to ethical standards. The combined experience of the judges, those newly joining and those returning, ensures a rigorous and fair review grounded in a deep appreciation for journalism’s role in shaping public understanding and driving progress.

 

Victoria Uwadoka, Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, said, “We are honoured to present a judging panel whose professional accomplishments and commitment to societal advancement so closely align with the values of the Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards. Their expertise and integrity strengthen our mission to highlight journalistic work that brings critical issues to the forefront. Through this Awards platform, we remain committed to encouraging factual, insightful, and solution-oriented reporting that not only informs and inspires, but also contributes meaningfully to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across Nigeria.”

 

The Nestlé Nigeria Media Awards remains a celebration of journalistic excellence, shining a light on stories that reflect the country’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Through this platform, Nestlé reaffirms its commitment to supporting impactful storytelling that drives awareness and meaningful change.

WES 2025: BOI Urges Broad Coalition Of Players To Boost Nigeria’s Productivity

 *** As Nigeria continues to face deep productivity constraints that weaken economic competitiveness, limit job creation, affect welfare of millions
 
By Winifred Bosa
L-R: Dr Abidemi Cornelius Adegboye, Department of Economics, University of Lagos; Mr Adeniran Adebayo, Chief Superintendent of EFCC representing Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); and Mr Segun Adeleye, President/CEO, World Stage Limited at WorldStage Economic Summit 2025 at the Event Centre, Nigeria Exchange Limited, Lagos on November 21, 2025.
 The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi has advocated a multiple players alignment for Nigeria to overcome low productivity.
Speaking  at the 2025 WorldStage Economic Summit (WES), the BOI boss represented by Lanre Babalola, Group Head, Climate Finance and Sustainability, Bank of Industry said this year’s theme of WES 2025 -Tackling the Issue of Low Productivity in Nigeria—is both relevant and urgent.
Mr Wilson Okoro of the Corporate Communications department, NLNG receiving WES 2025 Award for NLNG from Mr Dotun Ladipo, Publisher of The Eagle Online
Recognising that BOI cannot act alone, he said the country needed infrastructure that supports industry, policies that reduce bottlenecks, universities that produce industry-ready talent, and private sector collaboration that accelerates innovation.
“No single institution—not even BOI—can solve this independently. But together, we can create an ecosystem where every Nigerian business has a fair chance to thrive,” he said.
“That is why gatherings like this summit are critical. They enable us to step back, reflect on the root causes of our productivity challenges, and design solutions anchored in data, collaboration, and practical experience. Today is an opportunity for us to ask the tough questions: How do we move from exporting raw materials to producing high-value products? How do we strengthen supply chains and reduce leakages? How do we modernize our MSMEs, the backbone of our economy? How do we build a workforce equipped for the demands of a modern, innovation-driven world?”
As he encouraged bold and collaborative thinking, he said “Nigeria’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and immense potential. Our people are not afraid of hard work. What they need is the enabling environment to convert that hard work into prosperity.
“At the Bank of Industry, we remain committed to being a strong and reliable partner in this journey. We are ready to innovate, to collaborate, and to continue investing in enterprises that can transform our economy from one of consumption to one of production.
“Productivity is the engine that powers national prosperity. It is what transforms effort into outcomes, ideas into industries, and talent into tangible progress.”
He said at the Bank of Industry, the conversation is not abstract as every day they interfaced with the real faces behind Nigeria’s productivity challenge.
“We see the factory owner who can only run one shift instead of three because of power issues. We see the agro-processor who cannot expand because they lack modern equipment. We see the small business with incredible demand but inadequate working capital.
 We see young Nigerians with brilliant ideas but limited access to skills, mentorship, or finance,” he said.
“These are not just statistics; these are the people we serve. And that is why, for us at BOI, improving productivity is a mission, not a metric. It is at the heart of why we exist.”
He spoke about the mandate of BoI to catalyze domestic production, create jobs, and enhance industrial competitiveness being fundamentally about unlocking productivity across sectors.
“Whether through long-term financing, structured working capital, credit guarantees, cluster support, or technology adoption, our goal is consistent: to help Nigerian enterprises work better, produce more, and compete smarter,” he said.
“Over the years, we have seen the transformative impact that targeted financing can have when it is combined with technical support and an enabling environment. We have supported manufacturers who now export, agro-processors who have doubled capacity, local brands that have replaced imports, and MSMEs who have grown from micro-level operations into structured businesses employing dozens. These successes affirm that Nigerians are not unproductive; they are simply under-enabled.
“This is why BOI continues to strengthen our interventions along key thematic areas—Climate & Sustainability, Youth & Skills, Digital Economy, MSMEs, Infrastructure, and Gender.”
He listed the positive impacts  of the themes as lever for productivity in form of ; When we promote renewable energy solutions, we reduce operating costs and strengthen industrial uptime; When we invest in technology and digital capabilities, we improve efficiency and unlock new business models; When we empower youth with skills, we create a workforce that can compete in the industries of the future; When we support women-led businesses, we expand national output and tap into an underutilized segment of the economy.
The Bank of Industry therefore advised that the WES’  convening should be used as a turning point—a moment “where we move from diagnosing the problem to scaling the solutions. The time for productivity-led growth is now, and BOI stands ready to support it every step of the way.”
He commended the organisers for sustaining this important platform for dialogue and policy reflection—one that continues to gather some of the brightest minds in business, government, academia, and development.
Other speakers at the summit held at the Nigerian Exchange, Lagos include Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Dr Abidemi Adegboye, Ph.D (Economics), Lecturer at University of Lagos.
ACAMB Rebrands , Gets New Identity

By Winifred Bosa

The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) has rebranded to the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (while maintaining it’s acronym, ACAMB).

The new identity was announced at the association’s 2025 retreat held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Thursday, November 6 to Sunday, November 9.

ACAMB, a non-profit body established to foster interaction among Corporate, Marketing Communications/Public Relations Managers in the banking sub-sector of Nigeria’s financial industry to project its positive image.

Speaking during his welcome address, at the gala night of the three-day event, Rasheed Bolarinwa, ACAMB President said the new identity was more than a name change.
“It symbolises a strategic expansion of our mandate — embracing marketing, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and reputation management, alongside corporate communication,” he stated.

According to Bolarinwa, it is the formal expression of what ACAMB has already become: a coalition of innovators and leaders who shape narratives, influence trust, and connect banking to the heartbeat of the Nigerian people.

“We are no longer just communication officers — we are bridge-builders, storytellers, and reputation stewards, ensuring that our industry’s impact is seen, felt, and understood,” he emphasised.

To ensure increased relevance for the association in the present day, it’s Board of Trustees was inaugurated and constitution reviewed and ratified.
“The reform represents institutional maturity and the forward-looking vision of an association ready to meet the demands of the modern communications landscape,” he added.

Bolarinwa added that the retreat will be remembered not merely as a retreat, “but as the rebirth of a stronger, bolder, and more visionary ACAMB — one that will continue to amplify brand resilience, advance inclusion, and shape a positive narrative for Nigeria’s banking industry and economy,” Bolarinwa noted.

Alpha Morgan Set For 18th Economic Review Webinar On November 26

By Winifred Bosa

Alpha Morgan is set to host the 18th edition of its periodic Alpha Morgan Economic Review Webinar, which will hold on 26 November 2025, from 9:00am to 10:30am, live on Zoom.

 

This session marks the final webinar for the year and continues the tradition of providing clear, credible, and timely economic intelligence, a thoughtful breakdown of the most recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting in the month of November and its implications for the economy to stakeholders across the financial services industry.

 

This edition features renowned economist Bismarck Rewane, whose depth of insight and practical analysis have consistently shaped conversations around Nigeria’s economic direction. His participation makes the webinar a valuable platform for business leaders, policymakers, investors, and professionals seeking a grounded understanding of the current economic climate.

 

Over time, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review Webinar series has become a respected space for informed discussions on economic trends and market shifts. Participants benefit from expert interpretations of key indicators and emerging developments that shape the financial environment.

 

Beyond analysis, attendees will gain a powerful year-end overview of the economy, insight into unfolding patterns, and a clearer picture of what 2026 may bring. The webinar remains one of the most reliable platforms for people who want real understanding, not guesswork.

 

Attendees can expect an engaging and insightful session that reviews the economic year, highlights emerging trends, and offers guidance on what to anticipate in the months ahead.

 

The public is invited to be a part of the conversation on 26th of November 2025 between the hour of 9:00 and 10:30 in the morning and people are advised to join online through ZOOM. Participants are to join the webinar via https://bit.ly/JoinAMERSeries18

Int’l Men’s Day : Polaris Bank , Men’s Clinic Offer Free Prostate Cancer Screening To 250 

By Winifred Bosa
 Following the remarkable success of its 2024 free prostate cancer screening programme, which delivered life-saving early detection to hundreds of Nigerian men, Polaris Bank has once again partnered with the foremost Men’s Health Clinic to launch the 2025 edition of its flagship male wellness initiative themed “Men, Your Health Matters – Get Screened Today!”
The Bank will provide completely free prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above from November 24 to December 31, 2025.
Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among Nigerian men, but early detection offers a survival rate exceeding 98%. Building on last year’s overwhelming impact, Polaris Bank is fully sponsoring another round of comprehensive, painless, and confidential screenings that include PSA blood test, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and one-on-one specialist consultation  at no cost whatsoever to beneficiaries.
Commenting on the exercise, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, said: “The feedback and lives touched in 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to men’s health. We are delighted to sustain this tradition, remove every barrier to early detection, and welcome more men into the Polaris Bank family with seamless, rewarding banking experiences.”
On his part, Mr. Akin Oteniya, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Men’s Health Clinic, added: “Last year’s collaboration with Polaris Bank set a gold standard for corporate health responsibility in Nigeria. We are proud to partner again in 2025 to deliver dignified, expert care and continue saving lives through early intervention.”
Participation is open to all men aged 40 and above. To ensure a smooth and rewarding process, every participant – whether an existing customer or not – is required to have (or open) a Polaris Bank account. Non-customers can indicate during registration if they would like to be contacted immediately to open an account in minutes with zero opening balance and no charges.
Only 250 fully sponsored slots are available on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Results and personalised counselling will be provided within 48 hours.
Through this initiative, Polaris Bank and Men’s Health Clinic are directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting universal access to preventive healthcare, reducing non-communicable disease mortality through early detection, and advancing health equity for Nigerian men.